Bergger COT320 has changed?

I just bought 25 sheets of Bergger COT320 and its very different than the old batch I had which I bought 4-5 years ago that came in 50 sheets. The old batch has a much more smooth surface on both sides compared to the new batch. It's immediately obvious to the touch. I much prefer the prints on the old batch.

Has anyone experienced the same?

I had a 25 pack for years and years (15?) that I finally finished some time ago. Then I bought a new 25 sheet pack. I don't remember exactly when - was it before they had some manufacturing/supply chain issues? I am foggy on that one - most likely yes. Anyway, that new pack seems pretty similar to the old one. Then they were not available for a long time and only recently started back up again. The question is was the process changed somehow during this period? I wouldn't rule it out. It would be a bummer if true. I can no longer sing the praises of COT 320 (vs HPR and others) any more in that case.

:Niranjan.

I believe that Arches made Bergger art papers, but that may have changed.

I recently opened a box of COT 320 paper I purchased in February 2023 and found it suffered from coating blotches, small random dark blobs. I had two packs with the same batch number and they both showed the same. I assume it is sizing issue, you can see it in coated, unexposed paper where the solution as penetrated deeper at these points. Awaiting a response from Bergger.

In the meantime I have just tried a sheet from a replacement box and the too noticed it has a very smooth surface. I found that on rinsing more coating seemed to wash off leaving a weaker print. I'll have to try adding tween to get more penetration of the solution.