So I have bought about 6 different flavours from tfa and flavour west. I mixed a TON of batches, from 5%,10%,15%,20% (have not gone higher yet). As well as batches of the same flavour percent but with 1% EM added, and another batch with 2% EM added. I think I have had to make 50+ 3ml batches to test my mixes out.
Now I have somewhat nailed a few by this point. Vanilla was easy to get right as well as orange cream and bubble gum. The rest, not even close. I can taste the flavour, but there is no body to it, no sweetness either (using EM). Even the few batches that turned out semi vapeable are still not as good as the worst store bought brands.
I knew it would take awhile to figure this out but DAMN. After all these test batches, I thought I woulda nailed at least one by now. So whats up? I dont think the flavouring is the issue, becuase I can taste what im supposed to taste. Its just not sweet enough (using EM @ 1%-2%). And seems to lack the body that fills you up inside (if ya know what I mean).
I was hoping someone might have a idea what im doing wrong. Perhaps a different sweetener is the fix (I want sweet like sugar!). But where do I get the body from, the density? I went the DIY way to save money. But if I need 50+ testers just to get the taste right, im not saving much.
So once again in short. I got flavour, its there. But I have no real body,density to the vaper. And the flavours are kinda sharp, not smooth how I want them. And there just not sweet enough. HELP
Are these all single flavor mixes? Some flavors are just like that, they'll never be great on their own, but once you know what they taste like you know what they can add to a more complicated recipe. If you've tasted everything by itself in varying concentrations like that, just start combining flavors, you should have a solid idea of what percentage of each flavor to use already.
Certain flavors like marshmallow can help add sweetness and body to other flavors. Capella Vanilla Custard (original or v2) is also a good one.
I haven't really started diy-ing yet, I subscribed to here because I might want to try it out, but just to research first, so my opinion is just coming from memory of things I read and not experience.
Is not steeping long enough, I hear some flavours need to steep longer than others.
Maybe not enough PG or other flavour carrier. I read that a .9 saline solution is a good substitute for PG, and might make things taste better (?)
Lower quality ingredients maybe? It's hard to tell, I guess more trial and error are needed.
Time. Let them rest a few weeks and they will change for the better. The juices I first made went into a drawer. I pulled them out a few months later and they were actually pretty good. Jacksters Nana cream clone is a great example, I hated it fresh but a month later I kind of like it.
I kinda forgot about this post lol. But yea, I GOT IT. Flavour west for my tastes needs about 19% and about 2% EM (imo). What I was doing wrong was only breathing/steeping for 24 hours max before vaping it. I did them all again at 19% 2% em and let them steep for a little over 48 hours. They are tasting WAY better now. Its totally the steeping! I bet if I give them another 48 hours (4ish days total), they would be PERFECT.
So yea, time = better