Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Charbonnel et Walker - Blackwell Jamaican Rum Truffles - May 31, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Charbonnel et Walker 
Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum - Rum Truffles
Good ++
Weight: 1.38 oz. (39 g.) / 4.05 oz. (115 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 3 chocolates/truffles
Cost: $28.00 for 1 box of 9 truffles
Purchased from: Charbonnel et Walker, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Spirits and Savory Snacks Theme Week.

Today's Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum - Rum Truffles were from Charbonnel et Walker (London). The company was established in 1875.

Aroma notes included: warm rum, brown sugar/honey, and chocolate.

The Rum Truffle centers had a buttery texture and melt, and were surrounded by a firmer, relatively thick dark chocolate shell. 

The smooth dark chocolate and rum flavors were harmonious and balanced, and had a slight natural, brown sugar/honey sweetness and booziness that extended into the finish. 

These Rum Truffles were enjoyed with salted nuts and blood orange (fresh fruit).

Maker's description: "...smooth Blackwell (tm) Rum Truffles in Fine Dark Chocolate. Blackwell (tm) Black Gold Fine Jamaican Rum..."

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa fat, soy lecithin), milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa fat, whole milk powder, unsweetened chocolate, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavoring), butter (salt, milk), Blackwell (tm) Rum (4.6%), sugar, unsweetened chocolate, natural flavorings, soy lecithin, milk fat, fat reduced cocoa powder, dry whole milk. 

Allergen-related information: Contains milk and soy. May contain Tree nuts, Egg and Wheat.


Fruition Chocolate Works - Spiced Rum Dark Oko-Caribe 66% (bar) - May 30, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Fruition Chocolate Works
Spiced Rum Oko-Caribe 66% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 164 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Dominican Republic Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate, Spirits and Savory Snacks Theme Week.

Today's Spiced Rum Oko-Caribe 66% (bar) was created by Fruition Chocolate Works (Shokan, NY) at their workshop in the Catskill Mountains.

Maker's description: "This riff on our signature Dominican Republic Oko-Caribe dark chocolate is spiked with local Berkshire Mountain Distillers Ragged Mountain Rum and blended spices." (Cacao origin: Duarte, Dominican Republic; sourcing partner: Uncommon Cacao.)

Aroma notes for this spirited, 66% cacao dark bar included: sweet dark chocolate, caramel, sweet candy wax, warm spices, brown sugar and very faint rum.

This well-tempered chocolate broke with a hard snap. The melt and texture were smooth.

The overall taste was a softly undulating bouquet of balanced sweet, spiced rum punch and dark chocolate flavors that lingered into the finish.

The rum provided a naturally sweet, mellow, aged backdrop, without being boozy; and the subtle but intriguing spice blend infused the 66% chocolate with a warm, spiced rum flavor.

Today's chocolate was enjoyed with a savory snack plate that included: red grapes, Smokey Pepper Fontal Cheese, and savory, roasted almonds

Ingredients: Cocoa beans*, cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, rum, cinnamon, vanilla bean, cardamom, nutmeg, star anise, ginger, black pepper, pineapple essential oil. (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, eggs, soy, sesame."




Monday, May 29, 2023

Nibble Chocolate - Dominican Republic 85% (bar) - May 29, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Nibble Chocolate
Dominican Republic 85% Cocoa bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .575 oz. (16.25 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) ttl bar
Calories: 100 calories in 1/4 bar
Cost: $7.29 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, 

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Dominican Republic Theme Week.

Today's Dominican Republic 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Single Origin Trinitario* (bar) was made by Nibble Chocolate, LLC (San Diego, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this well-tempered, ultra-dark 85% chocolate included: dark roast cocoa/espresso, diffuse red and dried fruit, faint spice (molasses, black licorice); faint, fleeting wood/nut; and faint earth (loam).

Instead of making a 70% cacao bar (with more sugar to sweeten the bold, roasted single origin Trinitario cacao), Nibble Chocolate maker(s) chose (to their credit) to make an 85% cacao ultra-dark chocolate, with well-managed (potentially frisky) fruit acidity and bitterness. 

If "nibbled" (savored slowly) as the maker suggests, tasting this bar will unfold like a journey through a deep, dark complex rainforest with occasional shafts of beautiful sunlight and opportunities to taste rare, hidden dark/dried fruits.

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, organic whole unrefined cane sugar

Allergen-related information: "Processed in shared equipment with products containing nuts."

*Trinitario (thought to originate in Trinidad, and to be a cross between Criollo and Forastero cacaos) is a variety of cacao that is bolder than delicate heritage (Criollo) variety/ies, and often has (slightly acidic) fruit and light spice and earth notes. However, it is generally less "dark" and dense than Forastero cacao varieties. 

There are many varieties (and hybrids) of cacao, but the three varieties mentioned here tend to be featured often. 

Firetree Chocolate - Hispaniola Dominican Republic 72% Cocoa (bar) - May 28, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Firetree Chocolate
Hispaniola Dominican Republic 72% Cocoa (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.145 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.29 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online, online order 

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Dominican Republic Theme Week.

Today's Hispaniola Dominican Republic 72% Cocoa (bar) was from Firetree Chocolate (Peterborough, United Kingdom).

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate, roasted cocoa, diffuse fruit (red berry), and very faint floral spice.

This well-tempered chocolate had a smooth melt and texture with a barely there fruit astringency.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (roasted cocoa), diffuse fruit (red berry, dried nectarine and fig), spice, and faint sweet green (floral, light banana).

Maker's tasting notes: "...intense chocolate with brown fruit flavours, with spicy and red fruit notes, and a hint of green banana."

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, unrefined sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin.

Allergen-related information: This chocolate is made in a no nut factory. Dairy free. Halal. Kosher. Suitable for Vegans. 


 

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Svenska Kakao - Dominican Republic, Oko Caribe 2021 70% Harvest (bar) - May 27, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Svenska Kakao
Dominican Republic, Oko Caribe, 2021 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 137 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Dominican Republic Theme Week.

Today's Dominican Republic, Oko Caribe (2021 Harvest) 70% Cacao (bar) was from Svenska Kakao (Osterlen, Sweden). 

Svenska Kakao (Swedish Cacao) is small, family owned chocolate maker located in a red brick building (former school house) built in 1893 near the Baltic Sea. Their goal is to highlight the flavors found in cacao worldwide. They "roast their cacao beans at low temperatures, process minimally and add no unnecessary ingredients."

