Parkes Vaping may not be my #1 favorite vendor (NiteLiteVapor gets that award), but its a vendor I like quite a lot. Parkes lines of 18650 flashlight tube mods (Shine, Diamond, and Pawz) are terrific and inexpensive, and (like all 18650 mods) accommodate different battery combinations to allow vaping at 3.7, 5, 6, or 7.4 volts. I sampled a bunch of their juices---also reasonably priced at $3 for a 6ml bottle---including RY4 and their custom RY4-variant, called PV4 (same name as PrimeVapings juice). All of Parkes liquids are custom made-to-order, so they may benefit from a bit more steeping time than the four days Ive given them.
I purchased both juices at 24mg nic, in 70/30 PG/VG blends (base ratios are customer-specified). Both liquids have a golden-greenish tint---often an indication that Absolute was used in the tobacco base. RY4 is a lighter golden color, while PV4 is a bit darker amber.
I sampled both juices by dripping into a bonut-modified 1.6 ohm 306 atty powered by a VV ego battery running at 4.1 volts to provide about 10 watts of power.
My first draw on the RY4 said nuttiness to my brain. Not strong or forward nut flavor---unlike Ikenvape RY4 gold, for instance, with its strong nuttiness---but rather an aura of nuts, like the wrapping paper around a gift. Further draws peeled off the paper to reveal a completely unified core flavor carrying a slight sourness. The core mix is so seamless that I literally couldnt identify any of the components. Rather than individual flavors of tobacco, caramel, and vanilla, this RY4 has a single core taste without a name.
This is not an RY4 that grabs me with its brilliance or deliciousness. Its not subtle, per se, but very plain and unadorned.
Do I like ParkesVaping RY4? Some, but not much. While I do believe that thought and skill went into making it, Im not thrilled with the end result despite those efforts, and my ranking at
#45 reflects that.
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On to PV4, Parkes more custom RY4-variant. Ah, now this is more like it! Richer---much richer---with distinct flavors. Upon first draw, I get a strong hit of the signature tone of Tobacco Absolute. Not everyone loves Absolute, but I do. And its a one-two punch combination: Following the straight left jab of the tobacco is the knockout right hook of caramel---a dark, rich caramel. Wonderful. Takes me right back into the ball park of two of my recent favorites---Moondrop RY42 and Mom&PopVaporShop RY4. In all three of those juices, the winning formula is about Tobacco Absolute with a solid caramel and a whisp of vanilla. Mom&Pop is the sweetest---a true dessert vape---while ParkesVaping is the least sweet. All three qualify as stronger tobacco.
Because they are so similar (and darn good, at least to my taste buds), Im ranking these three right together, with ParkesVaping PV4 at
#12.
The one caveat to note is that if you dont like Tobacco Absolute (and some people dislike it intensely), then you should ignore my praise and high rankings for all three of these juices and avoid them like the plague. Youll be happier with an RY4 that uses a more neutral, synthetic tobacco base. Tobacco Absolute is something of an acquired taste, especially when this ultra-concentrated extract is mixed strong. If you like the exotic flavor of Absolute, however, PV4 is another stunning winner to add to your RY4 stash.
ParkesVaping RY4 Category Groups---
Sweet and Sour, Nutty, Balanced/Blended, So-So (undistinguished)
ParkesVaping PV4 Category Groups---Stronger Tobacco (less sweet), Caramel Rich, Variants (non-typical)
Parkes Tobacco Flavors
