I usually notice the comparison running in the opposite direction, namely that certain NCs seem to be aping the flavor profiles of classic cubans, usually without the balance or smoothness of the CC, but with enough similarity to make a favorable comparison. For instance, the Punch Rare Corojo crystale tubo tasted to me like a slightly watered down Montecristo #2. The Perdomo ESV 91 robusto tasted like a rough PSD4, the Rocky Patel Olde World Corojo tasted like a slighty bitter Juan Lopez No. 2, and more favorably, the Don Pepin Garcia Blue Generosos (which I love) was every bit as smooth and deliciously gingerbread tasting as an HDM petit Robusto, only twice it lasted twice as long at the about same price price tag.
