Testing and Steeping

[MamaG]

I made my first e-juice yesterday. Flavors Apprentice, Double Chocolate, 18mg, 90Vg/10 Pg. First I used 10% flavor. Put a little bit in a carto to test. I thought it was weak( just like nearly every flavor I 've tried-that's why I am DIYing) At any rate, I added 5% more which is at the top of the recommended amount. My question is-- Do I need to steep for a few days before I decide whether or not to add more flavor? How do you know how long your DIY batches take to steep? I really NEED this chocolate or else I will have to resort to buying the flavor already made. Right after I told my husband that I was going to start saving money now, rather than spend spend spend.

Please I need advice.

Thanks

 

[Wingsfan0310]

Chocolate has always been a trickie flavor for me. I think it's one that really benefits from at least a 2-7 day steep. I also think it needs a touch of Vanilla to make it pop (a touch of mashmallow can also add a creamy sweetness). I've never really had much luck with a chocolate only flavor. Good luck!

Cheers,
Steve

 

[horton]

Chocolate is a toughie for me as well. Steeping for a week or so certainly won't hurt. I add FA Vienna Cream or a Bavarian Cream (any vendor I may have handy) to any chocolate to help it out a little like Wingsfan said.

 

[DetraMental]

I agree with Steve. Adding Vanilla and some Marshmellow really worked great with my chocolate. It tasted like fudge, yummy.

 

[horton]

Oooops.... forgot about Marshmallow ..... great moderating flavor. Been trying the Capella Marshmallow and really like it.

 

[MamaG]

Thanks everyone; I'll give it a try.

 

[LoveVanilla]

I've not had any significant success with chocolate -- and have tried. To boot, when I get one that almost works, the flavor seems to fade quickly i.e. under two weeks. If you have success, I'm all ears; but I've set aside for now. Good luck on this journey; it does take some time for success!

 

[horton]

I've not had any significant success with chocolate -- and have tried. To boot, when I get one that almost works, the flavor seems to fade quickly i.e. under two weeks. If you have success, I'm all ears; but I've set aside for now. Good luck on this journey; it does take some time for success!

Have you tried the VapingZone Gourmet SuperConcentrated Chocolate or Chocolate Truffle? I like both of them and the flavor seems to hold although 60 ml doesn't last too long around here....lol

 

[zoiDman]

... My question is-- Do I need to steep for a few days before I decide whether or not to add more flavor? ...

I would Strongly Suggest that you Do.

 

[doghair]

I just successfully figured out the TFA double chocolate, for my taste anyway. I made some at 3% at my nic level and let steep a week. At the same time I also made some other flavors also at at my nic level in separate bottles like sweet cream (2%), bavarian cream(2%), raspberry (3%) Hawaiian Punch (5%) and so on. I have mixed various combos with the CDC with some pretty amazing results. It's almost like eating unsweetened chocolate by itself but with sweet/cream flavors mixed in it's becoming a favorite of mine fast.

Example: I put the following in my fill bottle from the others this morning and have refilled my kayfun twice today, it's almost gone

10ml Double Chocolate
5ml Sweet Cream
2ml Bavarian Cream
1ml Raspberry

 

[MamaG]

Wow! What an amazing idea. I would have never thought to mix those flavors together; now I can't wait to try it. Thanks

 

[horton]

I just successfully figured out the TFA double chocolate, for my taste anyway. I made some at 3% at my nic level and let steep a week. At the same time I also made some other flavors also at at my nic level in separate bottles like sweet cream (2%), bavarian cream(2%), raspberry (3%) Hawaiian Punch (5%) and so on. I have mixed various combos with the CDC with some pretty amazing results. It's almost like eating unsweetened chocolate by itself but with sweet/cream flavors mixed in it's becoming a favorite of mine fast.

Example: I put the following in my fill bottle from the others this morning and have refilled my kayfun twice today, it's almost gone

10ml Double Chocolate
5ml Sweet Cream
2ml Bavarian Cream
1ml Raspberry

Interesting idea. Do you do this to figure out what combination and %'s you want ultimately then make a big batch?

 

[doghair]

Interesting idea. Do you do this to figure out what combination and %'s you want ultimately then make a big batch?

I tried that but I think I'm just going to stick with big bottles with the single flavors (60ml for heavy use, 30ml for light use) and mix them up. I write down the amounts I mix like the above so I don't lost the keepers but I've noticed my taste changes so this method lets me change more easily. It's also easier to keep ahead of the steeping curve because I can see what I need to mix up ahead of time way easier.

I number my fill bottles and have notes posted for what mix is in each bottle so I can save it and duplicate it easily or slightly tweak on the fly.

 

[horton]

I tried that but I think I'm just going to stick with big bottles with the single flavors (60ml for heavy use, 30ml for light use) and mix them up. I write down the amounts I mix like the above so I don't lost the keepers but I've noticed my taste changes so this method lets me change more easily. It's also easier to keep ahead of the steeping curve because I can see what I need to mix up ahead of time way easier.

