https://i.imgur.com/NCtwry0.jpg
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Blackberry (Flavor Labs) 6% (10-25-20) – When testing this one @ 6% it had some floral overtones, and I further diluted it, which helped a great bit, so 6% seemed to be pushing the ceiling on this one. Re-tested at roughly 4%. There was an interesting article on this flavor here that somewhat explains the MFG process of it. This one was higher priced than most of the other flavors on their site, and I am assuming because of the all natural-ness of this one. A slight bit of the floral-ness remained at the lower testing weight, but not so much as to be intrusive. It did present as a very natural Blackberry, but at unique at the same time. Couldn’t think of a good comparison on the market, which led to it’s more unique profile. No seeds, bitterness or anything off-putting except for the floral note when pushing too high. Not overly tart, and sweetness was below mid level. Full bodied and dark at the lower testing weight, and you could probably go down to 2% if needed. Not fully up to par with Medicine Flower’s but still good none the less. Because of the added cost, and the floral top end if not careful, your mileage will vary on this one. All in, felt good at 7/10.
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http://www.vapor-flavor.com/Vapor-Flavor-List-Vapor-Flavor-Dot-Com-8-2013-Final.pdf
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edit: That Businesswire "article" was a post on Flavor Labs blog a week before.
> an interesting article
That was a poorly written hype piece and almost certainly fictional. I'd guess it was written by the "flavorist" who also moonlights as a freelance writer
> present as a very natural Blackberry, but at unique at the same time.
Feels a bit like you're pulling a punch here. Along with everything else you said I can't get it to add up to 7/10. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see some information about them and your experience seems genuine. But for some reason the conclusion doesn't. They brag about spending $100k to achieve an all Natural Blackberry that is very concentrated...
> "The final blackberry formula developed by Senior Flavorist Deborah Dolen and Michael Rehberg is very powerful, yet delicate, smooth and totally delicious."
> "Our flavor is so strong it can be cut several times and still be presented as a concentrated flavor."
But you're saying 6% was pushing it, 4% was okay, and maybe 2% would work? Not looking like it's even super concentrated before the proposed cut.
> "Flavor Laboratories™ is comprised of senior flavorists not "wizards" at buying and cutting flavor."
There we go, that might explain why they don't understand what happens when you cut a flavor.
This company is shady, they always have been, and your reviews aren't really selling me on the idea that we should be encouraging people to try them. Just my $0.02.
Having personally spoken with Deborah, I would not use anything from that company.
I've seen their "headquarters", literally a warehouse in the industrial area. ( They are located about 30 minutes from me )
I've not seen any proof they have any kind of ISO clean room, and they refuse to give out SDS/MSDS for their flavors.
I doubt very much if they aren't willing to make MSDS that they spent 100k on a farm to obtain blackberry esters.
u/Apexified although I can't speak to hype pieces, and that this was originally tested 10-21, my statements stand regarding the percentages tested. It worked fine at 4%, and the florals reduced to a point where in a mix, would probably have been inconsequential at best.
I had never used any of their flavorings prior to this review, but was spurred to test them after a "leak" story surfaced. I honestly don't review the companies, unless there extenuating circumstances requiring that. There were a few stand outs during my testing run.
As far as pulling punches, I don't know how. I post it like I taste it. And, for the record, ALL of the flavors you see in the OP image, were purchased by me.
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Always glad to have any .02 up here, and thanks for that. Stay tuned for more from Flavor Labs.