HIC's Mixes: DIY recipes store

AmandaD · Nov 23, 2015

videinfra said:
So I just delved into FA for the first time a few days ago. I've been mixing for about 3 years with TPA, Lorann, FW, and Capella. I figured I'd try to get some advice as FA seems very concentrated. I've tried several of HIC's recipes (and made several of my own) - they smell amazing and on finger drop taste test it's the same. However, I've tried them both in a .12 dual coil dripper and .6 tank (Herakles) and they seem really light in flavor.

I suppose it could be the VG percentage, but other manufacturers flavors I haven't really had the problem with. For instance, I tried quikberry pink at regular percentage and the suggested 50% increase for strong flavor. I mixed them both with no nicotine for testing so the end result is around 90%+ vg. I also tried a couple of my own mixes anywhere from 5% to 14% flavoring and had the same result. I've only tried making about 10 combinations so far but it is common between all of them. I know I don't have zombie tongue because I'm able to taste other juices I've made with TPA/CAP. Any ideas or am I just crazy?

I think there's a fine line between increasing flavor too much and not having quite enough, particularly with FA flavor. The most I've increased a recipe from HIC is, say, from 6% to 8%, and for a friend with a nautilus to as much as 10% total flavor (which is too much for my Crown tank). I also mix pretty high VG (around 85%), but there are certainly some flavors that taste stronger to me than others. For instance, I have a very hard time with FA Apricot, which I can barely taste.

Kiwi_Vaper · Nov 23, 2015

Same here. I believe taste perception is very individualistic and that is where the big problem is. HIC's %'s are spot on, but for me the total flavouring lacks that satisfying oomph. I have just made a few of his recipes @ 1.25 times of the recommended and are steeping now. WIll see how it goes. @videinfra I initially felt quickberry pink was light too. However, after a few days, the mix turned around a bit and became a more enjoyable (light) ADV till the bottle lasted...goodluck!

SeniorBoy · Nov 24, 2015

Your NOT crazy.

Try a mix @ 50/50 PG/VG using HIC's % and see if the flavor returns. If this works for you then adjust from this baseline using the same %'s if required.

retrox · Nov 24, 2015

videinfra said:
So I just delved into FA for the first time a few days ago. I've been mixing for about 3 years with TPA, Lorann, FW, and Capella.

Sounds like you came in on the same boat as I did.

FA flavors were more difficult for me to work with than anything I've tried over the past couple of years (which includes a bit of just about everything). But now that I'm beginning to get a handle on my favorites (with lots of assistance from HIC), I'm happily vaping some of the best juice I've ever made.

As far as HIC's recipes go, bump the total flavoring percentage up. I've gone as high as +50% with a couple. Start at +25%. Others taste perfect to me at the default level, and there's even one that I enjoy with less flavoring than he recommends. So no, you're not crazy. Just forget everything you've learned up to this point.

Ever heard tales about some flavors actually diminishing when you use too much? Yeah, they were probably talking about FA. The only other flavorings I've experienced this phenomenon with are VZ's alcohol-based SC line, and those are also exceptionally concentrated. Unlike the SC's, however, FA tends to get perfumey (or "sharp" as HIC puts it) before you cross that threshold, so there's ample warning.

In general, be mindful of cresting 10-12% total flavoring with them unless you absolutely aren't getting the taste you want. And even then, the problem might be that you've already gone too high. Some FA flavorings are brutally strong. Their Honey, for instance, is the best tasting honey I've tried, but I can only use it in a 10% PG dilution at fractions of a percent. A couple of others, like Lemon Sicily and Strawberry, are strong and flavorful out of the gate but fade noticeably after a few days. I automatically bump those 25-50% to compensate if I'm not planning to vape all of a given recipe in a couple of days.

It's a whole new world, just ease into it and experiment using HIC's notes and recipes as a guideline. I still have my favorites from CAP, TFA, and even FW, but FA has pretty much changed the way I approach mixing for the better.

