Firetree Chocolate - Indonesia Seram Island 72% Cocoa (bar) - Nov. 30, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Firetree Chocolate Limited
Indonesia Seram Island 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 order

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

Today's Indonesia Seram* Island 72% Cocoa (bar) was from Firetree Chocolate Limited (Peterborough, United Kingdom). 

Firetree produces "Rich Volcanic Chocolate"--sourcing cacao from remote islands, including Indonesia and South Pacific Island nations. The company's name is inspired by the flame-colored hues (yellow, orange, red and even pink and purplish) found in cocoa pods, as well as the volcanic lava(s) that created rich volcanic soils for cacao.

Aroma notes for today's Indonesia bar included: subtle dark chocolate; faint brown sugar toffee; and very faint, fleeting, raisin bread toast.

This chocolate had a smooth texture and creamy mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (cocoa, drinking chocolate); diffuse, bright dried fruit and faint honey; and very faint light brown sugar, warm spice (star anise), and nut. 

This was a smooth, almost subtle 72% dark chocolate with natural sweetness and moderate complexity. It was relatively low in bitterness and had low-to-moderate acidity. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Crafted from Indonesian island beans, this chocolate has a pleasing blend of cocoa, toasted walnuts, treacle and floral notes."

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

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

*Seram is part of the Maluku Island group (Maluku Province of Indonesia), located west of Papua and East of Sulawesi and Bali.

Metiisto - Bali 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 29, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Metiisto Artisan Chocolate
Bali 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.32 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 217.6 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Indonesia Theme Week, including a few chocolates from Bali.

Today's Bali 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Metiisto Artisan Chocolate "from scratch in Toowoomba (Australia)."

This single origin bar had smooth, almost creamy texture; and aroma and flavor notes that included: bold dark chocolate with subtle, balanced earth (peat, loam); very faint dark molasses; and occasional flickers of brighter, sweet fruit. 

This bar was a bit edgier and less sweet than many 70% chocolates. But it was flavorful and well-executed.

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, Sugar, Cocoa butter.

Allergen-related information: May contain traces milk. Produced in Australia from local and imported ingredients.