Aroma notes for today's bar--made with cacao produced by Oko Caribe in the Dominican Republic--included: dark chocolate (iron-rich dried fruits (raisin, plum, berry); faint molasses; faint, fleeting licorice; light green botanical; and barely there graham cracker). Within a five-minute smelling and tasting span other interesting (appealing) dark chocolate and very faint (not-undesirable) light fermentation notes flickered by as well.

The melt was nice; the texture had a very faint fruit astringency/dryness to it.

Flavor notes included nuanced dark chocolate with dried fruit (pear, berry, raisin), honey, sweet green and true chocolate (dark chocolate torte, pudding), notes.

Today's 70% DR dark chocolate was a well-crafted, shape-shifter, with interesting, well-balanced complexity and aroma and flavor notes. (One of my favorite kinds of chocolate to taste.) All the more impressive when one remembers all these nuances were from just two ingredients: cacao beans and sugar. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Dark chocolate with balanced notes of honey, red berries and nuts."

Ingredients: Cacao beans, cane sugar. Cacao: 70% 

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of nuts and milk."


Friday, May 26, 2023

Ethereal Chocolate - Organic 80% Dominican Republic (bar) - May 26, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Ethereal Chocolate 
Organic 80% Dominican Republic (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.13 oz. (32 g.) / 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 167.6 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Ethereal Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Dominican Republic Theme Week.

Today's Organic 80% Dominican Republic (bar) was from Ethereal Chocolate (Woodstock, IL).

Aroma and flavor notes for this 80% cacao bar were almost the same and included: dark chocolate, red fruit (berry, cherry, red apple), wood (cedar) and faint nut.

The single origin, two-ingredient chocolate had an enjoyable aroma and flavor, and a relatively granular texture/astringency over the last two-thirds of each bite.

This ultra-dark chocolate was well-balanced, with relatively low bitterness and a sophisticated, natural fruit sweetness/brightness for an 80%er. The fruit acidity was not too strong, and the sweetness level was good (not too sweet, not too bitter).

Maker's tasting notes: ..."cherry, fig, and citrus"

Ingredients: Cocoa beans*, cane sugar* (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made on shared equipment with peanuts and tree nuts."

Thursday, May 25, 2023

NearyNogs - Wild Irish Dulaman Gorse Flower & Irish Seaweed (bar) - May 25, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

NearyNogs
Wild Irish Dulaman Gorse Flower & Irish Seaweed (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .705 oz. (20 g.) / 1.41 oz. (40 g.) in total bar
Calories: 109 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Flowers Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Dominican Republic Theme Week.

Today's Wild Irish Dulaman Gorse Flower and Irish Seaweed (bar) was from NearyNogs Chocolate Makers (in their Mourne Coast facility/Newry, Northern Ireland -- with views of the Mourne mountains and the Irish Sea). The company produces a line of small batch, bean-to-bar, stoneground chocolates, some with locally-inspired flavors. 

The two Irish flavor inclusions: 1.) Edible Gorse flowers (Aiteann gallda) seen as small, dried yellow petals) Some species have a faint coconut scent., and 2.) Irish seaweed that added a light salty/umami note. Together, these two unique flavor inclusions were skillfully harmonized with each other-- and with the fruit (red fruit) flavors in the dark chocolate. 

Aroma notes for this well-tempered 70% dark chocolate included: dark chocolate, diffuse red fruit (red grape), evasive floral and very faint salt/savory notes

Flavor and finish notes were subtly complex, with an appealing, smooth but hearty, dark chocolate base (made with single estate cacao from Zorzal, in the Dominican Republic) with natural, balanced ripe fruit sweetness, sweet floral, very faint salt/savory and light caramel tones. 

I enjoyed this bar, with rich, pleasing flavors that included a light touch of endemic Irish floral and marine elements.

Maker's description: "Local foraged Irish channel wrack seaweed, just like the ancients foraged, paired with gorse ("whin") flowers, Irish bean to bar, craft chocolate"

Ingredients: 70% Organic Dominican Republic Chocolate, (70% cacao beans and sugar) seaweed and dried gorse flowers.

Allergen-related information: (None listed on packaging.) 




Standout Chocolate - Saffron 70% (bar) - May 24, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Standout Chocolate
Saffron - 70% Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150.75 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar (yellow dot)
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA  

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Dominican Republic Week.

Today's (Seasonal Collection*) Saffron 70% (bar) was handcrafted by Standout Chocolate (Kallered, Sweden).

Cacao origin: OKO Caribe, Dominican Republic 

Oko Caribe (Eco Caribbean)--acts as a co-op, central fermentery and organic certifier, and purchases (wet) cacao beans from more than 150 farmers in the Duarte Province. Fermented and dried cacao beans (from DR and other cocoa growing nations) are sold to chocolate makers around the globe. The cacao has been described as having red fruit and subtle wood notes. 

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (very faint diffuse red fruit and wood) and faint earthy herbal (freshly cut grass) and floral (saffron, chysanthemum). 

The 70% dark chocolate base had a smooth, almost creamy texture, and a relatively bold dark flavor (that tasted a bit darker than 70%).

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, herbal (freshly cut sweet green grass, earthy root (dandelion)), floral (saffron), and faint, fleeting slightly bitter earth. The chocolate tasted a bit on the darker, bolder side with a very faint bittersweet sharpness. The faint earth notes may have come from the cacao, the saffron, or both.

This relatively complex dark chocolate with earthy botanical and floral notes was interesting to try. The maker did a good job of navigating and trying to harmonize the raw flavors.

Ingredients: Cacao beans*, Cane sugar*, Cacao butter*, Saffron* (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of milk.

*St. Lucia saffron buns are a Christmas holiday tradition in Sweden.




Tuesday, May 23, 2023

La Belge Chocolatier - Dark Chocolate Lavender Basil Black Currant (bar) - May 23, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Le Belge Chocolatier
Dark Chocolate Lavender Basil Black Currant (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Mercantile shop at Cavallo Point, Sausalito, CA 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Lavender Basil Black Currant (bar) was from La Belge Chocolatier, a "Napa Valley Chocolate Company" in northern California.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and dark berry (black raspberry, black currant, deep black cherry), and a diffuse, refreshing blend of floral and herbal notes. 

Flavor notes included: smooth, sweet, dark chocolate, with rich black currant flavor, subtle floral (lavender and vanilla) and tiny, crunchy sparkles of herb crystal basil--green-tinged sugar crystals with crushed basil.

