Fossa Chocolate - Yuan Yang Chocolate - Coffee Jasmine Creme (bar) - Dec. 31, 2024

Chocolate of The Day  

Fossa Chocolate
Yuan Yang Chocolate*
Coffee Jasmine Creme (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 288 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $15.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Tea, Herbs and Spices Theme Week. Happy New Year's Eve to all. Today's chocolate is a great bar to kick-off a new year. It's an elaborate fusion of cultures and history distilled into a deliciously complex chocolate.

In the last decade, I've seen (and tasted) more tea and coffee beverage blends--ranging from "dirty** chais" and "dirty" Earls" (Earl Greys) to raspberry (herbal tea) flavored lattes. While this is a relatively new trend in the U.S., tea and coffee blends have a long history.*

Today's Coffee Jasmine Creme (bar) from Fossa Chocolate Pte Ltd (Singapore) has taken a Yuan Yang*-inspired coffee + tea beverage a step further--by introducing this unique blend to a wider audience outside of Asia, via chocolate. (Thank you Fossa Chocolate.)

To make this bar, the chocolate maker(s) collaborated with "Smitten Coffee Roasters' Ethiopian coffee (and) Drifting Snowflakes Jasmine Green Tea curated by Pekoe & Imp." To make the dark milk chocolate base they used Peruvian cacao from (Puerta Pulache, Piura, Peru).

Aroma notes and flavor notes for this blend were as promised: chocolate, coffee, jasmine and cream -- with notes of rich, coffee toffee candy and floral coffee (and jasmine tea) with cream. The jasmine is particularly fragrant when you first open the packaging.

Texture: very creamy and smooth. If there was any slight tea astringency, it was neutralized by the milk.

I really enjoyed this sophisticated, harmonious blend of high-quality, thoughtfully-selected flavors -- from floral, aromatic start to the creamy, satisfying finish. Note: If you like tea and chocolate, Fossa offers some wonderful bars in this area. (My favorite Fossa Chocolate bars contain nuanced and authentic oolong teas.)

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Warm nutty coffee aroma with delicate notes of jasmine and cream"

Ingredients: "Cacao butter, cane sugar, cacao, milk powder, tea leaves, coffee beans"

Allergen-related information: (Contains milk.) "Produced in a facility that processes nuts & dairy."

*Yuan Yang is the name for a popular beverage in Hong Kong and Singapore that's a blend of coffee, tea, milk and sugar. (The origin story for this coffee + milk tea blend points to it being first served in Hong Kong as far back as 1952.)

**The term "dirty" here in the U.S. refers to the addition of a shot of coffee or espresso to a tea beverage/latte. 

This name "dirty" likely was inspired by the "dirty martini"-- a drink often credited to a New York bartender in 1901. In this cocktail, olive(s) and juice were/are muddled into a vodka or gin martini, giving the alcohol a slightly cloudy or "dirty" appearance.  

ChocolateSpiel - Earl Grey (bar) - Dec. 30, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

ChocolateSpiel 
Earl Grey (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (27 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Etsy.com, ChocolateSpiel, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Tea, Herbs and Spices Theme Week.

Today's Earl Grey (bar) was from ChocolateSpiel (Seattle, WA).

Aroma notes included: chocolate; very faint pepper and spice; and barely detectable sweet orange.

Multi-colored, overlapping splashes of colored cocoa butter "paint" gave this bar an attractive/festive appearance.

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy with occasional bites of whole almonds. The almonds added textural interest.

Flavor notes included: chocolate (smooth, dark ganache), subtle bergamot (the flavoring in Earl Grey tea), and lightly salted almond.

The skin-free (possibly marcona) almonds on the back also added some flavor depth. It reminded me of tea cookies/snacks -- small butter cookies with large Marcona almonds in the centers that you might enjoy with tea. And the judicious touch of salt balanced out the sweetness.

I liked the sweet and salty plus floral/bergamot tea notes; they all harmonized well together; and I really enjoyed the lingering earl grey flavor into the finish.

Ingredients: Cocoa, almonds, sugar, cocoa butter, earl grey from Key to Teas, salt, colored cocoa butter (Yellow 3).

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of peanut, gluten, tree nuts."

Intrigue Chocolate - Raspberry + Black Tea + Allspice 60% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 29, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Raspberry + Black Tea + Allspice 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar + shipping
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Tea, Herbs and Spices Theme Week.

Today's Raspberry + Black Tea + Allspice 60% Cacao (bar) was made and distributed by Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA), in collaboration with Aluel Cellars (Seattle, WA) - the supplier of Aluel's 2021 "Coat of Arms" flagship Bordeaux-style red wine.

Origin story: The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Uganda (Region: Rwenzururu - Semuliki Forest (Type: "Mostly Trinitario and Amelonado"; Year: 2024). (Batch No.: 000000091024). The tea used to flavor this chocolate was Assam black tea.

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (dark ganache with ripe red fruit (authentic red raspberry, red grape); slight roast-y black tea and warm spice (fragrant allspice*, very faint red licorice).

Texture: smooth and relatively buttery.

Sweetness level: sixty-percent cacao is normally a bit sweet for me (I'm a dark fan). And the raspberry (and red wine) gave it a rich, sweet, bright red berry/fruit boost, while the black tea and cacao provided a balanced, grounded base. I enjoyed the nuances of flavor. This bar had a slight mulled wine taste to it--making it a pleasing winter warmer (and likely a good Valentines Day bar as well).

