I know some say it meshes the flavor together, some say it blends the flavor into the base. Some say it blends the nicotine into the flavoring.
I want the truth dammit!
:p
A solute is introduced into a solvent. Molecular bonding occurs. Ionic, polar and non-polar covalent, and hydrogen bonds form. Entropy and enthalpy are occurring simultaneously until a dynamic equilibrium is achieved. Science!
The flavors blend with the carrier, and the nicotine oxidizes a little bit, turning darker and a bit smoother. Heavy perfumey notes tend to soften, and alcohol evaporates. A good analogy is fresh lasagna. Like right out of the oven its awesome. But ever let it sit in the fridge for a few days and warm it back up? Total difference. Nannerbear in particular is made in such a way that those things happen before the crafting process is completed.
Could you let the flavors soak in a little alcohol base with an aerator? I've been brainstorming and I think that would be the best bet, and then maybe a little refrigeration.
I guess the first thing to figure out is what actually changes in the flavor. For me I think it becomes sweeter and the sharp notes in the flavoring mellow out.
I think I'll do some experiments. I want to make a liquid that I know benefits from steeping. One with nicotine and one 0 nic. After a week I'll make a third and a forth bottle again one with nic and one 0 nic and see if I can tell a difference between the week old with nic and the week old 0 nic and then compare them to the freshly made juice to determine what the differences are.
TFA french vanilla is one that benefits from steeping. I think I'll use that. Tobaccos are primarily the flavors that benefit the most from steeping but I hate tobacco flavors and I just can't stand vaping that much of them.
You cant handle the truth! But seriously I don't know, it just....works.
Haha what I really want to know is how I can make my juice to where it doesn't have to steep! I.e. Nannerbear
It is steeped by the time you get it, that's one of the differences.
Typically with DIY you're trying within hours of making a mix (or minutes) however when coming from Walter it's been "aging" for days, maybe even longer. This doesn't account for anything he's done before bottling.
I go through a 12 hour process to gently age anything I make before it goes into a bottle.
I like to think it's magic droplet dancing.
I'd love to know the answer to this as well. Someone come science this.
The answer I always seem to read is the flavors 'blend' or are 'brought out'. That's the fundamental goal, but I'd love to know exactly how it happens. Obviously flavors don't combine with PG, VG or Nicotine molecules. So are they broken down (perhaps alongside some of those other molecules) to form new compounds that taste better?