This was a very enjoyable bar to eat. The dark chocolate was a bit on the sweet side. However, the harmonious blend of flavor inclusions (that would be tasty in a variety of desserts and beverages) infused this chocolate with an enjoyable, upbeat complexity, and helped balance the sweetness.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin [emulsifier], and natural vanilla extract), herb crystal basil, natural black currant extract, and natural lavender flavor. 

Allergen-related information: Contains soy. May contain milk, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts. Kosher Dairy.


 

Leith Chocolate - Lavender Milk Chocolate 40% (bar) - May 22, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Leith Chocolate
Lavender Milk Chocolate 40% (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 219 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $3.84 (sale) for 1 bar
Purchased from: World Market, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Lavender Milk Chocolate 40% cocoa (bar) from Leith Chocolate EU (Belfast/South Queensferry, Scotland) was made in Scotland.

The company takes their name from the once bustling sea port of Leith that once the gateway to Scotland. The port neighborhood has more recently become a creative hub, home to several artisan makers creating goods for export.

Leith Chocolate sources cacao from South America to make their line of chocolates. And the cacao origin for today's bar was Colombia.

Aroma notes included: milk chocolate, lavender and warm vanilla.

This smooth, creamy bar kept it simple with three primary well-blended flavors: sweet milk chocolate, lavender and vanilla, that all harmonized very nicely. 

It was hard to taste cacao flavor nuances due to a relatively high percentage of sugar (and milk). While a bit sweet for me, I enjoyed the authentic lavender (and mellow vanilla) floral flavors. 

This Leith chocolate would be a great choice if you fancy flower flavors and have a milk chocolate sweet tooth.

Ingredients: Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, milk powder, emulsifier, non-GMO soy lecithin, natural vanilla extract), lavender oil. Cocoa solids. 40% minimum.

Allergen-related information: Made in a factory that handles dairy, peanuts, soy and tree nuts.




Sunday, May 21, 2023

Srsly Chocolate - Love Bar 70% dark Rose petals & cranberry (bar) - May 21, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Srsly Chocolate Inc. 
Love Bar 70% dark Rose petals and cranberry (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Srsly, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Love Bar 70% dark Rose petals and cranberry (bar) was from Srsly Chocolate Inc. (Austin, TX).

Aroma notes included: dark, slightly smokey chocolate (jungle earth/loam, faint peat--that was present after first opening the wrapper, but then dissipated), faint floral (red rose, pollen), and subtle, sweetened red fruit.

The back of the 70% chocolate bar was carefully strewn with attractive ruby and deep pink dried cranberries and red rose petals.

Flavor notes included: rich, deep dark chocolate, fleeting rose, and nuanced, sweet dried cranberry--all of which subtly undulated into the finish.

The flavors were harmonious and well balanced, including the sweetness level.

Ingredients: cacao*, cane sugar*, rose petals*, dried cranberries (cranberries, sugar, sunflower oil) -- *Organic

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that also processes milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts and wheat


Ethereal Chocolate - Organic Chocolate Apricot Honey (bar) - May 20, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Ethereal Chocolate
Organic Dark Chocolate Apricot Honey (bar)
Good + 
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories (per label) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Ethereal, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Apricot Honey (bar) with Organic Dark Chocolate, Dried Apricots, Marigold Petals, Honey Candy and Bee Pollen (bar) was made by Ethereal Chocolate (Woodstock, IL).

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: dark chocolate, dried stone fruit (apricot, nectarine) and natural sweeteners (brown sugar, honey).

The back of the dark chocolate bar was an attractive, warm-hued, tiny gold mine of flavor additions, including: dried apricot pieces, shredded golden marigold petals, cheery yellow speckles of bee pollen, and honey candy crystals.  

The base dark chocolate was flavorful, but had a slight granular dryness (fruit astringency) (likely from the cacao). Otherwise it was well balanced and well-executed.

Together, the blend of dark chocolate and the added floral and other flavors mentioned above resulted in an interesting, and thoughtfully complex, bar--made with a short list of high-quality, organic ingredients.

This dark chocolate was also not overly sweet (thank you!). 

Ingredients: Chocolate* (Cocoa Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*), Dried Apricots*, Honey Pieces* (Cane Sugar*, Brown Rice Syrup*, Honey*), Marigold Petals*, Bee Pollen. (* Organic Ingredient)

Allergen-related information: "Made on shared equipment with peanuts (and) tree nuts." 

Friday, May 19, 2023

Ethereal Craft Chocolate - Organic Dark Chocolate w/ Strawberries, Rose Petals, Pink Peppercorns (bar) - May 19, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Ethereal Chocolate
Organic Dark Chocolate Strawberry, Rose Petal, Pink Peppercorn (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 222 calories (per label) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Happy Girl Kitchen (Pacific Grove, CA)

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Organic Dark Chocolate with Dried Strawberries, Rose Petals and Pink Peppercorns (bar) was made by Ethereal Chocolate (Woodstock, IL).

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: dark chocolate (cacao, subtle wood (cedar, pepper), very faint nut and fruit); diffuse red fruit (strawberry); little pops of pink peppercorn; and very faint floral. 

A beautiful field of rose-hued flavor additions on the back of this bar included: dried strawberry slices, rose petals and pink peppercorns.  

The dark chocolate had a light creaminess and nice melt, as well as a slight granular dryness (fruit astringency), which could have been caused by flavor inclusions. Hard to tell.

The dark chocolate, strawberry and pink peppercorn flavors were appealing, complex and balanced. Every once in awhile there was an uptick in concentrated, naturally tart-sweet strawberry flavor, or a hint of pink peppercorn. 

The rose petals added visual beauty; their more subtle flavor was a bit subdued in this blend. However, if you savor this thoughtfully crafted chocolate (made from a short list of high-quality, organic ingredients) slowly...you'll be rewarded with a few wonderful, soft encounters with authentic rose flavor. 

Like the flavor levels above, the sweetness was well-balanced too; and this enjoyable dark chocolate was not too sweet (thank you!). 

Ingredients: Chocolate* (Cocoa Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*), Freeze-Dried Strawberries*, Rose Petals*, Pink Peppercorns*. (* Organic Ingredient)

Allergen-related information: "Made on shared equipment with peanuts (and) tree nuts."

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Maya Chocolates - Rose & Pistachio 65% Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 18, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Maya Chocolates 
Rose and Pistachio 65% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + Good ++
Weight: 2.2 oz. (62.4 g.) in total bar
Calories: 341 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Rose and Pistachio 65% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Maya Chocolates (Pinole, CA).

