Chocolate of the Day: Mirzam Chocolate Makers
Kakaw Manufacturing Co. LLC
85% Dark Chocolate from Cuba bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.236 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 148 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Island Nations Theme Week. The focus this week is on chocolate made with cacao grown in island nations, such as Grenada, The Philippines, Fiji and, in today's case, Cuba.Many of these countries have been gradually increasing their exports of high-end cacao beans and could be poised to increase their market share in the future; but have also faced challenges.*
Today's Mirzam Chocolate Makers 85% Dark Chocolate from Cuba bar was manufactured by Kakaw Manufacturing Co. LLC (Dubai, UAE). The cacao used to make this bar was likely grown in Cuba's Baracoa* area, a coastal area on the eastern end of this island nation.
This well-balanced and well-crafted ultra dark bar had an even, smooth melt, and had a smooth, complex bold flavor with light bitterness and relatively low acidity, light musk, red fruit, earthy dark chocolate flavor with subtle green, spice, floral and nutty flavor notes.
The finish had a mild touch of astringency. The chocolate was refreshingly not too sweet (expected for an 85% bar), but also we were grateful that the maker did such a nice job with other aspects as well.
*Baracoa is a city in the Guantanamo Province in eastern Cuba that is favorable for cacao cultivation. Unfortunately, this area is also susceptible to hurricane damage, affecting people and cacao production. Best wishes for calm weather this season.
