HIC's BLACK BARREL WHISKEY MAC

HeadInClouds · Jun 30, 2014

For personal non-commercial use only.
Please do not repost this outside of vapingunderground.com.

HIC's Black Barrel Whiskey Mac recipe: balanced, complex blend inspired by Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey and dry, toasted macaroons. Jameson Black Barrel is generally described, "traditional notes of toasted wood, spice, and vanilla are enhanced by creamy, luscious touches of exotic fruit..." On inhale you get tongue-sweetness of spice as smooth whiskey builds. On exhale, whiskey blends with toasted nuts, creamy vanilla and toasted coconut. Light coconut is the final, lingering note. This is a very addictive vape!

FA=FlavourArt TFA=The Flavor Apprentice

HIC's BLACK BARREL WHISKEY MAC
1% FA Oak Wood
1% FA Coconut
0.5% FA Whiskey
0.5% FA Brandy
0.5% FA Vanilla Bourbon
0.5% FA Vienna Cream
0.5% FA Marzipan
0.5% FA Cardamom
0.5% TFA Brown Sugar

If you prefer very bold flavor, make this double strength, which also provides solid throat hit. I prefer it milder, as written.
Mix it well and let it rest 1-2 days before you try it - to let Whiskey smooth out.

This recipe is all about balance and contrast. Whiskey balances macaroon; oak wood balances richness; creamy vanilla balances toasted coconut, exotic spice balances brown sugar, and individual flavors blend to create a complex, smooth, all-day vape. Playing with your voltage provides great flavor variations.

flowerpots · Jul 7, 2014

This recipe is awesome! I've got it in a tank right now.

HeadInClouds · Jul 7, 2014

Thanks for letting us know, and I'm glad you like it!

Jgoss · Jul 9, 2014

Yeah...this recipe is outstanding. I wasn't huge on whiskey flavors until I found FA whiskey. It really does taste like Jameson to me. It's to bad that a lot of Americans disregard the Irish whiskey tradition, in favor of American bourbons and Canadian blends.

HeadInClouds · Jul 9, 2014

Jgoss said:
Yeah...this recipe is outstanding. I wasn't huge on whiskey flavors until I found FA whiskey. It really does taste like Jameson to me. It's to bad that a lot of Americans disregard the Irish whiskey tradition, in favor of American bourbons and Canadian blends.

Ah - you sound like the whiskey expert I've been wanting to learn from!

Can you describe the major difference people are 'supposed to' taste between American (Kentucky?) whiskey and Irish whiskey? Just the flavor in general, not specific brands. Do you have an opinion on TFA's Kentucky Bourbon flavoring?

Jgoss · Jul 9, 2014

Irish whiskey gets it's flavor from the barley used to make it. It is watered, and then it partially grows, or malts, before it is mixed with water and allowed to ferment. It has a very dry flavor. Barley in itself has a very earthy, nutty taste. American whiskey is usually made from corn, which has a high sugar content. It will basically ferment with just water, but many add sugar to the mash to make it ferment faster. It also lends that sweet, slightly rotten taste that good bourbon has. In a bourbon, you will also taste the barrel. The oak, wood, charry flavors come directly from it. Strangely enough, some Irish distilleries age in American barrels that were previously used to make bourbon or Tennessee whiskey.

Tfa's Kentucky bourbon isn't bad, but bourbon is not my favorite. I find that I dislike the sweetness present in our American whiskey.

Btw, if you would like to learn more about whiskey...check out this video.

HeadInClouds · Jul 10, 2014

@Jgoss - many thanks for that video link! That is exactly the thoroughly informative presentation I wanted: the colorful history, the specialized terminology, the methods and technology. I learned a lot, and I think my questions are all answered. I had no idea there even was a Colorado whiskey, and I'd never thought twice about where the term 'bootleg' originated or what 'white lightning' is. I'm sure I'll watch this a couple more times to pick up all the details - thanks again.

kabalm18 · Jul 12, 2014

I dont have fa whiskey or cardamom. I do have tfa kentucky bourbon but dont really want to use it here. Do you think fa ruhm and cinnamon Ceylon could be used as replacements?