HeadInClouds · Nov 24, 2015

(@videinfra and for anyone who wants to easily adjust recipe strength)

To make any recipe stronger/weaker, premixed flavors make it easy:
Make a little bottle with just the flavorings, no PG/VG/nic. Use the numbers in the recipe as ml instead of percents. So if the original recipe totaled 6%, you end up with 6ml of flavoring. (Or cut all numbers in half to make 3ml of flavoring)
Shake it well to mix it and label that bottle as "flavoring" with the recipe name.
Now mix a batch using that bottle as your flavoring. The total flavoring in the original recipe is your reference point, so use more/less to get the strength you like. Write your preferred percentage on the bottle.

My notes on FA flavors are currently updated only here (free pdf): http://www.hicsmixes.com/notes-etc.html .
It's a massive update over the set at Mamaj's right now, at least 18 new flavors. Mamaj's is in the middle of moving right now, so it'll be a while til theirs is updated.

kimber · Nov 24, 2015

I've done exactly this and it works perfectly!! Thanks HIC!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

videinfra · Nov 24, 2015

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'm seeing how the profiles change as they steep and I'll try some more mixing this weekend when I have a little more time. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Heartsdelight · Nov 24, 2015

Yes, thanks everyone for the tips! A very Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Eat & vape lots!

Heartsdelight · Nov 24, 2015

HeadInClouds said:
(@videinfra and for anyone who wants to easily adjust recipe strength)

To make any recipe stronger/weaker, premixed flavors make it easy:
Make a little bottle with just the flavorings, no PG/VG/nic. Use the numbers in the recipe as ml instead of percents. So if the original recipe totaled 6%, you end up with 6ml of flavoring. (Or cut all numbers in half to make 3ml of flavoring)
Shake it well to mix it and label that bottle as "flavoring" with the recipe name.
Now mix a batch using that bottle as your flavoring. The total flavoring in the original recipe is your reference point, so use more/less to get the strength you like. Write your preferred percentage on the bottle.

My notes on FA flavors are currently updated only here (free pdf): http://www.hicsmixes.com/notes-etc.html .
It's a massive update over the set at Mamaj's right now, at least 18 new flavors. Mamaj's is in the middle of moving right now, so it'll be a while til theirs is updated.

Thanks HIC! This will make mixing even easier!

Daintanee · Nov 25, 2015

Good morning everyone. I know I have been M.I.A. here in this thread for way too long. I believe I have something important to share concerning FA Joy. The first bottle I received was absolutely divine. It smelled like sweet fresh whipped cotton candy from the fair and tasted like funnel cake. The 2nd bottle I received was downright horrid. It smells like yeasts beer and tastes like nasty flat beer. I am not sure of the reason behind it, if there were some bad batches sold out there or if some got too hot during transit or the company storing it. @Teresa P sent me both bottles and I am not sure where they were purchased, but I do know the first bottle was from bull city.

retrox · Nov 25, 2015

Good info, @Daintanee. Perhaps this might explain the wildly different reactions people seemed to have! My Joy came from RTS back in August, and it's great.

Teresa P · Nov 25, 2015

Both my bottles, the 10ml the first time and a 30ml the second time, came from BCV.

Huckleberried · Nov 25, 2015

Hmmm. Interesting news.

Daintanee · Nov 25, 2015

Huckleberried said:
Hmmm. Interesting news.

Huck, you look so darn cute

Daintanee · Nov 28, 2015

Happy late Turkey Day All!

WhiteHighlights · Nov 28, 2015

It was a tough decision, which to mix first -- Cranberry Jam Muffins or Cranapple Tart? Both sound so good and fitting for Thanksgiving. I went with the 'Voodoo' Muffins and wow! Yummy and rich. Best of all it's not adding to my waistline!

Thank you HIC!!!!

Amour juice · Nov 29, 2015

HIC
I've been looking for a good peach an cream
But not with ginger. Is there another you think I can use . I'm not much on the holiday flavoring .

