Wednesday, April 3, 2024

KanVela Craft Chocolate - 72% Dark Chocolate Klong Loi Origin (bar) - Apr. 3, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

KanVela Craft Chocolate
72% Dark Chocolate Klong Loi Origin (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 bar (per package)*
Cost: $7.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

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

Today's 72% Dark Chocolate Klong Loi Origin (bar) was from KanVela Chocolate (Thailand).

Intriguing, subtle aroma notes included: soft and gentle cacao; very faint (diffuse, light tropical) fruit; and very faint (imagined) coffee and spice.

Texture: smooth, creamy texture; almost undetectable, friendly astringency.

Flavor notes included: mild but flavorful dark chocolate (low in acidity and bitterness); with a gentle bouquet of diffuse fruit(s); very subtle warm spices (cinnamon); very faint sweet green, fresh coconut; and unrefined sugar. 

I really enjoyed the heritage criollo-like** flavors in this bar. It was quite gentle for a 72% dark chocolate. It was subtle enough that I found myself leaning in and paying careful attention to what I was tasting, for fear that I might miss something that was gently unfolding. 

I recommend including today's Thai bar in a chocolate tasting flight. Try tasting this 72% cacao Klong Loi Origin chocolate side-by-side with a few other 72% cacao bars, just to enjoy the contrast.

Maker's tasting notes: "Indulge...in the softness of KanVela Klong Loi Origin and bite into a symphony of cinnamon, toasted coconut, caramel and red fruits."

Ingredients: "Cacao nib 67%, Sugar 28%, Cocoa butter 5%"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that processes milk, wheat, sesame, soy and tree nuts."

*This kcal number sounds high, even accounting for the possibility that it contained more added cocoa butter. It may be an error on the packaging.

**A reference to heritage criollo cacao varieties that originated in the Amazon Basin regions of South America. The fruits (pods) are slightly smaller and more delicate--and the flavors are subtle and often gently complex with notes of stone fruits and caramel. Criollo-based chocolates are rare, representing 5 percent or less of what you'll typically find for sale. Definitely worth tasting if you haven't already.

No comments:

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...