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§1. — E-Liquid Mixing Formats: A Complete Overview

The world of e-liquids has changed dramatically over the past few years. Where vapers once purchased a 10 ml bottle with a fixed nicotine strength, they now have the choice of a wide range of mixing formats, each serving a different use case. In this article, we cover the main formats: Longfill, Shortfill, Shake and Vape and Overdosed Flavors (also known as DIY concentrates). We also discuss the role of Nicotine Shots, the Chubby Gorilla bottle concept, the practice of Steeping, precise Dosing, and the regulatory framework under TPD2 regulations.

Choosing the right mixing format is crucial for both flavor quality and ease of use. Each format differs in nicotine-free base liquid, flavor concentrate dosage, and the volume of the end product. In the following sections, we cover each format in detail, including example tables and practical instructions.

§2. — Longfill: Maximum Flexibility at Large Volume

The Longfill format is designed for vapers who need high volumes while retaining full control over their nicotine intake. In a typical Longfill configuration, you receive a Chubby Gorilla 120 ml bottle containing approximately 60 ml: a pre-mixed combination of flavor concentrates in a nicotine-free VG/PG base. The remaining volume in the bottle is intended for the addition of multiple Nicotine Shots and, if desired, extra base liquid.

A Longfill is standardly supplied with the following components:

• 60 ml of flavored e-liquid (nicotine-free, typically 70% VG / 30% PG)
• 20 ml of empty space in the Chubby Gorilla bottle for additions
• Optionally: 4× 10 ml Nicotine Shots (each 18 mg/ml), packaged separately
• Optionally: extra VG base or PG base to top up the volume

Example: Mixing 20 mg/ml Nicotine in 100 ml

§3. — Shortfill: The Most Commonly Used Mixing Format

The Shortfill is the most popular mixing format in Europe and the United Kingdom. The principle is simple: you receive a 60 ml Chubby Gorilla bottle filled with 50 ml of nicotine-free e-liquid. The remaining 10 ml of empty space is just big enough for one 10 ml Nicotine Shot (typically 18 mg/ml).

The "short" part of Shortfill refers to the fact that the bottle is not completely filled. This empty space makes it possible to add nicotine without needing to purchase extra room. The end result is a 60 ml bottle with approximately 3 mg/ml nicotine (using 1 shot of 18 mg/ml).

Shortfill Overview Table

§4. — Shake and Vape: Quick and Easy Mixing

Shake and Vape is not a separate mixing format but rather a method for quickly preparing e-liquids. The principle: you add a small amount of flavor concentrate to your own base liquid, shake the bottle for a few seconds, and you can start vaping immediately. The term emphasizes ease of use — no long steeping time is required to reach an acceptable result.

Shake and Vape is often associated with Shortfills, where the manufacturer has already prepared an optimal flavor dosage. However, it also works perfectly with standalone concentrates when you want to adjust the concentration yourself.

Steps for Shake and Vape

1. Fill a Chubby Gorilla bottle with your desired VG/PG base (e.g. 70/30).
2. Add nicotine shots (if desired) and note the exact volume.
3. Add the flavor concentrate according to the recommended dosage (usually 5–15%).
4. Close the bottle and shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds.
5. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before your first vape (optional but recommended).

§5. — Overdosed Flavors: Concentrated Flavor for Advanced Users

Overdosed Flavors are flavor concentrates with a higher concentration than standard e-liquid flavors. While a standard e-liquid flavor is typically dosed at 5–15% of the total volume, Overdosed Flavors are dosed at 1–5%. This means that with a small bottle of concentrate, you can produce a large volume of e-liquid.

Overdosed Flavors are popular among DIY mixers who want to get the most value from their ingredients and desire full control over flavor strength. However, they require precise dosing practice — a few drops too many can result in an unpleasant or overpowering flavor profile.

Dosage Guidelines for Overdosed Flavors

§6. — Nicotine Shots and the Chubby Gorilla Bottle Concept

The Nicotine Shot is the key component within virtually every mixing format. A standard nicotine shot is a 10 ml bottle with a nicotine concentration of 18 mg/ml, available in either a VG-dominant or PG-dominant base. Nicotine shots are nicotine-free base liquid with added nicotine, intended to be added to existing e-liquids.

The Chubby Gorilla bottle is the industry standard for e-liquid bottles in the Netherlands and beyond. The design is recognizable by its cylindrical profile with a wide neck and a child-safe push-and-twist cap. Chubby Gorilla bottles are available in various sizes: 30 ml, 60 ml, 120 ml and 200 ml. The wide neck makes it easy to pour nicotine shots and extra base directly into the bottle.

Chubby Gorilla Sizes and Applications

§7. — Steeping and Dosing: The Art of Patience and Precision

Steeping refers to the process of allowing a freshly mixed e-liquid time to "mature." During steeping, physical and chemical processes occur in which the flavor molecules fully blend with the base liquid (VG/PG). The result is a fuller, deeper, and better-balanced flavor. Some complex flavor profiles — especially dessert and tobacco flavors — can benefit from steeping for 1 to 4 weeks.

The steeping method varies by mixer. The most commonly used methods are:

• Classic steeping: Store the bottle in a dark, cool place and shake it briefly once a day.
• Warm water method: Place the bottle in warm (not boiling) water to accelerate molecular activity. Suitable for shorter steeping periods.
• Vape-pen test: Periodically test a small amount to monitor the development of the flavor profile.

Steeping Times by Flavor Type

Dosing: Precision Is Everything

Dosing — the precise measuring of each ingredient — is the foundation of a good e-liquid. Always use a digital precision scale (accurate to 0.01 g) or a ml syringe for liquid concentrates. Dose by weight (grams) rather than volume (milliliters) for the most consistent results.

§8. — TPD2 Regulations: What Does It Mean for You as a Vaper or Mixer?

The TPD2 (Tobacco Products Directive 2) is the European directive that regulates the manufacture, sale, and presentation of tobacco products and related products — including e-liquids and vapes. This directive is in effect across all EU member states, including the Netherlands, and sets strict requirements for nicotine concentrations, packaging, labeling, and notification obligations.

Key TPD2 Rules for E-Liquids

• Nicotine limit: E-liquids may contain a maximum of 20 mg/ml nicotine.
• Packaging size: Retail sales to consumers are limited to bottles of up to 10 ml for nicotine-containing products.
• Shortfills & Longfills: These contain no nicotine and therefore fall outside the 10 ml rule. Nicotine is added by the consumer, which is legally considered end-user mixing.
• Labeling: Mandatory warning labels ("Dangerous substance — Avoid skin contact", age restrictions, ingredients list).
• Notification obligation: Manufacturers and importers must notify each new product to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) before it may be placed on the Dutch market.
• Nicotine shots: Subject to the same 10 ml / 20 mg/ml rules as all nicotine-containing e-liquids.

Summary of Mixing Formats and TPD2 Compatibility