Thursday, June 3, 2010

ChocolateBet: June 3, 2010

Chocolate(s) of the Day:
1 oz. (1/3 of 3 different bars)
Michael Mischer Chocolates
1.) Milk Chocolate - 38% Cacao with Murray River Salt - Very Good - Very Good +
2.) Dark Chocolate - 65% Cacao with Murray River Salt - Very Good - Very Good +
3.) Dark Chocolate - 72% Cacao with Murray River Salt - Very Good - Very Good +
Weight: 3 oz. (84.9 g.) for a package of three 1-oz. bars
Calories: 145 calories (estimate) for 1/3 of 3 different bars
Cost: $12.95 for total pack of 3 bars
Purchased from: Fog City News, in San Francisco, CA

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Salt Theme Week. Today's chocolate of the day was actually a  three-pack of small (1 oz. each) milk and dark chocolate bars, all flavored with Murray River Salt (just the right amount of salt -- enough to impart a little flavor, but not too much).

I find the only reliable way to taste or compare different chocolates is to taste them in a small group like this. The differences become more detectable and, presumably, you're eating them all at the same time of day, at the same temperature, with the same time between meals, etc. - yielding a more consistent taste experience. That said, all these bars were good, with subtle differences in the flavor and texture.

The most pronounced flavor arc, with subtle hints of dirt (oh sorry, I'm supposed to say earth) was with the 72% bar. I enjoy richer flavors, but for those desiring a smoother, more uniform flavor, the 65% single origin criollo bar doesn't disappoint; it was firmer, and I felt like I needed to warm it a bit in my mouth and/or to eat it a bit more slowly to get a bit of flavor uptick about 2/3 the way through. The 38% (also single origin criollo) chocolate bar is sweeter, but was very good for milk chocolate.

My favorite part: the tiny little squares that allowed for breaking off and sharing; helpful for portion control as well.

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