Different cigars...or are they?

[DeeBeezy]

Last night, I lit up my first Vegas Robaina Unicos from my recently acquire BRE 19 box (Upmann factory). It tasted identical to a Monte 2 I smoked last month from a 2015 box I’m working my way through. 

I heard rumours in the past that Cuba sometimes roll a number of a cigars in a particular size (i.e. piramides) and only after do they slap on a band and decide what brand it should be. I personally hate and dispel these rumours as I think it’s unprofessional even by Cuba standards. 

I understand the VR Unicos and Monte 2 may be similar blends, however I find the Unicos generally richer with a much more pronounced biscuit and rich tobacco note. These cigars were however near identical. 

Do you buy the stories about Cuba? Have you ever had a similar experience?

[Wookie]

I could see how you might have had that experience with the Unicos. I find them to be somewhat inconsistent in flavor and construction, sometimes plugged. Famosos, on the other hand, routinely blow me away (always 93+) with superb flavor and construction. 

[El Presidente]

Quota tops all. 

If the stars and moon align, and you have a quota of VR Unicos, but not the leaf...but you have plenty of leaf for the Monte 2 you are rolling...keep rolling Monte 2 and use the VR band. The rollers don't know they are rolling Monte 2/VR Unicos/Partagas P2/Dip 2. 

I haven''t had a VR Unicos that tastes like a Monte 2. However I do know that they will do whatever is necessary to meet their quota.