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: roasted cocoa, dark chocolate, very faint floral (rose petal tea, rose petal jam, and even fainter vanilla), as well as diffuse, faint red berry and rosehip jam.  

The texture of the base 65% dark chocolate was very creamy with a satisfying melt and mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate (dark chocolate pudding with vanilla/chocolate torte/fondue) that extended into the finish. Very subtle floral flavor (rose tea) came from real pink rose flower petals; and a sprinkling of green pistachio nuts added flavor and texture.

The flavors and the sweetness (sugar level) were both well-balanced. The bittersweet dark chocolate (not that bitter) took center stage; but there was room for authentic, attractive rose and pistachio elements to shine momentarily.

Ingredients: Unsweetened Chocolate, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavour, Rose, Pistachio

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk (and) other tree nuts."

Tony's Chocolonely - Milk Chocolate Rose Raspberry (bar) - May 17, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Tony's Chocolonely
Milk Chocolate Rose Raspberry (bar)
Good + - Good++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 6.35 oz. (180 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories (per label) in 1/6 of bar
Cost: $N/A - gift from family member
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market (Thank you Megan!)

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Milk Chocolate Rose Raspberry (bar) was distributed by Tony's Chocolonely Inc. (New York, NY).

Aroma notes for this Valentine ("For My Valentony") limited edition milk chocolate included: sweet milk chocolate, faint fruit (berry), very faint floral and light vanilla.

This smooth, sweet milk chocolate (punctuated by tiny, crunchy red raspberry seeds), tasted a little less sweet than most 32% cocoa solids bars (thank you!). This made it easier to taste the authentic red raspberry, Belgian milk chocolate, and faint rose, and vanilla malt flavors. 

Company description: "Belgian Fairtrade milk chocolate with pieces of freeze-dried raspberry and fudge with natural rose flavor. "

Ingredients: "sugar, dry whole milk, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, rose fudge (sugar, glucose syrup (wheat), sunflower oil, invert sugar syrup, natural rose flavor, sunflower lecithin, citric acid, beeswax, elderberry concentrate), raspberry, soy lecithin." (Cocoa solids: 32% minimum.)

Allergen-related information: (Contained milk, wheat, and soy.) "May contain traces of: peanut, egg and tree nuts." 

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Siddha Chocolate - Lucky Lovers 69% Cacao + Cacao Nibs & Pink Salt (bar) - May 16, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Siddha Chocolate
Lucky Lovers 69% Cacao, Cacao Nibs, Pink Salt (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .8 oz. (22.5 g.) / 1.6 oz. (45 g.) in total bar
Calories: 105 calories in 1/2 bar/package
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Safeway, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Lucky Lovers 69% Cacao, Cacao Nibs and Pink Salt (bar) was from Siddha Chocolate (manufactured by Siddha Remedies, Oxnard, CA).

The company invites consumers to "elevate your nature" by enjoying this dark chocolate that contains a blend of 11 "aphrodisiac" herbs and 7 flower essences. (See ingredients list below.)

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: pleasant dark chocolate, and light, almost ethereal herbal and floral notes.

Texture: smooth, dark chocolate was punctuated with crunchy cocoa nibs and sparkles of sea salt.

Flavor notes included: roasted, light cocoa, smooth dark chocolate, a diffuse bouquet of light florals and botanicals, marshmallow, and faint floral spice (vanilla). 

There was a relative (yes, elevated) lightness, smoothness, and natural sweetness to this chocolate. The cocoa nibs provided a complementary, authentic, relatively grounded, bold dark chocolate flavor and crunchy texture. And the pink salt (more present in some bites than others) rounded out this offering nicely.

Overall, this Lucky Lovers chocolate was very well-balanced. The "dark" (chocolate, cocoa nibs) was well integrated with "light" (florals, botanicals). The small quantities of bark, roots, seeds, fungi, and other elements were hard to detect.

The sweetness (coconut sugar, erythritol, yacon) level in this "Keto friendly" bar was enough to be pleasant without being overly sweet. (Happily my teeth felt smooth and un-coated by sugar afterwards.) 

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass*, Cacao Butter*, Coconut Sugar*, Cacao Nibs*, VitaFiberTM* (IMO; Prebiotic Fiber), Erythritol*, Yacon*, Sunflower Lecithin*, KSM-66 Ashwagandha Root, Pink Salt, Catuaba Bark, Vanilla* Cordyceps Mycelia Extract, Horny Goat Weed Aerial Parts, Lemon Peel*, Maca Root, Mucuna Puriens Seed, Muira Puama Root, Shatavari Root, Shilajit Mineral Pitch, Fo-Ti Root, Eurycoma Longifolia Jack Root, Christmas Cactus Flower Essence, Coconut Flower Essence, Desert Rose Flower Essence, Hibiscus Flower Essence, Manzanita Flower Essence, Pegasus Orchid Cactus Flower Essence, Scarlet Pimpernel Flower Essence (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contained coconut (sugar); 96% Organic ingredients. (No other allergen-related information found on packaging.)


Monday, May 15, 2023

Chocolarder - Rose Gin Truffles Ashaninka, Peru 72% (bar) - May 15, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolarder
Rose Gin Truffles, Tinkure Cornish Gin
Ashaninka, Peru 72% Dark Chocolate
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. oz. (100 g.) in total box of 12 truffles
Calories: 241 calories (per label) in 6 truffles (50 g.)
Cost: 16.50 (British Pounds) + shipping for box of 12 truffles
Purchased from: Chocolarder, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Gin Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Rose Gin Truffles were made by Chocolarder Craft Chocolate Makers (Falmouth, Cornwall, UK). The company offers a variety of bean-to-bar chocolates--both single origin and several infused with local flavors. (I really enjoyed the Wild Gorse Flower bar.)

The Rose Gin in these truffles was from the maker's friends (and relative neighbors) at Tinkture Cornish Gin. And, from further afield, the 72% dark chocolate was made using Ashaninka, Peru cacao beans.

Aroma
Aroma notes for these Limited Edition truffles included: pleasant chocolate; faint, freshly baked sweet (yeast) bread; faint floral and faint fruit (sweet lemon peel, and other more faint/diffuse acidic sweet-tart fruits).

The aroma notes signaled a dark chocolate with depth and subtle complexity--not too dark, more of a middle ground 70+%-er with faint fruit notes. However, (as often happens) the chocolate flavors were stronger than the aroma.

