I'm glad to do it; I just hope it helps you, and does't confuse you, or make matters worse!
Re #1: I am kicking myself right now... I never thought to ask if you dropped your nicotine level when you changed atomizers.
Sorry! My bad!!
Re #2:
Generally; "peppery" (when referring to the affects of nicotine concentrate) is less about actual taste, and more about a "prickly" feel in the sinuses, and perhaps an increase in "throat-hit" (that scratchy/burning feel in the back of your throat). I can see how either, or both could affect one's perceived taste.
That sounds like a terrific human being! Jump on an offer like that; and don't look back! I have been DIYing my own e-liquids for over two years and don't regret it a bit.
If I can offer a couple of suggestions to help you both get off to a smoother start; I would suggest the following:
1. Besides a nicotine concentrate (which you said you have already ordered), and flavor concentrates (which I will talk about in more detail in a moment), you will need plain PG, and plain VG, to balance out your recipes. Get those purchased when you order your flavor concentrates (unless he is going to provide them)or your mixing will be delayed.
(as a side note: I have found that I actually enjoy vaping unflavored e-liquid. It is just PG, VG, and nic concentrate, without any added flavoring. It isn't "exciting" the way a really good flavored juice can be; but it is slightly sweet, and satisfying none the less. It is also dirt cheap, and impossible to mess up (as long as you pay attention to the amount of nicotine concentrate you are adding).
2A. Regarding flavor concentrates: because you have a mentor; find out what brand(s) he prefers to use and
buy those. Using concentrates he is familiar with will help minimize both your learning curves to start. There may be "better" concentrates (those that appeal to
your palate better); but you can explore those once you get the mixing fundamentals down
first.
2B. Still regarding flavor concentrates: Try to give your mentor as detailed a description of the flavors you like, as possible... and then ask him for concentrate suggestions. Don't just say "I like fruits." Say something like "I like strawberry. More like the candy than the fresh fruit." Or, "I like a really sweet glazed doughnut taste; like you get from <brand X>." That way he can steer you to the flavor concentrates he thinks you will need to get close to those flavor profiles.
3. There are a ton of good resources on the internet for new DIYers; with ECF's DIY E-liquids forum right at the top. Do yourself, and your new-found mentor a favor, and ignore them... for now. It will only lead to confusion, frustration, and hurt feelings. (Kind of like asking your professional painter friend, to come over and help paint your house, and then telling him how he is doing it all wrong.
)
There is a near limitless number of ways to DIY, and most of them can work. But, when starting out, it is best to focus on one and stick with it. Then, as you get more comfortable with the basics, and you learn what you might like to change, ...then you can branch out, and explore other variations/methods that might be a better fit for you.
I have found (on ECF at least) that it is best to express nicotine concentration as "milligrams/milliliter" (Xmg/mL). This avoids potential confusion from some UK/EU countries that describe their nicotine content in terms of total percentage to volume.
Because your purchase would be a very low ready-to-vape 1mg/mL if it were percent to volume (and not very suitable for DIY); I will assume you are buying 100mg/mL, which is the higher end of DIY potency, very cost effective, and half way to the maximum allowed for discussion on ECF (200mg/mL is the cut-off). Good choice!
Note on using PG base for nicotine concentrate: This is probably a good choice for your introduction into DIY. You may
later decide to change that for further purchases.
Pros for PG:
1. It is thinner; and therefore easier to work with.
2. It is
generally accepted as a "better" flavor carrier.
3. It can add additional throat-hit compared to VG.
4. Being thinner than VG; PG wicks more readily (meaning less potential for dry hits; especially in older attys with smaller juice flow apertures).
Cons for PG:
1. Some people are allergic to PG; and need to avoid it.
2. It can add unwanted throat-hit compared to VG.
3. Being thinner than VG; PG will be more prone to flood (especially in devices that have this proclivity).
4. Because PG remains thinner at lower temperatures than VG; PG
may not provide as much extended shelf life for nicotine concentrates
compared to VG based nicotine concentrates. Note: don't even worry about this until you are starting to think about buying greater than 1 year supplies... then do your own research and decide for yourself.
I hope that works for you too.
"Slow, small, simple with LOTS of time, patience, and NOTES." are my pointers to those starting on the DIY path.
Slow: start with a few ingredients, and learn how to use them. You can build your repertoire as you grow.
Small: ALWAYS mix in small batches
until you get your recipe to
your liking (10-15mL is good).
Then you can mix as large as you like (be aware that some flavors/recipes can diminish over time; so don't make too much).
Simple: Mixing complex flavor profiles come with time and practice. "Learning to walk, before you run" has never been more true than with DIY. It has a fair amount of similarities to cooking; not everyone can bang out a Peter Gordon multi-layered subtle fusion masterpiece on their first (second, third, etc.) try; but
most(?) can hope to scramble an egg, and have it palatable.
Keep your initial mixes simple; one, two, three flavors max. They may not "wow" you; but they will provide the building blocks on which to grow. And, you may be pleasantly surprised, by finding that single flavor that just "hits the spot" for you.
Time/Patience: These two go hand-in-hand. Just because a recipe taste like the south end of a northbound steer right after mixing; DOES NOT mean that is how it will end up. Don't automatically dump it. Put it away in a drawer, or cupboard, for three days to a week. Then taste it again; how does it taste now?
Is this what you were looking for; you are good to go... vape away.
Is it better; but still not great? park it for another week. taste again.
Is it no better, maybe even worse; okay, maybe this belongs to the drain. (But that is why we mix in small batches
)
One of the biggest mistakes (in
my opinion) is new DIYers trying to "fix" fresh mixes (adding more flavor, diluting flavor with more PG/VG) and not giving the recipe a chance to find equilibrium. Some flavors, like candies and fruits, often are shake-and vape. While others, like tobaccos and creams, require time to mature and develop. But all of this depends on the flavor, the manufacture,
and your own personal palate. You will never truly know if you don't give it a chance.
NOTES:
This (again;
my opinion only) is the greatest missed opportunity by those new to DIY. Record everything you do. What you add (ingredients), how you measure it (mL, g, drops, eyeball, etc.), what order you add it in, what you do with it (shake, stir, heat, sonic, breathe, whisper the the "seven sacred prayers" over, etc.). Any one of these can be the difference between a "win" and a "fail." But, if you don't keep detailed notes of what you have done, how can you hope to repeat (or avoid) them in the future. I can't speak for one other single mixer; but
everything I have learned has come from trial and error. Personally, I prefer not to repeat the errors wherever possible... and be able to repeat my successes without having to start at square one.
Bottom line: DIY is less about "accuracy," and more about "repeatability."
I wish you all the best my friend; and keep us informed on your progress!