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

HeadInClouds · Nov 29, 2015

karen fuller said:
HIC
I've been looking for a good peach an cream
But not with ginger.

FA White Peach is a beautiful, beautiful flavor - one with many fans. Have you tried it yet (standalone, anywhere 2-3%)? It's very good just like that. I usually add FA Peach with it for some sweeter, milder peaches. Do you have a favorite FA or other brand cream flavor? Just combine and taste. FA White Peach is strong enough to stand up to any of them.

SteveMc · Nov 29, 2015

HeadInClouds said:
(FA Joy 10ml & larger in stock: http://www.ecigexpress.com/diy-e-liquid/diy-e-liquid-flavors/flavourart-usa/joy-by-flavourart.html )

New today at HIC's Mixes: Lemon Pudding Cake

View attachment 26204

"Rich, dense, lemony Bundt cake made with pudding in the batter, and glaze made with fresh lemon juice. This recipe requires FlavourArt flavorings, including their new Joy flavor and Torrone, plus The Flavor Apprentice's Cheesecake Graham Crust flavor. All flavorings used are diketone-free! "

Hi there, I've bought the recipe, thanks.

I see that it says no substitutions but will ask this anyway. Would I have to buy The Flavor Apprentice's Cheesecake Graham Crust flavor or would your Homemade Cheesecake do the job as well? I made some of that up a while ago.

WhiteHighlights · Nov 29, 2015

SteveMc said:
Hi there, I've bought the recipe, thanks.
I see that it says no substitutions but will ask this anyway. Would I have to buy The Flavor Apprentice's Cheesecake Graham Crust flavor or would your Homemade Cheesecake do the job as well? I made some of that up a while ago.

Steve, my guess is that the Homevape Cheesecake wouldn't work because it's just the filling, not the crust that the TFA adds to the mix. I haven't made this one yet (it's on my long HIC to-do list) but I'm thinking the crust element is key.

SteveMc · Nov 29, 2015

WhiteHighlights said:
Steve, my guess is that the Homevape Cheesecake wouldn't work because it's just the filling, not the crust that the TFA adds to the mix. I haven't made this one yet (it's on my long HIC to-do list) but I'm thinking the crust element is key.

Thanks, WhiteHighlights. I thought the same tbh but hoped otherwise. I'll get some CGC ordered.

Huckleberried · Nov 29, 2015

SteveMc said:
Thanks, WhiteHighlights. I thought the same tbh but hoped otherwise. I'll get some CGC ordered.

You'll end up using it frequently. I just re-ordered that one in a 120.

HeadInClouds · Nov 29, 2015

@SteveMc - WhiteHighlights and Huck pretty much said it all.

My homevape version is just not quite right for that recipe. TFA Cheesecake Graham Crust also has no diketones, and the slightly coconutty-graham crust bit in it can be used for all kinds of special effects, not just cheesecakes.

Huckleberried · Nov 29, 2015

HeadInClouds said:
slightly coconutty-graham crust bit

Oh man... I love that part of it. It peeks out from time to time just long enough to tease me. Perfect coconut taste in that instant.

Teresa P · Nov 29, 2015

Shark Vape said:
FA White Peach is phenomenal but FA peach not the best flavor to mix with it IMO. There is no other flavor like it. But it mixes best with Inawera peach.
This little secret tidbit is what took my peach juice over the top.

Well sh*t, there's another one for the ongoing BCV cart.....LOL!

Huckleberried · Nov 29, 2015

I believe you.

GingerVapes · Nov 30, 2015

I interrupt the scheduled programming......

FYI Fasttech has a quiet sale going on today, use XMAS for 10% off everything in your cart! I just saved a bundle!

Resuming scheduled programming....

ClaireW · Dec 1, 2015

GingerVapes said:
I interrupt the scheduled programming......

FYI Fasttech has a quiet sale going on today, use XMAS for 10% off everything in your cart! I just saved a bundle!

Resuming scheduled programming....