HeadInClouds · Jul 12, 2014

The recipe was designed around FA Whiskey.
To sub for cardamom, half cinnamon half ginger is similar, but that combo doesn't highlight coconut as well as cardamom.
Since two of the primary flavors are whiskey-coconut, I'd say you should pick a different recipe.

sorry!

zolt · Aug 4, 2014

Hey HIC, thanks for all the awesome recipes, this one looks particularly interesting. Is there a (preferably FA) substitute for TFA brown sugar? I live in Europe and my budget is tight, so shipping costs make ordering one or two flavors from TFA a big no-no at the moment.

HeadInClouds · Aug 7, 2014

zolt said:
Hey HIC, thanks for all the awesome recipes, this one looks particularly interesting. Is there a (preferably FA) substitute for TFA brown sugar? I live in Europe and my budget is tight, so shipping costs make ordering one or two flavors from TFA a big no-no at the moment.

Zolt, sorry to say, but FA just doesn't make a brown sugar flavor, and no FA flavor will adds the same 'toastedness' to this recipe.
But I will say that FA Maple Syrup would likely be a very tasty alternative!

disco180 · Aug 14, 2014

Finally got all my samples from E-liq mart just for this recipe, mixed it up, 4 hours in the CP, dripped a few drops in the RDA great so far....Will try again in 24hrs to see how it settles thanks again HIC love your work. I can't believe how little flavor I have to use compared to the hundreds of flavors from other companies I have.

Had to edit to say now that when I mix TPA/TFA the high percentages I used to use, I no longer use because in the long run they develop into flavor messes once they mature

HeadInClouds · Aug 14, 2014

disco180 said:
Finally got all my samples from E-liq mart just for this recipe, mixed it up, 4 hours in the CP, dripped a few drops in the RDA great so far....Will try again in 24hrs to see how it settles thanks again HIC love your work. I can't believe how little flavor I have to use compared to the hundreds of flavors from other companies I have.

Had to edit to say now that when I mix TPA/TFA the high percentages I used to use, I no longer use because in the long run they develop into flavor messes once they mature

Thank you for the compliments, Disco - and for trying it!

After you vape lower flavoring for a while, some of those TFA flavors might be useful to you at lower percents. I know what you mean about the flavor messes after they age. I mix most recipes to vape fresh. This one - I liked even better as it aged, so it's an exception for me.

Hey - do you love the smell of that Cardamom bottle? Awesome flavoring!

disco180 · Aug 14, 2014

Yeah it smells zingy, fresh, clean citrusey...maybe this works with oranges and lemons also or a fruit punch

HeadInClouds · Aug 14, 2014

disco180 said:
Yeah it smells zingy, fresh, clean citrusey...maybe this works with oranges and lemons also or a fruit punch

It's great with lots of fruits. Yes to the citrus, but also pear, peach, and all-thumbs-up with coconut. It's a great exotic touch.

Mr Joshua · Aug 19, 2014

I missed this one when it was posted, your link lead me here from another thread. I will mix this one up soon as vanilla bourbon gets here. I think I will make another one with fruit, sounds good also. There is a pineapple, mango tropical cobbler that has a macaroon topping that is very good. Pear and peach hands down sounds like a winner as well. Thanks for the recipe.

disco180 · Aug 19, 2014

This is really good you will enjoy this one

kabalm18 · Aug 19, 2014

Tfa KB subbed for fa whiskey? Yay or nay?

HeadInClouds · Aug 19, 2014

kabalm18 said:
Tfa KB subbed for fa whiskey? Yay or nay?

I'd use more of the TFA flavor, maybe double that. It has a woodier flavor on its own, so perhaps just half as much oakwood. It would be a sweeter overall flavor. If you try it, let us know! I wouldn't hesitate to give it a shot....so to speak.

kabalm18 · Aug 19, 2014

Thanks HIC! I will try this tomorrow!

Your homework...Pyrat Rum XO Reserve(Yum)...I am expecting an exact replica by the time I wake up in the morning...so that gives you 6 hours! LOL! Actually, im going to buy some tomorrow and start working on it. I have an idea already thanks to some reviews and flavor profile descriptions. Hehe!

