I don't know how it is with other countries, but Cuba is known to cycle through tobacco strains like someone changing out rolls of toilet paper. The reason the 12/13 vintage cigars were well-received is they were the first years to receive an experimental strain that was exceedingly close to the Corojo they used through the 80s and 90s. Please don't ask for a source as I read it around that time on the Friends of Habanos forum. It's probably still there, buried in some old thread.
Around 2015 is when I started noticing that a lot of the blends were tasting more similar while old favorites seemed to undergo a blend change. Two examples: Ramon Allones Specially Selected I smoked in 2007-2010 were like honey toast, with a fantastic muskiness. When I restocked those in 2014 or so, they have become much more raisiny and lost the musk. Same with Upmann Magnum 50, another one I used to stock and favor. It began like muted sugar and salt, then just grew and grew into a glorious, complex experience. Last time I had one several years ago, it was like fruity coffee. I couldn't believe they were the same cigar.
Around 2015 is when I started noticing that a lot of the blends were tasting more similar while old favorites seemed to undergo a blend change. Two examples: Ramon Allones Specially Selected I smoked in 2007-2010 were like honey toast, with a fantastic muskiness. When I restocked those in 2014 or so, they have become much more raisiny and lost the musk. Same with Upmann Magnum 50, another one I used to stock and favor. It began like muted sugar and salt, then just grew and grew into a glorious, complex experience. Last time I had one several years ago, it was like fruity coffee. I couldn't believe they were the same cigar.
