I've been buying the Tellicherry black peppercorns at Costco. What I had,
expired. I think maybe in 2011? Not sure. I had been using it and I
noticed that I was having to use a lot more to get the right flavor. Those
peppercorns were very black and sort of cracked in my mill, leaving large
chunks. Those peppercorns were also very black, firm and smooth.

The ones I just bought the other day seem to be in a smaller jar and have no
expiration date on them. The peppercorns are not smooth but wrinkled and
they seem to be softer. Also some are black but the others are more of a
pale brown/grey. I did not change the grind on the mill but when I grind
them, I do not get the "crunchy" sound like I did before and there is no
resistance. The outside part of the peppercorns seems to just flake off in
pieces and the inside just comes apart into soft little specks. Totally
different texture than before. I am also using the same amount as I did
before but not getting the same flavor. There is a very strong peppery
aroma though.

So... Why the difference? Could the new pepper I bought be older still?
Or maybe just each season gives a different taste/texture? This doesn't
necessarily seem bad but it is a different pepper texture than I am used to.
I am used to having a bit of grit in there. And this just isn't.