HeadInClouds · Aug 20, 2014

kabalm18 said:
Your homework...Pyrat Rum XO Reserve(Yum)...I am expecting an exact replica by the time I wake up in the morning...so that gives you 6 hours! LOL! Actually, im going to buy some tomorrow and start working on it. I have an idea already thanks to some reviews and flavor profile descriptions. Hehe!

From the descriptions I see, it sounds like it needs oakwood and citrus.. What a fun project! I tried a few Caribbean specialty rums a while back and found FA Jamaican Rum didn't get in the way of any of the versions I messed with, so it's a good base IMO. Good luck with it!

P-A · Feb 3, 2015

OK, This is F*****ING amazing! after 3-4 days OMFG! Sorry for my street language here, but I can't stop vaping this! If you have any others like this one, I'm up in buying these on your site ANYTIME! Complexity at it's best !

HeadInClouds · Feb 3, 2015

P-A said:
OK, This is F*****ING amazing! after 3-4 days OMFG! Sorry for my street language here, but I can't stop vaping this! If you have any others like this one, I'm up in buying these on your site ANYTIME! Complexity at it's best !

lol - I'm glad you like it! It was designed around the coconut-cardamom-oakwood flavors. I like that combo in tobaccos, too.

Flavor changes during inhale/exhale and with varying voltage really appeal to me, so I am playing with complex blends a lot lately.

P-A · Feb 3, 2015

Good Stuff, let me know when you ahve more stuff like this for sale I'M SOLD. The more complexe the better

Arturo Mustelier · Feb 7, 2015

I made it double strenght and all i can say IT IS AMAZING. Thanks for your great recipe, HIC!

TCOM · Feb 19, 2015

Hi HIC. I am curious as to whether you think TFA brown sugar extra could be subbed for brown sugar, but at a lower percentage. Maybe I could increase the cardamom or add a touch of TFA cinnamon spice to balance it.

HeadInClouds · Feb 19, 2015

TCOM said:
Hi HIC. I am curious as to whether you think TFA brown sugar extra could be subbed for brown sugar, but at a lower percentage. Maybe I could increase the cardamom or add a touch of TFA cinnamon spice to balance it.

Yes! TFA Brown Sugar, Brown Sugar Extra, or ecigexpress' "Signature" brown sugar. Use any of them, no need to adjust percentages at all.

Heabob · Feb 20, 2015

TCOM said:
Hi HIC. I am curious as to whether you think TFA brown sugar extra could be subbed for brown sugar, but at a lower percentage. Maybe I could increase the cardamom or add a touch of TFA cinnamon spice to balance it.

TFA has renamed Brown Sugar Extra to just Brown Sugar but some vendors still have some old stock left.

Don't think TFA Cinnamon Spice would be right for this because it has other "spices" in it.
Unless that's what you're after.
I'd use FA Cinnamon Ceylon instead, but that's just me...

HeadInClouds · Feb 20, 2015

Oh, I didn't see the bit about cardamom at first glance.
The ratio of coconut:cardamom is pretty important here. I wouldn't increase cardamom; it's very distinctive flavor.

The Curse of Millhaven · Feb 21, 2015

Thanks!. Gonna mix this tonight after I get done shoveling.

TCOM · Feb 24, 2015

Well, this stuff is absolutely fantastic. I am glad that I took a leap and made 100ml (mostly just to make all of those .5% measurements easy). It really is balanced. The sweetness is faint. The "Jameson" flavor builds up nicely as I vape it. It is too bad that I have dropped nicotine entirely, because I can see how a bit of that peppery flavor would complement this well. I wonder if some Flash would work.

I am going to keep an eye on your website, HIC. Less desserty flavors like this one will get to my wallet. Thanks!

Daniellemr2004 · Apr 16, 2015

Hi HIC!
I never usually get on any of these forums to leave comments or chat but I had to say something.
I have tried at least 5 of your recipes and everyone has been better than the next!! Your doing an awesome awesome job!!!!
Thank you for being kind enough to share them with us!

