mase21

Don't go too hard on the Bavarian Cream... it can make it taste bitter if you over-do it   I'd add in another 1-3ml in 1ml shots to see how it does...  Also, Bavarian Cream will get stronger after mixing...or you'll taste it more after a day or two... so what tastes good right after mixing may be too strong after it steeps a bit?

BTW, steeping in the microwave isn't necessary... but it is "fast", lol...  Floating the bottles in a warm water bath is also acceptable for accelerating the steeping process... but it is less about the heat and more about mixing... heating excites the molecules causing them to move, thus mixing the flavors through Physics, rather than physical exertion.  Thorough mixing when you're making them... using a vibration table, sonic cleaner, or magnetic stirrer works wonders for making a better blend.
I find (when I don't use my magnetic mixer) leaving the cap off, and putting them into an area that is warm (on a shelf above the stove, or in a room that gets a little warmer than the rest) works far better than "cooking" the juice... slow aging and daily shaking makes for a far better flavor, and depending on the juice, it will only take 2-10 days to fully "evolve" the flavor.

I use rice in a bowl for "speed steeping". I pour a bag of rice in a mixing bowl and heat it dry in the microwave for a minute (literally!) then stick my bottles in it and cover it with a towel. Let it sit until the rice is cool. Take out the bottles and give 'em a good shake. I find it cuts steep time about 2 days for each rice "bath".
Got the idea from work! We use 'rice bags' for residents in our facility who have chronic pain. They work especially well for back and joint pain, and we use less pain medication.