Flavors
These Rose Gin truffles captured the extremes that can be found in a single cacao pod (from sweet and light to bitter and dark). The same tremendous range also exists in manufactured chocolates: from sweet, flavor-infused white chocolates to bold, roasted, bitter, ultra-dark chocolates). Although you're usually not experiencing these extremes in the same chocolate or same bite.

Each generously-sized Rose Gin truffle was lightly dusted with cocoa. Under that light dusting, the thick dark shell and the light filling were poles apart. The firm, 72% cacao dark shell tasted slightly bitter, bold, roasted, and somewhat acidic (citrus). In contrast, the white center was sweet, soft (buttery and fluffy), with delicate, floral (rose-scented) notes.

Since the theme this week is chocolate and gin, one can argue gin and tonic cocktails (with the bitterness coming from lemon peel and tonic and sweetness coming from syrups, fruit and/or juices) provide a refreshing flavor contrast. However, those thoroughly blended cocktails don't include the potentially eclipsing elements of dark cacao.

I had to re-taste these truffles several times to sort out how I felt about this confluence of opposing forces. Was the dark chocolate shell too thick and overpowering for the more delicate center? Or was this like the two powerfully authentic rivers (one dark, one light) in Brazil that join the mighty Amazon River perhaps? The colors eventually blend together downstream, but they don't harmonize all at once.

I can't reverse the course of a river; but I do know changing the tasting order of different flavor courses can make a big difference.

The (tasting) order of things...
I recommend eating these chocolates inside out, from light to dark, instead of dark to light.

When I cut these truffles in half, and scooped out and ate (with a tiny ice cream tasting spoon) the sweet filling first, it was a very different, more harmonious, tasting experience. I loved the rose gin flavored ganache filling; and I could also taste more of the chocolate nuances (a mellow nuttiness, less bitterness) afterwards. Reversing the order seemed to magically reveal/restore the true, thick chocolate shell flavor: a well-balanced, bold 72% cacao chocolate (vs. a harsher 90%-er). 

Thank you to the makers for creating these limited edition, gin-inspired truffles. I deeply appreciate inspired flavors; and complex, balanced chocolates. While I was tasting these filled chocolates, I recalled eating cacao fruit and seeds in the middle of a temperate rain forest, and pondered the balancing forces in nature--and in food and drink. Chocolate truffles are rarely this thought-provoking.

Maker's tasting notes: "Bright, sweet rose ending with a lingering, warming gin melting into fruity dark chocolate"

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Cocoa beans, Unrefined sugar), Rose gin fondant (Unrefined sugar, Glucose, Tinkure Rose Gin, sea salt)"

Allergen-related information: Made in a kitchen that handles dairy and tree nuts, in our Falmouth factory, Cornwall..."

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Karuna Chocolate - Gin infused dark chocolate 75% Edelschwarz Alpine Bio Gin (bar) - May 14, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Karuna Chocolate
Gin infused dark chocolate 75% Edelschwarz Alpine Bio Gin (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 158.7 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Gin Theme Week.

Today's Gin infused dark chocolate 75% Edelschwarz* Alpine Bio Gin (bar) was from Karuna Chocolate (South Tyrol, Italy).

Mountains are special places. This chocolate was made from Chuncho cacao grown in the mountains of the Urubamba Valley in Peru by Karuna Chocolate makers who live and produce chocolate in view of the Alps--in an area where Italian, German and Austrian influences can be felt (think Edelweiss flowers, felt hats, forests and mountains).

The subtle but complex aroma notes for this 75% dark chocolate bar included: chocolate (faint roasted, very faint raisin rice pudding, dark berries (blueberry, cranberry, juniper)), faint citrus botanical, and very faint Boston brown (molasses) bread.

This dark chocolate had a creamy, "light"/whipped texture with a relatively rapid melt. (Chuncho cacao is associated with having a slightly higher percent of cocoa butter and a creamy texture.)

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (dark forest, rich, roasted cacao), dark berries (blueberry, cranberry, juniper), and very faint gin citrus (lemon) and botanicals. (There was no alcohol flavor.)

This chocolate was not too sweet (thank you), making it easier to make out the chocolate and gin flavor nuances. The juniper (often the signature flavor of a gin flavor inclusion) was extremely subtle allowing other berries/fruits and botanicals to share the stage.

I suggest savoring this chocolate slowly to appreciate the subtle flavors. It reminded me of sitting quietly in a dark forest glade and gradually noticing berries, flowers and perhaps a small bunny or two scampering by. Something a little magical about this place. 

Maker's tasting notes: "berries, citrus fruits, juniper and herbs"

Ingredients: Cocoa beans*, raw cane sugar*, Edelschwarz Bio Gin* (20%), cocoa butter*, Cocoa min. 75% (*certified organic).

Allergen-related information: "It may contain traces of nuts." ("Non-alcoholic product")

*Edelschwarz is a dry London style gin with 17 botanicals including (edelweiss), blueberry (schwarzbeere), juniper, cranberry, rosehips...and more.  

Goldkenn - The Botanist, Islay Dry Gin (filled bar) - May 13, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Goldkenn
The Botanist - Islay Dry Gin 37% Cacao
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total box
Calories: 245 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Crossroads Specialty Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Gin Theme Week. 

Today's The Botanist - Islay Dry Gin (filled bar) was from Goldkenn (Bordeaux, France) and made in Switzerland.

Aroma notes included: sweet fruit (cherry jello with apple and lemon) and faint chocolate (sweet milk chocolate, along with faint baked vanilla cookie).
 
Sweet, smooth, relatively creamy milk chocolate cavities were lined with sugar crystals and contained a gin syrup center. 

The gin syrup filling was boozy and almost smokey (dry with very faint juniper and citrus) compared to the very sweet (37%) milk chocolate. The high sugar content of the chocolate and the syrup will appeal to those with a sweet tooth, but may be a bit overwhelming for dark chocolate fans--or those interested in tasting more flavor nuances in the cacao/chocolate and The Botanist Islay Dry Gin.

Yesterday's dark chocolates filled with gin syrup (from Germany) had great flavor complexity; there was no milk to mute flavors, and the sugar levels were lower. My bias: I enjoy darker milk chocolates, and tasting more aspects of the cacao and flavor inclusions (in this case gin).

This bar contains alcohol, and is not considered suitable for children.

