Ok so I hope that this question makes sense and hasn't been hounded to you all a lot. My favorite eliquid to use is one from my favorite B&M that I also used to work at. It is made by a guy that works there but he is someone I don't know well. I would love to get into DIY and eventually I will for coat reasons alone as well as getting to craft a juice that I enjoy and that becomes my ADV. The thing is though because it isn't a well known juice there isn't a clone recipe and I would strongly doubt I could get the recipe or even know where to start.
I say all that to get to this question. How much easier does it get to nail the flavors once you have tried them through DIY? I would assume it gets a little easier but I wouldn't know. I know one of the mixers for the shop and he is really good and naming flavors and he even told me the 5 that are in a juice I like. Should I ask the mixer of my favorite juice what flavors are in it? I apologize for rambling and I hope that this post made sense. Thanks for the help.
Think of it like cooking. After you spend a few years in the kitchen you can taste the food and know what seasoning it needs more of. It really is the same thing. Once you get to know your flavors on their own it's easier to taste something and know what it needs more or less of. (more of the time)
If you've used a flavor, you can instantly identify it in a mix. Almost all "premium" juices I try, I can taste the individual flavors. Kinda ruins it really. But the stuff you make you will enjoy that much more.
When in doubt about a flavor, try adding 8% honey.
If I at least know the flavors and their manufacturers, then I think it wouldn't be that hard to reproduce. It prolly would take a few or several tries. As to whether he will divulge this info, mmmm
After a little bit of tinkering you'll be able to identify which flavorings are in certain juices. Each concentrate has its own little quirk which you'll become familiar with over time. A lot of people are pretty secretive to what flavors they use, but you'll probably be able to figure out a clone after a couple months of mixing
Alright good to know. I have an idea of what is in it, but I am sure I am off. I would think by smelling. Few I could get close. Thanks for the info
Once you hone your skills a bit you'll be able to decipher the difference between certain concentrates of the same flavor. There are several different variations of strawberries, blueberries, creams, etc
as long as you look at the bigger picture and it gives you a reason to try this all, more power to you.