HeadInClouds · Apr 16, 2015

Daniellemr2004 said:
Hi HIC!
I never usually get on any of these forums to leave comments or chat but I had to say something.
I have tried at least 5 of your recipes and everyone has been better than the next!! Your doing an awesome awesome job!!!!
Thank you for being kind enough to share them with us!

Good to meet you @Daniellemr2004 ! Hope to see you posting more - you must be an experienced DIYer to be making recipes with so many <1% ingredients, huh? Thank you for commenting on this one!

Daniellemr2004 · Apr 23, 2015

You too and Thank you! Ive had a small vape shop for the last three years and I make all of my own liquid. It helps keep a leg up on the competition

Ive always used alot of the flavor apprentice flavors. They are so simple and usually you don't have to add anything. But I've kinda of gotten bored with them. I was searching the internet for a butterscotch cookies recipe for a customer and I came across your Butter Cookies Recipe. Its been my new favorite for the last two or so months. I just can't put it down! So after that I order a 30ml of each of the Flavor Arts Flavors and Ive been experimenting. I am defiantly not creative like you

I have yet, after 3 years to come up with my own recipe.

Daniellemr2004 · Apr 24, 2015

HeadInClouds, I noticed your recipes are all at least 5 different vapors forums. Thats quite a compliment that so many people like your recipes!

HeadInClouds · Apr 26, 2015

Daniellemr2004 said:
HeadInClouds, I noticed your recipes are all at least 5 different vapors forums. Thats quite a compliment that so many people like your recipes!

VU is the only place with all the notes, comments, variations, updates, and all of that. Also the only place where I correct my typos, lol!

atssec97 · Sep 27, 2015

HeadInClouds said:
For personal non-commercial use only.
Please do not repost this outside of vapingunderground.com.

HIC's Black Barrel Whiskey Mac recipe: balanced, complex blend inspired by Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey and dry, toasted macaroons. Jameson Black Barrel is generally described, "traditional notes of toasted wood, spice, and vanilla are enhanced by creamy, luscious touches of exotic fruit..." On inhale you get tongue-sweetness of spice as smooth whiskey builds. On exhale, whiskey blends with toasted nuts, creamy vanilla and toasted coconut. Light coconut is the final, lingering note. This is a very addictive vape!

FA=FlavourArt TFA=The Flavor Apprentice

HIC's BLACK BARREL WHISKEY MAC
1% FA Oak Wood
1% FA Coconut
0.5% FA Whiskey
0.5% FA Brandy
0.5% FA Vanilla Bourbon
0.5% FA Vienna Cream
0.5% FA Marzipan
0.5% FA Cardamom
0.5% TFA Brown Sugar

If you prefer very bold flavor, make this double strength, which also provides solid throat hit. I prefer it milder, as written.
Mix it well and let it rest 1-2 days before you try it - to let Whiskey smooth out.

This recipe is all about balance and contrast. Whiskey balances macaroon; oak wood balances richness; creamy vanilla balances toasted coconut, exotic spice balances brown sugar, and individual flavors blend to create a complex, smooth, all-day vape. Playing with your voltage provides great flavor variations.

This is on my list! can not wait! To try it and my flavorings to arrive! How much diffrent is TFA brown sugar and TFA brown sugar xtra?

HeadInClouds · Sep 27, 2015

atssec97 said:
This is on my list! can not wait! To try it and my flavorings to arrive! How much diffrent is TFA brown sugar and TFA brown sugar xtra?

They're identical, unless you have a bottle of plain TFA Brown Sugar that's over 2 years old. (if that's the case, it just takes a little extra)
The "signature brown sugar" that ecigexpress sells is also the same thing.

Daintanee · Sep 27, 2015

I just bought some whiskey and searched on what I could make. This sounds amazing. I have yet to try FA whiskey. I love all of the above flavors, except for brown sugar. I guess that little bottle won't feel so lonely if I bust it out. Cheers!

Daintanee · Sep 27, 2015

They say curiosity killed the cat. Not this one! Just mixed this wild cat up and of course I HAD TO taste it fresh. Not sure it's getting a steeping chance in my neck of the woods. This is awesome fresh! Since I am heading to bed it shall indeed steep a good 8-9.5 hours max! Thank you HIC! The Brown sugar in here is not too much for me, just right!! Nighty night!

