Sounds good PJ,
There is a wealth of knowledge here amongst our members and staff, and everyone is willing to help and advise other fellow e-smokers in any way they can.
As many have come to realize, like me.
I have spent far more on e-cigs than I ever would have on analogs. As like many others, I tend to buy a lot.
You will read and watch a lot of reviews, many of these fall heavily on the bias side. "Get what I have it is the best sort of thing."
IMHO, find something that you like and stick with that.
As for your question about DIY e-liquid, VG produces a heavier longer lasting vaper, but is also much thicker in viscosity. It should be thinned a bit in order for it to wick properly. I thin mine with PG, and use either a 60% PG to 40% VG mix, or a 50/50 mix, which produces clouds.
As for a minty menthol taste you can get some menthol crystals. I ordered some from
Mountain Rose Herbs | Bulk organic herbs, spices & essential oils
A little goes a long ways, too much and it will taste like vicks vapo rub. (A 4oz. bag will last a long time.)
Just try dissolving one small crystal in your mix, then only add more to achieve desired taste.