New to mixing and struggling to get it right

[SonniC]

Hi all

I'm seeking some tips on mixing. After receiving my first batch I seem to be struggling to create a mix which is worth vaping
I've tried 4 different flavours and even mixing flavours but each seem to taste either too sweet or too bitter

I'm using platinum ice PG base and following the guide to create a medium strength
I'm diluting with a ratio of 80/20 PG/AG and adding 7 drops of flavour for every 9 drops of ice and 14 drops dilutent (still making small batches as I've not found a flavour that works)

Last batch I made was caramel mocha which seems to have a sweet sickly perfume taste and strong aftertaste on exhale that is unpleasant I was wondering if the above measurements are just way off the mark or perhaps my atty is past it's best

I am cleaning the atty between mixes by blowing out and wiping with a tissue but the taste doesn't improve
I have also tried cappuccino which tasted bitter and ended up adding whiskey to try and take the bitterness away but the result was bitterness with a harsh aftertaste!

I've ordered some new flavours today in the hope my inexperience has led me to make poor flavour choices but I can't help feeling if I'm doing something wrong. Any guidance much appreciated

Thx in advance

[canniscam]

SonniC,

Have you tried using one of the recipe calculators ..

I ejuicemeup because it lets me save my recipes for later recall and allows me to make notes that are tied to the mixes .. that way if I think the ration needs to be modified I can keep track of my changes over time.

It is a Free windows application from breaktru software (http://www.ejuice.breaktru.com/) so if you run a mac or linux you might need to use Parallels or Wine .. I'm not aware of any apps specifically dedicated to those two platforms.

I can only offer you anecdotal advice but using the calculator really helped me line out my favorite mixes. And the precentage calculator is just about right on for TW's Red Label concentrates.

It even comes with about a hundred or so recipes that others have mixed up and they like as well.

Cheers,
Casey

[JohnEAngel]

my suggestion is to stop counting drops.  you can lose count easily. measure in mls.  you can use this ejuice calculator to make a perfect blend.

an 80/20 blend seems good.  i would start with 10% flavor and if it is too weak, add another 5%.  it takes some practice but i assure you that you can get it right. once you make a successful batch you will never look back.  use this calculator.

http://www.todmuller.com/ejuice/ejuice.php

[SonniC]

Thx for the tips and calcs
John I think you may have highlighted my problem by suggesting a 10% flavour mix
Looking at my ratio of drops suggests I'm mixing at 23% flavour (if my numbers are right)
Does this seem too high?

[Astrecks]

20% is probably about correct for a new vaper, especially if your taste-buds have been depressed through tobacco smoking, but personally now my taste-buds have recovered, most of my mixes would be at 10% or even less, I often find that flavours can become bitter if they are too strong, so Johns advice is good, start of with a lower flavour concentration, and add more if needed

[canniscam]

I'm a newb but I've been consistently mixing about 20% flavoring into my juices and the balance has been just about right for me.  With that being said from a culinary aspect everyone's tastes are always different. 

I for instance do not like most of the tobacco concentrates so I stay focused on cocktail and dessert flavorings.. Since I am diabetic I try to keep from using sweetning additives as I hate the taste of most artificial sweetners.

Casey

[Valroc]

I use about 15%.  20 just seems a little too strong for me where as 10 is a little too mild.  15% seems a nice midway point .

[SonniC]

Guys

Tried remixing at 10% flavour - made a big difference now getting subtle, decent flavours
Just wanted to say thx for the comments

[vash8869]

SonniC,

Have you tried using one of the recipe calculators ..

I ejuicemeup because it lets me save my recipes for later recall and allows me to make notes that are tied to the mixes .. that way if I think the ration needs to be modified I can keep track of my changes over time.

It is a Free windows application from breaktru software (http://www.ejuice.breaktru.com/) so if you run a mac or linux you might need to use Parallels or Wine .. I'm not aware of any apps specifically dedicated to those two platforms.

I can only offer you anecdotal advice but using the calculator really helped me line out my favorite mixes. And the precentage calculator is just about right on for TW's Red Label concentrates.

It even comes with about a hundred or so recipes that others have mixed up and they like as well.

Cheers,
Casey

Thank you so much for sharing this!  I've been looking for a super detailed mixing calculator. 

[canniscam]

Vash,

You are welcome sir.

Casey

[JohnEAngel]

when i first began mixing i found that i was mixing my flavor % too low and it did not taste at all right.  in fact i was disillusioned with mixing. then i went on a high% flavor and  it worked really well for me.  for some crazy reason, i am now back to 10 to 15% flavor.  but then it does depend on the flavor.  start low and work your way up.  that's that mama always said.  remember, you can add flavor without compromising the nic content too much.  if it does, add a little nic juice and then you will know better for your next batch. as a wise vaper once said, start with small batches until you get the hang of DIYing. 

[Valroc]

It is all a little hit and miss the first time that you have a go.  The most important bit is don't get disheartened.  It is easy to do so if you just can't quite get it right but as soon as you make the flavour and taste you want, you won't go back to premix.

[SonniC]

Thanks for all your help and support guys beginning to get the hang of it now so much so that the mrs has offered to buy me a white coat

[Kenneth131]

i would take that offer sonnic that would really finish the look off and when your over all your mixing bottles etc you will look right at home

[chops]

Poundland do a nice range in geek reading glasses to finish the look off. 

[canniscam]

I have a lab coat around here somewhere that I used to use as a costume piece for our LARP.

Casey

[MCam]

I noticed that there is a recommended % for each flavour.

I have this page book marked http://www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk/products/electronic-cigarette-flavourings/5ml-red-label-flavour-concentrate-5-product.html

[canniscam]

Mcam, I can see those percentages being accurate for single flavor mixes. However if you are trying to simulate another more complex flavor it becomes more about balance between the percentages.

Casey