Adding Aroma: Perfecting The 75Ml Base Solution

Aromas are added to a base in the form of flavour concentrates, with thousands of options available on the market. The amount of aroma to add to a 75ml base will depend on the desired strength and volume/concentration of flavour. Generally, the flavour part of an e-liquid will account for 5 to 20% of the total product. It is recommended to start with around 12% aroma or concentrate and adjust accordingly.

Aroma concentration: 12-15% is a good starting point, but it depends on the aroma and personal preference

When creating your own e-liquid, the aroma concentration is a crucial factor in determining the overall potency and flavour of the final product. While the ideal concentration may vary depending on personal preferences and the specific aroma used, starting with a range of 12-15% is generally a good guideline. This percentage refers to the proportion of flavour concentrate added to the e-liquid mixture, which includes the base and any additional additives.

For individuals who prefer more subtle flavour profiles, a lower concentration of around 12% may be ideal. This concentration still provides a noticeable aroma while allowing the base and other components to shine through. It's a good starting point for those who are new to mixing their own e-liquids or for aromas with strong scents.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a more intense and robust flavour experience, increasing the concentration to 15% or slightly higher can be a good option. This is particularly suitable for vapers who enjoy bolder flavours and want their e-liquid to pack a punch. However, it's important to keep in mind that too high of a concentration can result in an overpowering or unpleasant taste.

It's worth noting that the ideal aroma concentration can vary depending on the specific aroma used. Different aromas have varying strengths and intensities, so it's always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations as a starting point. Additionally, personal preferences play a significant role. Some people might prefer a stronger aroma, while others might find the same concentration too weak or too strong.

Experimentation is a key part of finding the perfect aroma concentration. Don't be afraid to mix up different batches with slight variations in the percentage to see what works best for your taste buds. It's a fun and creative process that allows you to discover unique flavour combinations. Remember to give your mixtures enough time to infuse, usually around 2-4 weeks, before making a final judgement.

PG/VG ratio: This affects throat hit and vapour production

The PG/VG ratio in an e-liquid can significantly affect the vaping experience, including the throat hit and vapour production. Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) are the two main ingredients in e-liquids and play a crucial role in determining the throat hit and vapour production.

PG is a thinner liquid that produces less vapour but provides a stronger throat hit, mimicking the sensation of smoking. It is also a better carrier of nicotine and flavour. E-liquids with a higher PG content will generally give a stronger throat hit and a sharper flavour. PG is commonly used as a suspension fluid to deliver nicotine and flavour concentrates, especially for adult smokers who have recently switched from smoking to vaping.

On the other hand, VG is a thicker liquid that produces larger clouds of vapour and results in a smoother throat hit. It has a slightly sweet taste that can enhance the flavour of certain e-liquid blends. However, VG is less effective in carrying flavour, and vaping high VG e-liquid can be problematic as it tends to clog up vape coils faster.

The ideal PG/VG ratio depends on the vaper's preferences and the type of vaping device used. For a stronger throat hit and sharper flavour, a higher PG ratio is recommended. Common PG/VG ratios for a stronger throat hit include 50/50, 60/40, and 70/30. For a smoother throat hit and larger vapour production, a higher VG ratio is preferred. Common PG/VG ratios for smoother throat hits and bigger clouds include 70/30, 80/20, and Max VG (usually 100% VG).

It's important to note that the PG/VG ratio isn't the only factor affecting the throat hit and vapour production. Other factors include the nicotine concentration, device wattage, inhalation technique, coil type, and wicking material. Experimenting with different PG/VG ratios and adjusting other variables will help vapers find the perfect balance for their desired throat hit and vapour production.

Nicotine strength: How much nicotine to add depends on the desired strength and current nicotine concentration

When it comes to adding nicotine to your vape liquids, the amount you should add depends on your desired nicotine strength and the current nicotine concentration. Nicotine is an optional addition to e-liquids and is usually derived from tobacco plants, but it can also be found in tiny amounts in some vegetables and fruits.

The nicotine strength of commercial e-liquids is typically displayed in mg/mL or as a percentage. The mg/mL measurement indicates the number of milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of e-liquid. For instance, 6 mg/mL means there are 6 milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid. The percentage format expresses the proportion of nicotine in the liquid as a fraction of 100 (e.g., 0.3% or 3%).

