a few questions for the mixmasters....

[DarkenRahl]

Background:

So I have been mucking about with mixing my own for a couple months now, mostly a idiotic version of RPRY4 (as in I forgot to order the Vienna Cream on my first BCV order) and have just received my second order of supplies. The first try at the "Offishul" RPRY4 recipe (60 mls of it) is in the candle warmer steeping now, along with a 30ml test batch of Hangsen RY4 that I mixed at 8% to see how it compares to the RY4D that I have been using. And for a change-up to my RY4 bias, 30mls of something called "S'Berry Custard" that already smells like it is gonna be dangerously, addictvely good.....

I have had a few hiccups with some flavors, mostly trying to mix stuff that the wife wants such as Caps Cinnamon Coffee Cake, TFA Cotton Candy, and finding a coffee recipe that tastes to her more or less like a good cup of black coffee from Cracker Barrel or Dunkin Donuts for example.

I am also starting into that custard mystery and besides the aforementioned mix have picked up Caps V2 Vanilla Custard for a base and FA Peach, Billberry, and Strawberry to mix with. Also have FA Tiramisu and Caramel if I feel like going even sweeter, or my inner caramel fiend breaks loose.

The questions:

1) For the single flavors for the Mrs., I have been mixing at 10% or higher. Is this too strong for the cotton candy? I have tried adding flavor but she swears it still doesn't taste like cotton candy to her. (And BCV was out of FA Joy when I ordered, or I would have gotten that as well.)

2) Is is possible that the Caps coffee cake could be too strong at 10% as well? It does have a cinnamon aftertaste, but the "cake" is muted and it isn't very sweet.

3) For the Caps Custard, what is a good % and what % for the FA fruits to pair with it? I know taste is subjective but I haven't a clue where to start here.

TIA for any help, and thanks already to to this section at VU for getting me into this mess.....

 

[Huckleberried]

Hello DarkenRahi, welcome to VU!

I don't have any experience with those 2 TFA flavors, but when I get a new one, I generally try it at 3%, unless I've heard otherwise. If it needs tweaking, it's easier to add more. If it's too much, I can add more base to it. I make 5ml sample sizes to start with, too.

FA Flavors, I start with 2%. For many of their flavors, that is plenty. Some will actually require 1% or less. They're very concentrated, but very, very good!

For the Mrs, she might like the FA Dark Bean Espresso. If that one happens to be too strong to her liking, they also have a Cappuccino flavor that is quite a bit milder, and is already creamed up. The Dark Bean Espresso, is very bold, very strong. I use that one USUALLY at 0.5%, sometimes 1%. Very concentrated. The Tiramisu you got is delicious!! I generally keep that around the same as the Espresso. Strong flavor. For flavors you're not quite sure about, Mama J's sells 3ml sample sizes. Samples will actually last quite a long time. You really do only need a little.

Have fun with your DIY. Take the time to learn your flavors and they'll pay you back.

 

[Heabob]

Most of the Cotton Candy I know of is the same thing as EM, used like a sweetener.
Don't think it has much flavor on it's own although I've never used it as a stand alone.
But I don't really get any "cotton candy" from FA Joy (stand alone) either.

Most CAP flavors I've started with 5-7% (stand alone), but some are stronger and some weaker.
FW and TFA brands range 7-10% for me usually.
FA & VZ are the strongest and I only use a couple at max 3-4%.
But Coffee, Tiramisu, and some spices are really strong.
Some fruits are stronger than others too.

Huck is correct with this..."Take the time to learn your flavors".

 

[Tim Vatic]

cotton candy basically is ethyl maltol. You can add more or less to taste. I like cotton candy at like a 15-18% but this all depends on several things....like what your doing with it and your pg/vg ratio. Since PG and VG both carry flavors differently it depends on your ratios to a degree. If your dripping it, you don't want the flavors too sharp. If its going in a tank then that's different.

Yes, Capella's coffee cake is normally strong and may be better at a 5% mix, try a small bottle. I like Blueberry cinnamon crumble from TFA at 10%, fuggettaboutit. ( Hat tip to Smokey )

For the custard and fruit, start at 5% of each. If it tastes too custardy, add a bit more of the fruit flavoring.
experiment and enjoy DIY!!

 

[ScreamQueen]

I just got CAP Vanilla Custard v2 and put together a blueberry custard using it at 5% along with NY Cheesecake. When dripping, it's perfect at the percentage below. But when I put it in my sub tank, it was somewhat muted without nearly as much fullness, and needed a boost in flavor. As for the cotton candy, I still have not found a sweet spot for using that one by itself and getting an accurate cotton candy flavor out of it yet.

Blueberry Custard

Bilberry (FA) 1%
Blueberry Wild (TPA) 3%
New York Cheesecake (CAP) 5%
Vanilla Custard v2 (CAP) 5%

 

[Heabob]

I just got CAP Vanilla Custard v2 and put together a blueberry custard using it at 5% along with NY Cheesecake. When dripping, it's perfect at the percentage below. But when I put it in my sub tank, it was somewhat muted without nearly as much fullness, and needed a boost in flavor. As for the cotton candy, I still have not found a sweet spot for using that one by itself and getting an accurate cotton candy flavor out of it yet.

Blueberry Custard

Bilberry (FA) 1%
Blueberry Wild (TPA) 3%
New York Cheesecake (CAP) 5%
Vanilla Custard v2 (CAP) 5%

Nice idea combining the VC and NY Cheesecake together as I've always used them separately.
Gotta try that one out...
Although I usually keep the NY Cheesecake at 1-3% cause I find it a bit overpowering.
Personally I'd raise the Blueberry Wild to +5%, but I just like a stronger Blueberry anyway.
Or mix 6% Blueberry Wild with 4% FW(or)CAP Blueberry.
Using a BCC tank so maybe that's why I need more...
Never had any luck with FA Bilberry, it's just to floral for me.

 

[ScreamQueen]

Nice idea combining the VC and NY Cheesecake together as I've always used them separately.
Gotta try that one out...
Although I usually keep the NY Cheesecake at 1-3% cause I find it a bit overpowering.
Personally I'd raise the Blueberry Wild to +5%, but I just like a stronger Blueberry anyway.
Or mix 6% Blueberry Wild with 4% FW(or)CAP Blueberry.
Using a BCC tank so maybe that's why I need more...
Never had any luck with FA Bilberry, it's just to floral for me.

I discovered the same issue with the Bilberry, I can't go over 2% with it. But the custard and cheesecake make for a very creamy vape, and it will likely get creamier as time passes...this recipe is a shake and vape for me, I can't leave my tester alone long enough for aging. I'll just have to mix up a 30ml and stash it away to see just how ceamy it turns out with time.