I've searched for and bought a lot of souvenirs over the years, some simply for reputation, some because of a strains "reported" smell or flavor....
I've finally decided most claims are just merchandising terms used to create more sales and seldom reach an advertised result....but I remain hopeful even with some hyped breeders appear to be pushing out inconsistent strains by exaggerated claims .... I understand different phenos but does that actually explain some poor results?
Being a small grower, starting 3-5 plants per month, I'm always adjusting the que, of course based on previous grow results. Appears some of my collection is falling to a lower tier selection but I still love growing my weed and searching....
Just finished a ghost toof, double grape, northern cheese haze, 4 assed monkey.....if they weren't labeled, they were hard to differentiate in looks, smell or taste...all were good smoke but I do wish they'd actually be close to advertised.
For the most part you're right. The difference is small. But it is there. Double grape does not look like say white crack (dried buds), 4 ass monkey smells and taste different than white crack. Maybe we gotta look at it like beer. There are many different styles and flavors but in the end it's just beer.