The flavour apprentice

[whiteshep]

So just mixed up my first batch of eliquid and realised 10ml of flavour concentrate is not going to last long so went looking for concentrates in bigger bottles.  Found the flavour apprentice which I could buy in 30 & 100ml bottles but as I'm new to this don't know anything about them in terms of are they good quality do they have anything in them that's not good so thought I'd ask here and get the veterans opinions  Anything aappreciated including alternatives that you guys have found good.  Working hard at the minute not to go try the juice I've already made I'm determined to let it steep till Xmas day  so its at its best but not easy lol.

[smifee]

I've liked every TFA concentrate that I've used.

French Vanilla Deluxe is one I use a lot but it has been replaced by French Vanilla Cream. Still got a few mls of FVD to use before trying the replacement.

[ceedee]

TFA are generally great concentrates but if you're just starting out mixing your own juice, I'd seriously recommend you experiment with a few other manufacturers (eg. FlavourArt, MBV) and some blended flavours (in particular check out Chefs Vapours' Unbranded range and Pink Spot), rather than spend a lot of money on big bottles of single flavours you might be bored with in six months.

[prowler]

TFA/TPA flavours are all good [according to your taste] in my opinion.

My favourites are ..

Cubano Type @ 17%
Jamaican Rum @ 20%
Blueberry @ 10%
Cinnamon Spice @ 4% [better in mix with other flavour]
Banana Nut Bread @ 15%

I'm sure I've used more but they come to mind.

[rughead121]

If you are looking for bigger bottles of concentrate it might be worth looking at UK Flavours 30ml concentrate for £2.69 and free delivery you can afford to try a few different ones.

Most of their flavours are VERY similar to the flavour apprentice if you know what I mean

[whiteshep]

Thanks for the suggestions I'll have a look at those although boredom not a problem I intend to build up a 20 flavour stash so always have plenty of options. Fruits have been my all day vape for the last year and been looking for nice coffee so not exactly Mr dynamic on the flavour front .

[smifee]

Dec 16, 2014 21:25:30 GMT whiteshep said:

Thanks for the suggestions I'll have a look at those although boredom not a problem I intend to build up a 20 flavour stash so always have plenty of options. Fruits have been my all day vape for the last year and been looking for nice coffee so not exactly Mr dynamic on the flavour front .

Café Brasiliano from Decadent Vapours is the best coffee concentrate that I've found.

Been vaping Caramelo Brasiliano all afternoon.

[whiteshep]

Thanks for that smifee nothing better sometimes then a good coffee vape only non fruit flavour I really vape although now I'm making my own and won't cost so much I might play with others.

[izan]

Dec 16, 2014 16:32:51 GMT prowler said:

TFA/TPA flavours are all good [according to your taste] in my opinion.

My favourites are ..

Cubano Type @ 17%
Jamaican Rum @ 20%
Blueberry @ 10%
Cinnamon Spice @ 4% [better in mix with other flavour]
Banana Nut Bread @ 15%

I'm sure I've used more but they come to mind.

Trying to refine a good BBry myself.

Which of the TPA/TFA blueberries did you use?
Did you add any sour notes to the mix? (lemon or other?)
Thanks
I

[prowler]

izan
Looking at my orders, it seems I got this from ecigwizard, so it may have been a discontinued line.

I mix both blueberry and raspberry with 4% flavour arts Anise.

I find blueberry the hardest concentrate to use. There is just one sweet spot where a mix works. Too weak or too strong and all you can smell/taste is chemicals.

[izan]

Dec 20, 2014 22:47:33 GMT prowler said:

izan
Looking at my orders, it seems I got this from ecigwizard, so it may have been a discontinued line.

I mix both blueberry and raspberry with 4% flavour arts Anise.

I find blueberry the hardest concentrate to use. There is just one sweet spot where a mix works. Too weak or too strong and all you can smell/taste is chemicals.

Hmm... Thanks mate... I'll add it to the "database" in my head.

Cheers
I

[whiteshep]

Well got eight flavours coming from UK flavours thanks for mentioning them rug what percentages have you found good to use I've got five normal concentrates and three triple strength coming. My first batch from my mixing kit is capable but weak on flavour which I started off at 10% capella flavours but have upped to 20% and still weak going to up them another 5% tomorrow see if that helps.

[Perpetua]

For standalone mixes . . . I'd start at 20% whiteshep, I've found them on a par to Capella & TPA for strength.

The triple strength I don't have much experience of, other than to say the VC I have isn't 3 times the intensity of the regular range for my taste buds, so maybe around 15% for them.

[rughead121]

Dec 27, 2014 3:04:10 GMT whiteshep said:

Well got eight flavours coming from UK flavours thanks for mentioning them rug what percentages have you found good to use I've got five normal concentrates and three triple strength coming. My first batch from my mixing kit is capable but weak on flavour which I started off at 10% capella flavours but have upped to 20% and still weak going to up them another 5% tomorrow see if that helps.

As Perpetua said I would go around 20% for standard concentrates.

My experience with the triple concentrates are a bit hit & miss.The Vanilla custard I use between 10%-15% The tobacco flavours I used at 4%.

When you mix you will probably find that the flavour will intensify and develop with some steeping. For example the UKF Caramel is quite weak at 20% after 3 days. but after 2 weeks it is lovely and creamy caramel almost toffee like.

[monty]

If your buying flavours you haven't tried before I would say buy a bunch of 10ml concentrates. Make 10ml of each, any you don't like put aside and try again after 2 months. If they haven't improved by steeping put them in the classies, don't leave them lying about for ages and then pitch them because you think they're too old now to resell (kick self}

Shelf life varies. I've had coffee that is past its best in six months and baccys that last 9 months. But others that taste fine after 2 years. Make a plan to order concentrates every 3,4 or 6 months and clear the dross out before you reorder. Buying from Flavourers Apprentice is good. I buy from the manufacturer if I can otherwise from a vendor I think has a good turnover.