Ingredients: Sugar*, cocoa butter**, cocoa mass**, The Botanist Gin (7%), whole milk powder*, skimmed milk* powder, butterfat* (milk), whey* powder (milk), emsulsifier: rapeseed lecithin, flavour, natural vanilla extract. (Made in Switzerland.) "A single asterix  denotes "Ingredients from Switzerland.")...A double asterix indicates Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Allergen-related information: "May contain hazelnut, almonds, walnuts, pecan nuts, cashew nuts, pistachio nuts, egg, soya, wheat and barley. Cocoa minimum 37% in chocolate." 

Friday, May 12, 2023

Schwarzwald - Gretchen Gin Pralinen 60% cacao - May 12, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Schladerer Schwarzwald
Gretchen Gin Pralinen 60% Cacao
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.48 oz. (42 g.) / 4.5 oz. (127 g.) in total box
Calories: 180 calories (estimate) in 4 pieces (2 servings)
Cost: $12.95 (+ shipping) for 1 box of 12 pieces
Purchased from: European Deli, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Gin Theme Week. 

Today's Schladerer Schwarzwald Gretchen Gin Pralinen 60% Cacao chocolates were manufactured by RC-Confiserie GmbH (Germany).

Aroma notes included: pleasant, very faintly nutty, smooth bittersweet chocolate with very subtle herb and floral notes.

Note: Before you take a bite, place a small plate, bowl under the piece of chocolate. Otherwise the sweet liquid gin syrup may drip onto your shirt. (And worse yet, you may lose some of the tasty syrup.)
 
Each small (two-bite size), hollow smooth, creamy chocolate shell was lined with a fine sugar crust inside (like a geode) and was full of flavorful, sweet Gretchen Gin syrup. This layered design offered a multi-textural experience.

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate (nut, very faint vanilla coconut cookie), a brief crunch of sugar crystals, and an unfolding of lovely sweet gin notes (juniper, sage), subtle fruit (faint lemon, apple, raspberry) and floral (saffron, vanilla, rose) notes.

These filled, dark chocolates were sweet (but, thankfully, the sugar didn't seem to overwhelm fine flavors) and the filling had just the right amount of gin flavor complexity. Warning: these beautifully (individually) wrapped filled chocolate gems can be fairly addictive. They would make a great dessert item.

Note: These chocolate centers did contain alcohol; and, as such, are not suitable for children.

Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa mass*, water, distilled dry gin (19% in filling), cocoa butter*, emsulsifier: lecithins. (*Rainforest Alliance Certified)

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of soya, egg and hazelnuts."

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Kasama Chocolate - Odd Society Wallflower Gin & Juniper 70% (bar) - May 11, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Kasama Chocolate
Odd Society Wallflower Gin and Juniper 70% Cacao (bar)
Good +
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 163 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA 

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Gin Theme Week.

Today's Odd Society Wallflower Gin and Juniper 70% Cacao bar (Batch No. 11) was made by Kasama Chocolate (Vancouver, B.C.).

This special release dark chocolate was made with cacao from Karkar Island, Papua New Guinea. 

The maker(s) went "all in" on infusing juniper flavor. The cacao was "aged in an oak cask for four weeks with Odd Society Distillery's Wallflower Gin, then (the cacao) was stone ground...with juniper berries."

Aroma notes for this 70% bar included: faint chocolate, citrusy evergreen; gin-soaked/pickled (small) cocktail onion (vinegar brine, black pepper, lemon); juniper berry; lemon/citrus jello; and an initial, very faint terpene/ammonia note that dissipated quickly after opening.

As is often the case with chocolate tasting, some aroma notes carried over to the flavor, and taking a bite yielded a much richer chocolate flavor (than was present in the aroma). 

The acidity was moderate, and the aroma notes mentioned above extended into the finish with a relatively bold, citrusy-evergreen taste (spruce/douglas fir tips, but not as delicate). 

A welcome flicker of blackberry at the end added some fruit and balance. (A little more of that luscious, ripe blackberry note please.)

The sweetness level was about right. It would be tough to go more sweet or less sweet with this unique juniper-flavored chocolate. Too sweet would mean losing touch with chocolate nuances, and might venture into cloyingly sweet cocktail territory. Too little, and the juniper might be a bit overwhelming.

Maker's tasting notes: "...aromas of fresh cut evergreens, and hints of orange blossom."

Ingredients: Gin Barrel Aged Cacao Nibs, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cacao Butter*, Juniper Berries (*Organic).

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that contains nuts."

Charbonnel et Walker - Sipsmith Gin Truffles - May 10, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Charbonnel et Walker
Sipsmith Gin Truffles
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .812 oz. (23 g.) / 3.85 oz. (110 g.) in total container
Calories: 130 calories in 2 truffles
Cost: $29.95 (+ shipping) for 1 box of 8 truffles
Purchased from: Bloomingdales, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Gin Theme Week.  

Today's Sipsmith Gin Truffles were made in the UK* for Charbonnel et Walker (London). ("By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, Chocolate Manufacturers, Charbonnel et Walker Ltd., London.") The company is well-known for their truffles, e.g. Pink Marc de Champagne truffles (with brandy and strawberry flavors).

The Sipsmith Gin used in today's truffles comes from a distillery in London that has been operating for almost 200 years.

Aroma notes for these truffles included: slightly boozy, sweet chocolate with faint, juniper, vanilla, faint sweet green floral/herbal, and very faint, fleeting black peppercorn.

Texture: Smooth dark chocolate surrounded a creamy, gin-infused white chocolate ganache (center).

This complementary blend of dark and white chocolate flavors matched the aroma notes above, and included: smooth dark chocolate, gin, juniper, creamy vanilla. The spirits/gin lingered into the finish but was not too strong.

These luxurious, and somewhat addictive truffles were sweet, but balanced. The dark chocolate and the gin off-set the sweetness.

Ingredients: Bittersweet chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa fat, soy lecithin), white chocolate (sugar, cocoa fat, dry whole milk, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavoring), salted butter (milk), Sipsmith Gin (R), powdered sugar, natural juniper flavoring. (Bittersweet chocolate contains cocoa solids 70% minimum.)

Allergen-related information: Contains milk and soy. May contain tree nuts and wheat.

*More than 1,700 different gins are produced in the UK. So I wanted to feature at least one British gin-inspired chocolate this week. 

