Deux Cranes - Hojicha Caramel Milk Chocolate (bar) - July 7, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Deux Cranes
Hojicha Caramel Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 191 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Deux Cranes, online order

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

Today's Hojicha Caramel Milk Chocolate (bar) was created by Deux Cranes LLC (Los Gatos, CA). The company's handcrafted chocolates are "rooted in Japan (and) inspired by France." (I previously featured the Deux Cranes Miso Almonds chocolate bar.)

French-trained chocolatier, Michiko Marron-Kibbey, draws on her Japanese heritage and uses Valrhona chocolate(s) from France in their bars and confections.

Aroma and flavor notes for his Hojicha bar included: smooth and creamy dark milk chocolate; lovely, very slightly floral (jasmine/jasmine rice like) green tea; and very faint caramel/brown sugar. 

The milk helped balance the sugar, and buffered any tannic acidity that might have been present in the tea without subduing the chocolate and green tea flavors. The chocolate had a smooth, rich chocolate milk flavor and finish.

I loved the light, refreshing, green tea aroma, and appreciated the well-executed balance between the various ingredients. Yes, it was sweet...and slightly addictive.

Ingredients: Caramelized Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa butter, Caramel (skimmed milk, whey (milk), sugar, butter (milk), flavoring), Whole milk powder, Cocoa beans) sunflower lecithin (Emulsifier), Hojicha Ground Tea, Sea Salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk. (This product may contain traces of nuts, milk, and gluten. Produced and packaged in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and milk products.