I've never heard much as about inconsistency (its a pretty simple process, they'd have to really screw around to get major inconsistency but if its possible its possible in Russia).
Bootlegging is a HUGE problem however, and brands like ararat cognac are pirated massively, and have even had problems with bugs and things.
Alcohol should kill the bugs right? :)
Our neighbor gave us some Russian chocolate. It was very sweet and generous of her but, it was pretty bad -- a peanut mash with a very light coating of chocolate. Each piece was individually wrapped in colorful foil.
Since I can't read Russian, I am not sure what it is.