Or is it? Why would you steep your e-liquid? How would you steep your e-liquid – and do you really need to?
Steeping means to soak or be soaked in a liquid in order to soften/cleanse or extract an element. So when discussing steeping e-liquid – it is all about extracting more flavour.
On one of the forums I found a little discussion about steeping and was intrigued – I thought surely the flavour remains the same? You buy a bottle of e-liquid or make your own and that is that. If it did change, wouldn’t it depend on how many drops of flavouring you added to your mix and the method of storage? i.e., don’t leave it out in the heat on a sunny day with the cap off (never a good idea).
I was right about the storage. To keep your e-liquid – whether pre-mixed or home mixed – in the best condition it is advised to keep it at average room temp and out of direct sunlight. Some connoisseurs on the forum suggest basement/cellar temperatures, having discovered that tobacco flavours become darker, richer and more intense over time when stored underground. Slightly cooler it seems is better, but steeping?
A simple method of steeping that many of you probably do without even thinking is giving the bottle a good shake before you use it. Some prefer to swirl the liquid around the bottle, but whichever method you choose you are in effect making sure that the ingredients are evenly distributed in the e-liquid. The heavier particles fall to the bottom of the bottle when it is not in use, and it could be argued that they are in effect ‘steeping’. Swirling and shaking loosens up the ‘steeped’ particles, and creates a more even and stronger flavour.
Below is another steeping method I like the sound of, and is for those of you that mix your own e-juice.
Boil some water and place it in a bowl, allow to cool for a few minutes. Place you bottle of freshly mixed e-liquid in it, (not covered – you don’t want it to drown) and leave it there until the surrounding water is room temp. Place the bottle in the dark, somewhere cool, for 4-6 days, and you will find the flavour is generally deeper and more rounded than if merely mixed and immediately vaped.