Of course! I just placed a order a few days ago. But Ft is always a deal

Got an istick and a bunch of coils.

HeadInClouds · Dec 1, 2015

(if you don't know what brandy snaps are: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2451643/brandy-snaps)

New today at HIC's Mixes : Brandy Snaps

"Tastes like those brittle, lacy, brandied butterscotch-ginger cookies that Grandma would fill with flavored whipped cream. The sweet cream here is swirled with brandy, vanilla, and citrus, for a tasty holiday treat. This recipe uses FlavourArt flavorings including Brandy, TFA Brown Sugar, and Nature's Flavors Ginger (Ginger contains diketones)."

kiwivaper · Dec 1, 2015

"GLOBAL CONSPIRACY CONFIRMED"- todays release of Brandy Snaps by the flavor terrorist known as HIC is confirmation of the seedy side of flavor retail.. the proof, discount sales at most retailers makes one purchase and stock up on flavors, then a day after you order and pay HIC releases another recipe with ONE flavor you don't have forcing you to place another flavor order!!! " its a CONSPIRACY I tell ya - flavor terrorism of the tastiest kind"

HeadInClouds · Dec 1, 2015

Just trying to expand your flavor horizons, @kiwivaper !

(I did notice some Black Friday sales I jumped on were better deals on Turquoise Saturday, Chartreuse Sunday, or whatever the heck they call it; maybe we'll see more awesome deals on flavoring as the month progresses...)

Heartsdelight · Dec 1, 2015

HeadInClouds said:
(if you don't know what brandy snaps are: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2451643/brandy-snaps)

New today at HIC's Mixes : Brandy Snaps
View attachment 34873
"Tastes like those brittle, lacy, brandied butterscotch-ginger cookies that Grandma would fill with flavored whipped cream. The sweet cream here is swirled with brandy, vanilla, and citrus, for a tasty holiday treat. This recipe uses FlavourArt flavorings including Brandy, TFA Brown Sugar, and Nature's Flavors Ginger (Ginger contains diketones)."

Can I have a hip, hip hooray!? I have all the ingredients to make this! Yay!!! Will make this tomorrow

Teresa P · Dec 1, 2015

Heartsdelight said:
Can I have a hip, hip hooray!? I have all the ingredients to make this! Yay!!! Will make this tomorrow

Me too! I'm giddy!

Teresa P · Dec 1, 2015

@HeadInClouds, I have about 3/4 of your recipes but only a few are showing up in my Gum Road library. How do I go about adding the rest of them?

HeadInClouds · Dec 1, 2015

Teresa P said:
@HeadInClouds, I have about 3/4 of your recipes but only a few are showing up in my Gum Road library. How do I go about adding the rest of them?

You probably just need to do this: https://help.gumroad.com/11164-Payments/how-do-i-add-a-product-to-my-library
(and if you don't have your receipts, let me know which you need, and I'll send copies of them first.)

Teresa P · Dec 1, 2015

HeadInClouds said:
You probably just need to do this: https://help.gumroad.com/11164-Payments/how-do-i-add-a-product-to-my-library
(and if you don't have your receipts, let me know which you need, and I'll send copies of them first.)

Thank you, I'll surely give that a try! I have all my emails, would those count as proof of purchase or do I need something else to stand as a receipt?

HeadInClouds · Dec 1, 2015

Teresa P said:
I have all my emails, would those count as proof of purchase or do I need something else to stand as a receipt?

those emails ARE your receipts, so you have what you need to do that.

Teresa P · Dec 3, 2015

HeadInClouds said:
(if you don't know what brandy snaps are: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2451643/brandy-snaps)

New today at HIC's Mixes : Brandy Snaps
View attachment 34873
"Tastes like those brittle, lacy, brandied butterscotch-ginger cookies that Grandma would fill with flavored whipped cream. The sweet cream here is swirled with brandy, vanilla, and citrus, for a tasty holiday treat. This recipe uses FlavourArt flavorings including Brandy, TFA Brown Sugar, and Nature's Flavors Ginger (Ginger contains diketones)."