I number my fill bottles and have notes posted for what mix is in each bottle so I can save it and duplicate it easily or slightly tweak on the fly.

The beauty of DIY is that you can do whatever works for you. Some may look down their noses but ultimately whatever floats your boat is what is best in your own neck of the woods. I really like your "custom" juice method. It sure makes sense if your tastes change often or your tongue gets used to a certain combo of flavors. Vape on......

 

[LoveVanilla]

Have you tried the VapingZone Gourmet SuperConcentrated Chocolate or Chocolate Truffle? I like both of them and the flavor seems to hold although 60 ml doesn't last too long around here....lol

No, not yet - thanks . I'll try out when I've reduced my overages.

 

[we2rcool]

Have you tried the VapingZone Gourmet SuperConcentrated Chocolate or Chocolate Truffle? I like both of them and the flavor seems to hold although 60 ml doesn't last too long around here....lol

For those with concern, many of the VZ Gourmet line flavors contain diacetyl. From one of our earlier posts:

'Can't believe noone has mentioned that VZs Gourmet line contains diacetyl in many of the flavors! (And now that we know VZ didn't disclose this important safety info when it's easy-to-find info - then the SC line from China is suspect, too). Flavors containing diacetyl & percentages as of 2010. Below is the response to my recent email asking for updated diacetyl info from Baker Flavors in Russia (source of the Gourmet line at VZ):



The best chocolate we've found is the VZ Gourmet Chocolate Truffle; the VZ SC Cocoa Chocolate is also very good. The Cocoa Chocolate vapes at 2/2.5 as a very rich cup of cocoa (it's great with toasted marshallow or a tiny bit of mint candy)...but if you push it higher, it gets 'darker' and more complex...to the point of being a tiny-wee-bit bitter on the exhale.

Far and away the best "plain cake" we've tried is VZ Gourmet Vanilla Spongecake (it's a dead ringer for the yellow cake in a Twinkie). People also rave about the Gourmet Cake (which they say is basically the same as the Spongecake, but lemony).
The Cream & Charlotte is slightly cakey (yellow) with strong buttery flavor.

We've got the Gourmet Caramel, but haven't worked with it long enough to know much of anything. Several folks rave about it, but we're not 'getting it'...so we must need to add a bit more (since we started very low)...or both of us just don't care for it.

If you've ever compared non-diacetyl to flavors with diacetyl, you will sense the diacetyl in the VZ Gourmet line [edit - not every flavor in the Gourmet line!]. :::sigh::: These flavors are excellent, but we'll be using them very sparingly (and if we buy any more of them, it will be from Baker Flavors in Russia, as to not support vendors who profit from selling harmful chemicdals without disclosing this to their buyers).

We fully agree that every DIYer can choose to mix whatever & however they'd like. But when vendors do not disclose chemicals with known inhalation risks, no DIYer has the info they need to be able to make a choice.

 

[we2rcool]

Chocolate isn't chocolate without vanilla & salt...so we always add vanilla & extra saline solution (.9%) to our chocolate mixes.

Other flavors that enhance chocolate:
--cinnamon
--espresso (many gourmet chefs add a pinch of espresso powder to all their chocolate creations)
--hot pepper (strangely enough)

Our chocolate of choice these days is FA...the Cocoa is very similar to actual cocoa powder and the Chocolate is like a Tootsie Roll. They enhance each other nicely (and they've very concentrated, so it's a money saver, too).

 

[LoveVanilla]

For those with concern, many of the VZ Gourmet line flavors contain diacetyl. From one of our earlier posts:


We fully agree that every DIYer can choose to mix whatever & however they'd like. But when vendors do not disclose chemicals with known inhalation risks, no DIYer has the info they need to be able to make a choice.

Yes, agree. I only have TFA flavors and -- thanks to their analysis and disclosure -- have just removed many with diacetyl+, food coloring, misc lung irritants and surprisingly, with coumarin. After the purge, only remaining chocolate is Double Chocolate Clear.

Since coumarin was banned in the 1950s, anyone else surprised by its presence? Appears it might be contaminant of cinnamon or Mexican "vanillas" -- but how could its presence have been overlooked?

 

[Frenchfry1942]

I make sure the different components have a chance to "meld".

 

[horton]

Yes, agree. I only have TFA flavors and -- thanks to their analysis and disclosure -- have just removed many with diacetyl+, food coloring, misc lung irritants and surprisingly, with coumarin. After the purge, only remaining chocolate is Double Chocolate Clear.

Since coumarin was banned in the 1950s, anyone else surprised by its presence? Appears it might be contaminant of cinnamon or Mexican "vanillas" -- but how could its presence have been overlooked?

Sort of is upsetting to think the hepatotoxic coumarin is used in vaping.... I do wonder though how much you actually get when vaped. It is used as a flavor enhancer for tobacco although generally banned as a food additive (shortened from Wikipedia)... go figure on that one....lol Sounds like a little FDA double talk.