Qantu
La Quete de Don Maximo (Don Maximo's Quest) (bar)
Good +
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 135 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order
Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Peru Theme Week.
Today's Qantu La Quete de Don Maximo (Don Maximo's Quest) 80% cacao dark chocolate (bar) was from Qantu Cacao et Chocolat Inc. (Montreal, QC, Canada).
The cacao used to make this bar was (if I read the story correctly) grown, fermented and dried by a farmer named Don Maximo on a 6-hectare plot of sloping forest in Cusco, Peru. The cacao was then transported to the Qantu workshop for respectful and mindful transformation into chocolate.
Coincidentally, I went on a quest/adventure with friend named "Don" to the Pacific coast today that included culinary sampling (and enjoying this bar).
Aroma notes for today's bar included green herb (oxalis, sorrel with tart lemon/acidic note), faint diffuse fruit (berry, currant) floral perfume and very light citrus notes.
The texture was fudge-y, smooth and creamy. The flavor was full of ultra-dark "true" chocolate (chocolate fudge, pudding and torte) notes, that were joined by a much fainter, fleeting umami note blend (leather saddle, savory/salt, woodsy).
The notes for this ultra-dark 80% bar were bold (but well balanced); and the chocolate had a moderate level of acidity without being too strong or intimidating.
Maker's tasting notes: Eye: dark brown; Nose: palo santo, touch of pepper; Mouth: almond, cedar, pecan; Finish: moderate fruitiness like blackcurrant (cassis).
Ingredients: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter
Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk and nuts"