The Test

Step One: Find a flavoring to test – for myself, any and all flavorings need to be tested. Most DIY e-liquid mixers who sell commercially or e-liquid developers need to test all and every flavoring they come in contact with. If you’re a DIY mixer just mixing to have a nice vape for a cheap price, you don’t really need to go all out testing, and there’s plenty of flavor reviews out there for you. But it is a good idea to test flavorings that are rather intricate, or polarizing, and if you have the time, test as many flavorings as you can. Just don’t feel too bad if you can’t test TFA Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, etc.

Step Two: 5% Rule – The 5% rule is a good rule of thumb for testing flavorings when you don’t know their average concentration. TFA, FW, CAP – 5% – FA, INW, FLV – 1%. Again, this is if you don’t already know the average concentration, or don’t have a specific concentration in mind.

Step Three: Note Taking – Taking notes is the most important part of testing. Check out this article and video where I talk about how I take my notes. But I generally take notes right after a shake, 2 – 3 days later, 1 week later, and then 2 – 3 weeks later if necessary. After that much time, it’s safe to say the flavoring will stop changing. But make sure you’re keeping track of the dates and track of your batches

Step Four: Recipes Showcase – After I’ve made my single flavor notes, I then like to mix the ingredient up in many different recipes. Again, taking notes the same way I did with the flavoring. Make recipes that you know and are comfortable with. For example, for me I like Strawberry and Creams, Custard, Ice Creams, etc. This way you can focus on what the flavoring is doing in those recipes, and not what the recipe is doing to those flavorings. Keep track of batches and dates.

And that’s mainly it. Single flavor testing is quite easy once you’ve set up a routine in doing so and can stay organized. The most difficult part of the process is the note taking and making sure you can keep track of all the flavorings and recipes you’re testing. I usually am testing 3 – 4 flavorings every week, but again, I’m someone who needs to do a lot of testing. Many of you will do fine just using my Flavorbook or the notes on /r/DIY. Though, if you enjoy the hobby and want to get deeper, feel free to test your heart away. Just keep on track!