This is soooo gooooooooooood!!!!!!!

Heartsdelight · Dec 3, 2015

Teresa P said:
This is soooo gooooooooooood!!!!!!!

Just made a 10 ml sample @ 8% flavoring & it's yummy! Did you let it sit a day or two or vape it right away?

Teresa P · Dec 3, 2015

I actually just made it yesterday, but I have no self-discipline whatsoever....lol! But if it's this good now, just think how much better it'll be tomorrow.

Heartsdelight · Dec 3, 2015

Teresa P said:
I actually just made it yesterday, but I have no self-discipline whatsoever....lol! But if it's this good now, just think how much better it'll be tomorrow.

Me either lol! Thanks! Off to make 30 ml or 60 ml.

Teresa P · Dec 3, 2015

50w in my little teapot rda and it's divine.....

Teresa P · Dec 3, 2015

Just found the last tank of Crackin' Oat Cereal I made a month ago, and holy moly! I do love this one, please make it, I highly advise. Just be sure you wait at least three days to vape it, that's when it gets REALLY good - but after a month? WOW.....

retrox · Dec 4, 2015

That's great to hear, Teresa P. Tomorrow will be day 3 for my Crackin' Oats sampler. If it tastes half as good tomorrow as it smells tonight, I'll be making a big bottle of this.

HeadInClouds · Dec 4, 2015

Teresa P said:
Crackin' Oat Cereal ... wait at least three days to vape it, that's when it gets REALLY good - but after a month? WOW.....

That's one even I like to steep, but 1-2 days suits me, and it sure never lasts a whole month.

How big was your batch? My theory is that smaller batches (in general, not just this recipe) steep faster. I've noticed that with 6ml versus 20-30ml batches. Someday I plan to put that to a real, scientific test...

Teresa P · Dec 4, 2015

HeadInClouds said:
That's one even I like to steep, but 1-2 days suits me, and it sure never lasts a whole month.

How big was your batch? My theory is that smaller batches (in general, not just this recipe) steep faster. I've noticed that with 6ml versus 20-30ml batches. Someday I plan to put that to a real, scientific test...

I only made a 15ml to test. Of course I just had to try it immediately (even though you said not to -

- lol!), and it really had no taste at all. Waited till the next day and tried again, but flavor was faint. The third day was when the true "oat" flavor popped out for me. I vaped a couple tanks after that and then got totally addicted to Irish Malt Ice Cream (good Lord, I just mixed my third 30ml bottle of that stuff!!), then found the tiny bit of Crackin Oat I'd forgotten on my desk last night. Believe me, had it not gotten lost in a sea of bottles, it never would have lasted a month.
I do agree that smaller batches steep more quickly. Less volume to blend? I dunno, I'm clueless....

Yooperdad · Dec 4, 2015

Teresa P said:
Just found the last tank of Crackin' Oat Cereal I made a month ago, and holy moly! I do love this one, please make it, I highly advise. Just be sure you wait at least three days to vape it, that's when it gets REALLY good - but after a month? WOW.....

Looking for a source for the NF Malt extract. Any help here? Thanks.

HeadInClouds · Dec 4, 2015

Yooperdad said:
Looking for a source for the NF Malt extract. Any help here? Thanks.

in stock here: https://highdesertvapes.com/products/Nature's-Flavors-Natural-Malt-Flavor-Extract.html
coupon code DIY gets 20% all flavorings til the end of Dec.

(because you liked Almond Roca Butter Cookies, I just know you're going to like that Malt flavor!)

Huckleberried · Dec 4, 2015

Yooperdad said:
Looking for a source for the NF Malt extract. Any help here? Thanks.

https://highdesertvapes.com/products/Nature's-Flavors-Natural-Malt-Flavor-Extract.html

Huckleberried · Dec 4, 2015

Ooops.

HIC's Mixes: DIY recipes store

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