Gin-flavored chocolates this week hail from the UK, Norway, Spain, Germany, Scotland, Canada and Italy. No gin chocolates from the U.S. (This may also have to do with U.S. rules that apply to selling alcohol in chocolates.) I did pair two chocolates with local (California) botanical gins.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Fjak Sjokolade - 60% Mork Sjokolade (Dark Chocolate) and Nine Sisters Gin (bar) - May 9, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Fjak Sjokolade
60% Mork Sjokolade (Dark Chocolate) and Nine Sisters Gin (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .935 oz. (26.5 g.) / 1.87 oz. (53 g.) in total bar
Calories: 145 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Gin Theme Week. Almost all the gin-inspired/flavored chocolates featured this week are from outside the U.S. 

Today's 60% Mork Sjokolade (Dark Chocolate) & Nine Sisters Gin (bar) was created by Fjak Sjokolade (by the Hardangerfjord--Hardanger, Norway).

Aroma notes for this 60% gin-infused bar included: dark chocolate, fresh, authentic green botanicals, gin, and very faint (possibly imagined) crisp cucumber. 

Smooth initial texture and melt with a slight, granular astringency (toward the finish)--that seemed to disappear after warming up/being open for a few hours.

Flavor notes included: rich, dark chocolate (honey, faint diffuse berry, chocolate torte); green botanicals (fennel, other herbs); gin; fleeting cracked pepper; lemon peel; juniper; very faint, fleeting toasted wood (barrel aged cacao); warm spice; and a sweet dark chocolate finish.

The cacao used to make this bean-to-bar chocolate was from Kilombero Valley, Tanzania; and the Nine Sisters Gin was from Feddie Ocean Distillery (Fedje (Island), Norway).

I enjoyed tasting and exploring (with others) this well-executed and thoughtful blend of chocolate and nuanced gin flavors.

Maker's tasting notes: "Aromatic dark chocolate with notes of juniper, pink pepper, liquorice and citrus" "Boozy and bold"

Ingredients: Cocoa beans*, cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, juniper*, lemon peel and gin from Feddie Ocean Distillery. (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: Processes in a facility that handles nuts, dairy and gluten.

Leith Chocolate - Gin & Tonic Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 8, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Leith Chocolate
Gin and Tonic Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 219 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.67 for 1 bar
Purchased from: World Market, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Gin Theme Week.

Today's Gin and Tonic Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Leith Chocolate (South Queensferry, Scotland).

The company sources their chocolate from South America. (The cacao origin of today's bar was Colombia.)

Aroma notes for this 61% Cocoa gin-inspired bar included: dark chocolate, lemon-lime candy, warm floral spice (vanilla), fleeting vanilla and lemon biscuit, and botanicals (juniper). 

This chocolate had a smooth texture, and a relatively rapid melt that led to a softer, loftier/lighter, creamy mouthfeel finish.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, sweet citrus (lemon, lime) and light botanical herbs (juniper and faint, fleeting sweet rosemary) and faint vanilla. 

There was also a very faint, well-balanced citrus peel-like, bitter-sweet note that evoked a splash of tonic water that one would taste in a traditional gin and tonic cocktail.

This dark chocolate was an enjoyable confectionery tribute to a classic gin cocktail.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (cocoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, Non-GMO soy lecithin, natural vanilla extract), juniper oil, lemon oil, lime oil.

Allergen-related information: Made in a factory that handles dairy, peanuts, soy and tree nuts.

Monday, May 8, 2023

Firetree Chocolate - Philippines Mindanao Island 73% Cocoa (bar) - May 7, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Firetree Chocolate Limited
Single Estate Philippines Mindanao Island 73% Cocoa (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.145 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.29 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 178.4 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Single Estate Philippines Mindanao Island 73% Cocoa (bar) was from Firetree Chocolate Limited (Peterborough, UK). 

The company highlights cacao grown on Pacific island nations with rich (volcanic) soils, and offers a line of "rich volcanic chocolates." Their attractive packaging features the fiery and dark palette of lava colors.

Aroma notes for today's 73% Single Estate dark chocolate included: dark chocolate; sweet green (botanical/floral); faint brown sugar; and faint, diffuse, dried fruit (dried peach, fig, and a few drops of rum). (There were no alcohol ingredients in this chocolate.)

Flavor notes included: rich, deep, chocolate-y flavor (ultra-dark chocolate brownie w/ cocoa nibs); faint spiced rum-soaked fruit (fig, stone fruit (plum), dark cherry, orange); and faint brown sugar. The "fruit" acidity had a mellow quality--an almost smokey, whiskey barrel aged cacao taste, but not quite. (Again this chocolate did not contain alcohol.)

All but one or two of the Philippine cacao chocolates featured recently have been 70% cacao or higher. The flavors seemed naturally sweet and less dark and dense, allowing for darker percentage bars -- i.e. a 74% chocolate might taste more like a 70% chocolate.  

Flavors were balanced and harmonious in this very tasty, sophisticated dark chocolate.

Maker's tasting notes: Cocoa, Honey, Caramel

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, unrefined sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin.

Allergen-related information: "The product is made in a no nut factory. Dairy free."



Sunday, May 7, 2023

White Label - Philippines Kablon Farms 74% (bar) - May 6, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

White Label
Philippines Kablon Farms 74% (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 178 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Mutari Chocolate, Santa Cruz, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Philippines Kablon Farms 74% (bar) was from White Label Chocolate (Santa Cruz, CA*). 

The chocolate maker used (Trinitario variety) cacao from Kablon Farms to make this three-ingredient dark chocolate.

Aroma notes for today's 74% cacao chocolate included: rich, deep chocolate (drinking chocolate, chocolate malt) and subtle brown sugar.

The chocolate flavors were balanced with faint, fleeting herbal; bright, diffuse, natural (fruit, light spice, brown sugar) sweetness; and last but certainly not least, satisfying true chocolate (rich hot chocolate, chocolate malt) notes--that extended into the finish.

Maker's tasting notes: "Deep rich chocolate, brown sugar, slightly nutty"

Ingredients: "Cacao Bean, Organic Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter"

Allergen-related information: (No information listed on packaging.)

*The previous Santa Cruz, CA, retail location has changed. The company is currently manufacturing chocolate in Watsonville, CA. 

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Auro Chocolate - 64% Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 5, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Auro Chocolate
64% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 168 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week.

Today's 64% Dark Chocolate bar was from Auro Chocolate (Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines). 

The company produces tree-to-bar chocolate using cacao grown in the Philippines. Today's bar was made with cacao sourced from farmers in the forests of Davao.

