The Flavor Apprentice

The Flavor Apprentice (TFA) concentrates

The Flavor Apprentice (TFA), also known as The Perfumer’s Apprentice, is one of the most widely used concentrate brands in DIY mixing. The range includes everything from single fruits and candies to dessert, beverage and specialty profiles, which makes TFA suitable both for simple single-flavor mixes and for more structured recipes.

Where TFA fits in DIY mixing

TFA concentrates are used as the building blocks of DIY recipes, which is why they belong to the main concentrates category. Many mixers combine a few TFA flavors to build a profile from scratch, while others prefer a simpler route using one shot aromas where the profile is already balanced.

How to use TFA concentrates

TFA concentrates must always be diluted before use. In e-liquid mixing, the concentrate is blended into a VG/PG base until the desired final composition is reached, and nicotine can be added if required. If you already know the VG/PG ratio you want to work with, it is easiest to start from a suitable base liquid and then build the flavor profile on top.

Mixing approach and flavor strength

Concentration strength can vary between flavors and across brands, so it is often best to start with conservative percentages and adjust gradually. Many users find that TFA works especially well for “recipe building”, where single-note flavors and supporting accents are combined to shape the final profile.

Other applications

In addition to DIY e-liquid, flavor concentrates are also used in other flavor-based projects such as beverage experiments, desserts, syrups and aroma-focused applications. Suitability depends on the specific product and its ingredients, so product information should be reviewed and dilution should always start at very low levels.

Frequently asked questions

Are TFA concentrates ready to use?
No, TFA concentrates must always be diluted before use.

When should I choose concentrates instead of one shots?
Concentrates are ideal when you want full control and prefer building a recipe from separate flavors, while one shots are better for quick mixing with a pre-balanced profile.

Do TFA mixes require steeping?
Some profiles work well shortly after mixing, while dessert, cream and bakery-style blends often benefit from steeping.

What is TFA best known for compared to other brands?
TFA is widely used for recipe-friendly building blocks and a broad catalog of single-note flavors that are easy to combine in DIY recipes.