Starting out

[Nataani]

Over the last two weeks I have started making my own juice with the simple goal of making some of my favorite flavors and not having to worry about sourcing them, what goes in them, and all that junk.

I have started with my two simplest, favorite flavors, pure hazelnut and grape candy.

The recipes I used were:
Hazelnut:
16% TFA Hazelnut
54% PG
30% VG
Couple drops of EM

Grape:
10% TFA Grape
60% PG
30%VG

The method:
1) Mix
2) Shake
3) Put in a dark box and left for 3 days, taking them out and shaking every once in a while.

The results have been ok, not fantastic, not terrible, just ok.

The hazelnut especially seems rather weak on the flavor side, despite it being 16%. Does it need a longer steeping time? I have seen some people say they steep for a few days, others who steep for weeks, how do you determine this? Any hints would be awesome.

The grape was there after the three days. It is still completely clear liquid but has a good taste to it. It is still missing something though, especially when compared to the Jolly Grape from vermillion river that I am trying to imitate. Any suggestions?

Any and all help is appreciated!

 

[glasseye]

For the grape, you might try a couple drops of lemon juice, the kind in the lemon-shaped squeeze bottle. Or a drop or two of Lorann Tart & Sour if you have it.

For the hazelnut, 16% sounds like a lot to me, but it probably needs a bit more time in any case. Putting in too much flavoring sometimes mutes the taste but sometimes turns it into burning tire taste. Read Hoosier's blog on that if you haven't yet.

 

[Nataani]

Oh awesome, I didn't think to sour the grape, tasting them side by side.. I think your right. Was about to put in an order, will add some tart and sour in.

I was also skeptical about the high percentage of hazelnut, I understand that most people aim for 10% flavor total. However in trawling through this forum I found repeated references to using 16% with the TFA hazelnut in particular.

 

[Wingsfan0310]

Adding a drop or 2 of Lemon Juice (think real lemon from the grocery store or the plastic squeeze bottles) per 5ml of fruit mixes isn't for the purpose to sour it. It seems to make the fruit flavor pop (become more noticeable). Good luck with your DIY Adventure!

Cheers,
Steve

 

[DetraMental]

Yep adding to much flavor will definitely defeat the purpose. Seems odd, but it's true. Anything over 10%/juice will diminish the flavor.

 

[Nataani]

Hmmm, interesting, counter intuitive, but then again, these kinds of things often are.

I will try diluting to 10% and see how the hazelnut fairs.

Thanks for the input guys