Daja · Oct 18, 2015

This is amazing, this was my first diy mix and now after two days it tastes very very nice. Thanks HIC for sharing

hacks · Jan 29, 2016

Hey HIC, thank you for this great recipe. I am into DIY for a month now, startet with lots of TFA flavors and realized that most people are using them at much to high percentages. Then i found this forum and i immediately had a feeling that here are the people to follow. I bought all the flavors to try this and a few other recipes. Sadly im waiting for the fa creams to arrive. Two days ago i made black barrel with bavarian cream instead of vienna. I doubled it to 1%. Its fantastic and i want to make a big batch of it. Hopefully vienna arrives today, so i can make it as it was meant to be. But if not, what percentage would you recommend if i have to use bavarian cream and want to be as close as possible to your original.

I also want to try this with Jamaika Rum instead of Whiskey and mix it with Tobacco. I saw you've mentioned that in another thread. Please do more of this alcohol and tobacco stuff!

HeadInClouds · Jan 29, 2016

hacks said:
But if not, what percentage would you recommend if i have to use bavarian cream and want to be as close as possible to your original.

I think your 1% TFA Bavarian Cream would taste very similar. If you like it with that flavoring, why not just continue to make it like that?

hacks · Jan 29, 2016

I've never tasted vienna cream. All i know is that people say to use bavarian cream at double percentages if you don't have vienna.

If cardamom is a touch too prominent for someone, would you lower the coconut as well? You said something about the pairing of coconut-cardamom, but you also talked about the balance of exotic spice and brown sugar in the opening post.

HeadInClouds · Jan 29, 2016

hacks said:
If cardamom is a touch too prominent for someone, would you lower the coconut as well?

I don't think so. You know how you taste Coconut (and to a lesser extent, Brown Sugar) at the end of an exhale? Cardamom sweetens that, but it doesn't take much.

hacks · Jan 29, 2016

I 'm testing right now and i was wrong with the cardamom. It's the FA Whiskey that i noticed. I thought i knew Whiskey from the taste of TFA Kentucky Bourbon. What i did now are variations with FA Jamaica Rum and TFA Kentucky Bourbon instead of FA Whiskey and when i liked it before, i now love it even more! Could be that FA Whiskey needs more time, i will try that again.

FA Jamaica Rum instead of FA Whiskey -> It gets sweeter, so i will try it with less brown sugar.
TFA Bavarian Cream instead of FA Vienna Cream -> With the Kentucky Bourbon 1% is just right. With Jamaica Rum i notice it more and will try 0.66%-0.75% next time.

Thank you for answering my questions HIC! Perhaps it could be useful for other newbies like me. ...and for people who never tasted cardamom. Made 3ml of cardamom standalone just for testing

Can't wait to get a perfect tobacco recipe for mixing it with this black barrel.

btw: I mixed half of the Oakwood in combination with TFA Kentucky Bourbon. Just as HIC mentioned above.

tonyp1119 · Apr 20, 2016

Hi HIC!
I'm already enjoying this and did not make it yet. Any sub for the Brandy, I have everything else. Thank you for sharing...

HeadInClouds · Apr 20, 2016

tonyp1119 said:
Hi HIC!
I'm already enjoying this and did not make it yet. Any sub for the Brandy, I have everything else. Thank you for sharing...

I'd probably leave it out rather than sub, but FA Liquid Amber might be interesting... hmm, I still think I'd leave it out, and if you like that pretty well, buy Brandy to make it complete.

tonyp1119 · Apr 21, 2016

HeadInClouds said:
I'd probably leave it out rather than sub, but FA Liquid Amber might be interesting... hmm, I still think I'd leave it out, and if you like that pretty well, buy Brandy to make it complete.

Thank you so much HIC! I really enjoying your mixes. I will give it a try and reply back when i'm ready. Thanks again!!!

Matthee · Jul 7, 2016

Wow, I have yet to come across @HeadInClouds recipe I do not like. And this one takes it to new heights for me. Absolutely amazing and very addictive. Thank you.

HIC's BLACK BARREL WHISKEY MAC

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