The Untold Story Behind RY4: The Legendary Flavor That Shaped Vaping

RY4 has become a legendary flavor in the vaping world, known for its perfect balance of tobacco, caramel, and vanilla. Though nearly two decades old, its influence is still widely felt, and it continues to be discussed on vaping forums by both newcomers and long-time enthusiasts. RY4 is not just an e-liquid flavor; it represents a milestone in the industry, shaping how flavors are developed and appreciated. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its innovation, offering a rich and satisfying experience that continues to captivate vapers worldwide.

The Birth of RY4

The story of RY4 begins with the collaboration of an innovative e-cigarette company. The company aimed to produce a more delicious and complex tobacco flavor rather than merely imitating traditional tobacco. At that time, most tobacco flavors on the market were subpar, often featuring harsh and artificial notes that failed to satisfy vapers. This initiative sought to break through that dilemma by crafting a more enjoyable experience.

To bring this vision to life, the company commissioned a dedicated R&D team led by Yao Jide, a pioneering figure in e-liquid development. Yao Jide, who later founded Hangsen, is often recognized as the “Godfather of E-Liquid” due to his significant contributions to the early development of e-liquid flavorings. His experience and insight into flavor development positioned him as the perfect leader for this groundbreaking project.

The development team initially experimented with flavors such as RY1, RY2, and RY3, each version aiming to capture the balance between the earthy richness of tobacco and subtle sweetness. However, none of these early versions managed to strike the perfect balance. They either leaned too heavily on the tobacco flavor or pushed sweetness too far. The real breakthrough came with RY4, which finally mastered the delicate blend of tobacco, caramel, and vanilla.

RY4 was more than just a flavor—it played a crucial role in the early development of the e-cigarette industry. Its unique taste was instrumental in the wider adoption of vaping. Unlike other e-liquids of the time that still focused on simply mimicking traditional cigarettes, RY4 surpassed those limitations, introducing a flavor that truly defined what made e-cigarettes distinct. 

The Evolution and Lasting of RY4

Once RY4 was introduced, its popularity skyrocketed. It was more than just a flavor—it offered a vaping experience that bridged the gap between traditional smokers and those looking for more complex, enjoyable flavors. The versatility of RY4 led to new adaptations, with manufacturers tweaking the original recipe, experimenting with different balances between tobacco, caramel, and vanilla to suit varying tastes.

RY4’s adaptability also extended to the evolving vaping technology. Starting with the original 70PG:30VG formula, it gradually expanded into 50VG:50PG freebase, and eventually transitioned into high VG liquids for sub-ohm vaping and nicotine salts for pod systems. These changes ensured its relevance in a rapidly changing market. This flexibility helped RY4 appeal to a wide range of vapers, whether they preferred a traditional mouth-to-lung (MTL) experience or direct-to-lung (DTL) style.

Beyond its technical evolution, RY4 has left a lasting mark on the e-liquid industry. Its influence can be seen in the countless sweet tobacco flavors available today, with many brands drawing inspiration from its original blend. Halo’s Tribeca and River Vapes' sweet tobacco offerings are just a couple of examples of flavors that echo the balance of tobacco, caramel, and vanilla that RY4 perfected. Nearly every sweet tobacco e-liquid traces some element of its flavor profile back to the RY4 formula, cementing its place as one of the most iconic and influential e-liquids in vaping history.

The Legacy of the Original RY4 Flavor

Over the years, many discussions on vaping forums have speculated that the original classic RY4 formula may have been lost following the decline of the company that originally created it.

However, Yao Jide, who played a key role in the original RY4 project, has retained what is believed to be the closest version of the original formula. Hangsen’s RY4 offerings are considered some of the most authentic representations of the original flavor, capturing the spirit of the formula that first captivated vapers nearly two decades ago.

RY4: The Essential Ingredient for DIY Flavor Innovators

For many DIY enthusiasts, RY4 serves as a foundational element in their flavor creations. Users often start by incorporating RY4 as a base flavor, adjusting the concentration to suit personal tastes, typically starting with a ratio of 10%-20%. Many also allow their RY4 blends to steep over time, enhancing the integration of flavors, while adjusting the PG/VG ratios to suit their vaping devices. Additionally, RY4 can be blended with various fruits, nuts, and dessert flavors, allowing DIY users to create unique and innovative flavor combinations that reflect their personal preferences.

Hangsen’s RY4 concentrate is one of the best-selling products in the DIY market, featured in countless recipes, receiving widespread acclaim from the DIY community. Over the years, a vast user base has shared their experiences and insights, enriching the online resources available to those interested in flavor crafting. This collective knowledge, built over more than a decade of development, represents a valuable asset in the vaping community, showcasing diverse recipes and techniques that continue to inspire both new and experienced DIYers.

RY4 stands as a testament to the evolution of e-liquids, marking a significant turning point in how flavors are crafted and enjoyed. As it continues to be a beloved choice for vapers worldwide, RY4 represents a unique flavor and a remarkable journey that has shaped the vaping industry.