Aroma notes for this 64% cacao chocolate included: chocolate (roasted, slightly smoky cacao, ganache), molasses and faint spice, and very faint, fleeting umami (savory -- think faint mushroom soup and cheese -- which, to be fair, may have wafted in from a nearby restaurant(s).

Flavor notes included: rich and sweet drinking chocolate (with faint fermented cacao and very faint fleeting earth). 

This chocolate had flavor depth and complexity, and was reasonably well balanced. It had the expected amount of (relatively bright fruit/sugar) sweetness--a level I'd expect to find in a 64% cacao dark chocolate. This sweetness was tempered by the breadth of naturally occurring chocolate flavors.

Maker's tasting notes: "...64% dark chocolate accented with notes of raisins and berries." 

Ingredients: Cacao mass, cane sugar, cacao butter, soy lecithin (emulsifier)

Allergen-related information: Contains soy. "This product is manufactured in a facility that processes other products which may contain milk, tree nuts and peanuts."


Auro Chocolate - Saloy Single Estate 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 4, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Auro Chocolate
Saloy Single Estate 70% Dark Chocolate Philippine Origin (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 168 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Saloy Single Estate 70% Dark Chocolate Philippine Origin bar was produced by Auro Chocolate (Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines). The company offers tree-to-bar chocolates made from cacao grown in the Philippines. 

Aroma notes for today's 70% cacao chocolate included: cocoa, dried fruits (honeyed fig, faint fleeting apricot and faint date), faint (mild) sweet green, almost undetectable aromatic (fruit, spice) tobacco, and brown sugar. 

Flavors included true dark chocolate (cocoa, ganache) and most of the aroma notes (listed above)--as well a touch of diffuse, tart-sweet fruit (faint cherry, light sweet citrus), and brown sugar.

Flavors were pleasantly complex, and relatively smooth. There was a very slight fruit acid and astringency, but it was quite smooth.

Maker's tasting notes: "Located between tropical mountain forests, Saloy (estate) has fresh spring water flowing through the lush farms, giving its chocolate very dynamic notes of herbs, bergamot (and) cherries." 

Ingredients: Cacao mass, organic muscovado sugar, cacao butter

Allergen-related information: "This product is manufactured in a facility that processes other products which may contain oats, milk, soy, tree nuts, and peanuts."


 

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Ethereal Chocolate - Organic Philippines 70% Cacao (bar) - May 3, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Ethereal Confections
Organic Philippines 70% Cacao (bar)
Good+ - Good ++
Weight: 1.125 oz. (32 g.) / 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 166.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Ethereal Confections, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Organic Philippines 70% Cacao craft chocolate bar was made from bean-to-bar by Ethereal Confections (Woodstock, IL).

Subtly complex aroma notes for this dark chocolate included: dark chocolate, dark/dried fruits, very faint tart sweet green herb (oxalis), and very faint spice (vanilla spice cookie).

This bar had a hearty, stone-ground texture with a smooth, buttery melt and had a slight astringency.

The chocolate flavor notes for this two-ingredient chocolate included: pleasant, chocolate-y, warm cocoa (drinking chocolate) and diffuse fruit (fleeting, attractive stone fruit (apricot)). 

The flavors were likable and balanced. It was sweet, without being overly so and was relatively low in bitterness. I enjoyed the subtle complexity (fruit) and warm chocolate-y taste. There were no off notes. The texture was a bit granular, but within the range of what stone-ground chocolates taste like.

Maker's tasting notes: Single origin dark chocolate with tasting notes of deep chocolate fudge and malt.

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar. 

Allergen-related information: Made on shared equipment with peanuts and tree nuts.




Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Auro Chocolate - Saloy Single Estate 100% Dark Chocolate (Philippines) - May 2, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Auro Chocolate
Saloy Single Estate Philippines 100% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Saloy Single Estate 100% Dark Chocolate bar was produced by Auro Chocolate (Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines). 

The company produces tree-to-bar chocolate from cacao grown in the Philippines. Today's bar was made with cacao sourced from farmers in the forests of Davao ?

One way to support cacao farmers (and great chocolate) is to buy single origin/estate chocolate, like today's bar-- where direct sourcing has taken place, and farmers are typically paid above commodity market prices. 

Aroma notes for this Philippine origin dark chocolate included: diffuse but dark, dried fruit, faint green fruit (fleeting honeydew melon and kiwi), earth, herbs, deep, dense cacao, and very slightly sweet, "clean" mineral water.

This ultra-dark chocolate had a slow, even melt and firm, buttery texture (in a cool room).

The flavor unsweetened, buttery (muted, balanced) cacao flavor with a mellow depth--a slight but balanced, buttery slightly bitter-sour (buttered bread and stout) taste, followed by a lightly lingering finish.

Maker's tasting notes: "Located between tropical mountain forests, Saloy (estate) has fresh spring water flowing through the lush farms, giving its chocolate very dynamic notes of herbs, bergamot (and) cherries." 

Ingredients: Cacao mass

Allergen-related information: "This product is manufactured in a facility that processes other products which may contain milk, soy, tree nuts and peanuts."


 

Monday, May 1, 2023

Triangle Roasters - Philippines 70% Malah Na Bulong (bar) - May 1, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Triangle Roasters
Philippines 70% Malah Na Bulong (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: .85 oz. (24 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total bar
Calories: 132 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 (sale) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Philippines 70% Malah Na Bulong* craft chocolate bar was from Triangle Roasters (Philadelphia, PA). 

Roasting cacao is an important step in flavor development when you're making bean to bar chocolate. And, as their name implies, Triangle Roasters have considerable experience in coffee and cacao roasting.

Aroma notes included: cocoa, dried fruit (honeyed fig, dried stone fruit), faint sweet green and caramel, and even fainter molasses spice and fleeting roasted coffee (caramel mocha latte).

The texture was smooth, with a very faint fruit astringency.

Relatively gentle and complex flavors included: cocoa (leans toward Criollo/heritage cacao varieties), brown (dried) stone fruit and fig fruit flavors, a bit of red grape fruit acidity, and a pleasing, faint caramel cookie sweetness that extended into the finish. 

The complexity offered some depth and helped balance the sugar and natural, fruit sweetness. Without the complexity this bright, 70% dark chocolate may have tasted too sweet.

Maker's tasting notes: "hot cocoa, marshmallow, caramel"

Ingredients: Organic cacao, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility with nuts, dairy and wheat."

*"Malah Na Bulong is a bio diversified sustainable farm in South Cotabato, Davao, Philippines."

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