Vapers are often looking for ways to step up their game and improve the way they use their vapes. One way to take your vaping to the next level is to steep your own vape juice. Take a look at the similarities this practice shares with brewing your own beer to figure out if it’s something you’d like to try.
Home Brewing Beer
For more than 5,000 years, humans have been brewing their own beer. In 2013, home-brewing became legal across the United States. Just four years later, the number of people who brewed their own beer had grown to 1.1 million in the nation. Among those who identify as home-brewers, 40 percent started within the past four years.
Vaping Roots
Although vaping is relatively new to the United States, it has been around in other countries for centuries. The practice traces its roots back to ancient India and Egypt. Vaping has become more popular in the United States, especially among smokers who are trying to quit the habit. Using a vape or e-cigarette can eliminate some of the risks that come with smoking, so it’s a healthier alternative in many cases.
In 2003, the first e-cigarette was successfully released in the U.S. As of 2018, just 15 years later, 1 in 20 Americans uses a vaping device. That adds up to 10.8 million people across the nation. Some of these vapers are looking to create their own flavors and formulations of vape juice. Learn more about home-brewing vape juice (link here, TBD) and how to make your own.
DIY Vape Juice versus Home-Brewed Beer
If you’re familiar with the process of brewing your own beer, the idea of making your own vape juice shouldn’t feel too overwhelming. When you brew beer, you need the right ingredients and equipment. Examples include a large stock pot, a measuring cup, a strainer, a metal spoon, a thermometer, an airlock, a siphon, bottles, caps, and a bottle-filler and capper. The ingredients for home-brewed beer include yeast, malt extract, water, and hops. In both processes, using clean equipment, safe practices, and proper sterilization are some of the most vital aspects.
To make your own vape juice, you’ll need ingredients like propylene glycol, nicotine, flavorings, and vegetable glycerin. The equipment list includes disposable pipettes, a calculator (or the app on your phone), a scale, glass bottles, gloves, and dropper caps. The process takes between three days and three weeks, depending on how long the flavors need to steep. When you make your own vape juice, the yield is often between 120 and 240 mL.
Benefits of DIY Vape Juice
Making your own vape juice comes with several key benefits. You can save money on expensive cartridges and get more use out of what you make. If you can’t find the exact flavor combination you’re looking for on the market, simply make the flavor you want. Taste test along the way to make adjustments to the flavor as needed.
With the similarities they share, home-brewed beer and homemade vape juice could go well together. Consider your favorite flavor pairings and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