If you're transitioning from smoking to vaping, choosing the right nicotine strength is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and prevent a relapse to cigarettes. The appropriate nicotine strength depends on your smoking habits and preferences. For instance, if you smoke socially or a few cigarettes daily, you may prefer a lower nicotine strength of 3mg or 6mg. On the other hand, if you smoke a pack or more per day, you may require a higher strength of 12mg or 18mg to satisfy your nicotine cravings.

Additionally, the type of vaping device you use can influence your nicotine strength preference. Devices vary in vapor output, ranging from low-volume pod systems to high-volume sub-ohm tanks. Higher vapor output devices may require lower nicotine strengths to avoid consuming too much nicotine too quickly.

It's worth noting that nicotine salts (nic salts) have gained popularity as they allow for higher nicotine concentrations without the harsh throat hit associated with regular nicotine. This makes them ideal for pod systems and beginner vapes with low power and vapor output.

When determining the right nicotine strength, it's recommended to start with a slightly lower strength to avoid an overwhelming nicotine hit. You can always adjust the strength or take a few more drags to find your preferred level.

Remember, the goal is to find the nicotine strength that satisfies your cravings and helps you make a successful transition from smoking to vaping.

Additives: These enhance the flavour and can be added at around 3%

Additives are used to enhance the flavour of e-liquids and are added at a rate of around 3% of the mixture. They are adapted to the formulation of an e-liquid and can enhance the taste of certain flavours, add finishing touches, sweeten the liquid or add a sensation of freshness.

• Malic Acid: This additive gives a sharp and acidic sensation. It is often used for candy and drinks such as colas and sodas. It is best used with fruity aromas. The recommended dosage is 1-3%.
• Methyl Lactate (Koolada): This additive gives an intense, fresh sensation similar to menthol but without the flavour. It should be used in moderation. The recommended dosage is 0.5-2%.
• Sweetener: This additive increases the sweet sensations of your preparation and can mask the consequent bitterness of certain aromas and of nicotine. The recommended dosage is one drop per 1-2ml of base.
• Vanilline: This additive heightens and balances flavours. It is often used at a rate of 2-6 droplets per ml. However, it can cause bitterness in high dosages. It is recommended for use in fruity, gourmet, drink and classic recipes.
• Bitter Wizard: This additive is an enhancer of tastes, softening the sugar base. It is often used with classic aromas.
• Acetyl Pyrazine: This additive is highly concentrated and gives a gourmet, smoky effect. It can be used to recreate notes of popcorn or grilled hazelnut. It is generally used in classic gourmet, biscuit and caramel recipes. The recommended dosage is 1-2 droplets per 10ml.

It is important to note that additives are very powerful and should be used carefully. They can have a negative effect on the coil and taste of the e-liquid if used incorrectly.

Mixing equipment: You'll need syringes, bottles, and protective gear to mix safely

Mixing e-liquids can be dangerous, so it's important to have the right equipment to do it safely. You'll need syringes, bottles, and protective gear to shield yourself from the chemicals involved.

Syringes are essential for accurate measuring and transferring of liquids. Look for syringes with low gauge needles, which are better suited for thicker, VG-heavy juices. You may also want to consider syringes with blunt tips, as these can be safer to handle.

Bottles are needed to store your mixed e-liquids. Choose bottles that are designed for e-liquid mixing, as using kitchen bottles or containers can compromise the quality of your product. Squeezable bottles with needle tips and storage caps are a good option, as they make it easy to dispense and store your liquids without spillage.

Protective gear is crucial when handling potentially harmful chemicals. Nitrile gloves will protect your hands, while goggles will shield your eyes from any splashes. It's also recommended to wear a long lab coat to cover your arms and protect your skin from exposure. Additionally, use a protective tray to contain any spills and prevent them from spreading onto other surfaces.

Always have a robust cleaning solution on hand to effectively clean up any spills or messes. Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is ideal for this purpose.

By having the proper mixing equipment, you can safely create your own e-liquids and avoid potential health risks associated with mishandling the chemicals involved.

Frequently asked questions