On June 12th, during one of KillerJuices weekly Blitz Sales (15ml bottles of eliquid for 99¢, with a maximum order of five bottles from that weeks selection, usually 3-5 juices from KillerJuices larger retail line-up), I ordered four bottles of KillerJuice RY4---one each at 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, and 24mg per ml nicotine strength. I mean, cmon, 60ml of a good custom RY4 that uses natural ingredients for only $7.46 shipped? Despite having enough RY4s in my stash to choke the proverbial horse---more than 160 retail RY4s comprising almost three liters in all, plus another full liter of DIY RY4s from all-in-one premixes or made from scratch---I figured that seven bucks more wouldnt make much of a difference one way or the other.
In part, I wanted to see to what extent, if any, different liquid nic concentrations might affect the taste of KJs retail RY4. Sure, I could do this myself with homemade DIY juices, but there was a certain objectivity about doing it with a retail juice.
I felt also that this was an ideal opportunity for me to see where I am regarding nicotine in my own personal vaping journey. When I began vaping in October 2010, my liquids were all 24mg nic. I needed a strong throat hit to make the transition from cigarettes to vaping. About two years ago, I went down to 18mg, and Ive hovered between 15mg and 18mg ever since. Throat hit is not nearly as important to me as it was initially, so perhaps I could lower my nic intake even further with no loss of satisfaction.
Today I got out the 6ml and 24ml bottles of KillerJuice RY4 that have been steeping for a couple weeks and atty-dripped some of each. The results, while far from scientific were noteworthy.
First, my perception was that taste/flavor of the two liquids was essentially identical. No difference that I could discern. I expected the 6mg version to taste a little flat, since that has been my experience with zero nic juices, but it didn't. I wouldn't call it "bright" or "sparkling," but it tasted fine to my palate, and the 24mg version didn't taste any more flavorful.
The difference was in the impact. The 6mg RY4 had a softness accompanied by a mild but surprisingly effective throat hit. I didn't anticipate that the 6mg version would have any perceptible throat hit, since I'm accustomed to vaping at 18mg, but there it was. By contrast, the 24mg RY4 was razor sharp and kicked like a mule, with a massive throat hit. I was a little shocked to discover that the TH was way too much for me. I actively didnt like it, as it seemed to almost overwhelm the flavor of the juice. That reaction was immediate and sustained. I actually preferred the 6mg version, and not just a little. The 6mg KillerJuice RY4 won by a mile for me, judged on the basis of enjoyment and satisfaction.
I make no bones about being a nicotine junkie. Heck, Ive been addicted to nicotine for 45 years. Nic is my drug of choice for self-medication to keep my brain and nervous system sufficiently stimulated. Apparently, however, vaping is gradually weaning me off nicotine. Go figure. I think this test---informal and subjective though it is---implies that its time for me to reduce nic strength from 18mg to 12mg in the juices I make or buy. 6mg might be adequate, but I think 12mg will be more comfortable for awhile.
As a footnote, I'll re-confirm my opinion that KillerJuice makes a pleasing Custom RY4. No, its not spectacular and wont ever break into the A graded group, but its a good, solid B to B+.
In part, I wanted to see to what extent, if any, different liquid nic concentrations might affect the taste of KJs retail RY4. Sure, I could do this myself with homemade DIY juices, but there was a certain objectivity about doing it with a retail juice.
I felt also that this was an ideal opportunity for me to see where I am regarding nicotine in my own personal vaping journey. When I began vaping in October 2010, my liquids were all 24mg nic. I needed a strong throat hit to make the transition from cigarettes to vaping. About two years ago, I went down to 18mg, and Ive hovered between 15mg and 18mg ever since. Throat hit is not nearly as important to me as it was initially, so perhaps I could lower my nic intake even further with no loss of satisfaction.
Today I got out the 6ml and 24ml bottles of KillerJuice RY4 that have been steeping for a couple weeks and atty-dripped some of each. The results, while far from scientific were noteworthy.
First, my perception was that taste/flavor of the two liquids was essentially identical. No difference that I could discern. I expected the 6mg version to taste a little flat, since that has been my experience with zero nic juices, but it didn't. I wouldn't call it "bright" or "sparkling," but it tasted fine to my palate, and the 24mg version didn't taste any more flavorful.
The difference was in the impact. The 6mg RY4 had a softness accompanied by a mild but surprisingly effective throat hit. I didn't anticipate that the 6mg version would have any perceptible throat hit, since I'm accustomed to vaping at 18mg, but there it was. By contrast, the 24mg RY4 was razor sharp and kicked like a mule, with a massive throat hit. I was a little shocked to discover that the TH was way too much for me. I actively didnt like it, as it seemed to almost overwhelm the flavor of the juice. That reaction was immediate and sustained. I actually preferred the 6mg version, and not just a little. The 6mg KillerJuice RY4 won by a mile for me, judged on the basis of enjoyment and satisfaction.
I make no bones about being a nicotine junkie. Heck, Ive been addicted to nicotine for 45 years. Nic is my drug of choice for self-medication to keep my brain and nervous system sufficiently stimulated. Apparently, however, vaping is gradually weaning me off nicotine. Go figure. I think this test---informal and subjective though it is---implies that its time for me to reduce nic strength from 18mg to 12mg in the juices I make or buy. 6mg might be adequate, but I think 12mg will be more comfortable for awhile.
As a footnote, I'll re-confirm my opinion that KillerJuice makes a pleasing Custom RY4. No, its not spectacular and wont ever break into the A graded group, but its a good, solid B to B+.