I enjoyed Intrigue's similar but a bit bolder cousin--Smoked Tea + Allspice bar (featured yesterday) a smidge better. I tend to like smoke-y, almost umami flavors, and I liked that the Jamaican allspice had a chance to shine a bit more in yesterday's bar. (I'll never enjoy plain old grocery store allspice again after tasting the allspice in that bar.) Both tea bars were very tasty.

Like other chocolates from Intrigue, I appreciated the short list of high-quality ingredients, the lack of emulsifiers or other additives, and the use of raw cane sugar. 

Makers tasting notes/description: "...Aluel's (red wine) has a deep fruity complexity, and plays well with the red berries, sweet earthy tea, and subtle spice in this chocolate bar."

Ingredients: "Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, freeze-dried raspberry juice, Assam black tea, Jamaican allspice."

Allergen-related information: None listed on packaging. 

*Allspice (dried, unripe berries that grow on trees) is native to the Americas (West Indies [Caribbean island nations], Central America and Mexico). The earliest drinking chocolates and confections in the Americas included ground cacao beans, flowers, spices (such as allspice), peppers, honey and/or other local flavor inclusions--but not cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg or ginger--spices brought to the New World by spice traders much later.

Intrigue Chocolate - Smoked Tea + Allspice 60% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 28, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Smoked Tea + Allspice 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar + shipping
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Tea, Herbs and Spices Theme Week.

Today's Smoked Tea + Allspice 60% Cacao (bar) was made and distributed by Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA), in collaboration with The Pathfinder - Hemp & Root, a patented distilled non-alcoholic spirit.

Origin story: The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Ecuador (Region: Costa Esmeraldas, Muisne Canton (Type: Ecuadorian Nacional hybrids). (Batch No.: 000000111524). The smoked black tea used to flavor this chocolate was Lapsang Souchong.

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate (roast-y, dark ganache with dark ripe berry/almost dark cherry); slight roast-y/smoke-y black tea and warm spice (allspice, cinnamon). (Note: there was no cinnamon, just high-quality allspice in this bar; but that allspice tasted like a whole spice blend in and of itself--thus the name, all-spice.)*

Texture: relatively smooth--with a subtle tea astringency.

The blend of all the flavors full-bodied, wonderful and especially satisfying on a winter morning. I liked many things about this bar. First, this blend was thoughtfully conceived and well executed. And the very slightly smoke-y, sweet flavors all harmonized very nicely.

If you think you've tasted allspice before (hidden in some tame, grocery store apple pie spice blend maybe?), think again. The Jamaican allspice* in today's bar took things to another level, and added a layer of natural sweetness.

Sweetness level: 60% cacao is normally a bit sweet for me, but the rich, authentic tea and spice flavors balanced the sweetness. The chocolate was sweet, but not too sweet for dark fans.

Like other chocolates from Intrigue, I appreciated the short list of high-quality ingredients, the lack of emulsifiers or other additives, and the use of raw cane sugar.

Makers tasting notes/description: "..."We used the deep aromas of Lapsang Souchong (smoked black tea), balanced by the sweet spice complexity of Jamaican allspice, and the cherry/bourbon notes of this cacao to create the perfect pairing..."

Ingredients: "Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, smoked black tea, allspice."

Allergen-related information: None listed on packaging. 

*Allspice (dried, unripe berries that grow on trees) is native to the Americas (West Indies [Caribbean island nations], Central America and Mexico). The earliest drinking chocolates and confections in the Americas included ground cacao beans, flowers, spices (such as allspice), peppers, honey and/or other local flavor inclusions--but not cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger--spices brought by spice traders much later.

Fossa Chocolate - Mu Zha Tie Guan Yin Pekoe & Imp tea (bar) - Dec. 27, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Fossa Chocolate 
Mu Zha Tie Guan Yin - Pekoe & Imp Tea Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 276.5 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Tea, Herbs and Spices Theme Week.

If you like oolong teas and dark chocolate, you will love this 62% dark bar--made using "fruity and floral" Peruvian cacao (from Puerta Pulache, Piura).

Aroma and flavor notes included: beautiful, authentic, faintly roast-y, traditional oolong tea and smooth dark chocolate. Oolong tea has elements of both green and black tea, but is in a class by itself.

The tea notes lingered into a pleasing, subtle, clean, astringent, green/floral tea finish that lasted for at least 30 seconds after the last bite of chocolate.

Texture: Very smooth (creamy, fudge-y) with a buttery melt. 

I loved the refreshing, faintly floral tea aroma, flavor and finish, and the short list of (four) ingredients. The Peruvian cacao seemed a perfect match with the oolong tea.

Maker's tasting notes: "Aroma of sweet toasty caramel and floral notes with a warming finish"

Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar, cacao butter, tea leaves

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a facility that processes nuts & dairy."

IQBar - Almond Butter Chip bar + Matcha Chai bar...and Intrigue Chocolate Pomegranate (bar) - Dec. 26, 2024

Chocolate(s) of the Day 

IQBar 
Almond Butter Chip (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $N/A part of a $14.99 tasting pack with several flavors
Purchased from: IQBar, online order

Intrigue Chocolate 
Pomegranate 50% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Mushrooms Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate Tea, Herbs and Spices Week. 

I enjoyed two IQBar Inc. protein bars (with mushrooms) and a holiday Pomegranate 50% bar today from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA).

IQBar - Almond Butter Chip

IQBar Inc. distributes a number of plant protein-based bars (with Lion's Mane), including the two flavors I enjoyed today: 1.) Almond Butter Chip and 2.) Matcha Chai. These were compressed bars with a cohesive, soft chew (think firm cookie dough). 

Both contained 12 grams of plant protein and only 1 gram of sugar. Only the Almond Butter Chip contained chocolate (chocolate chips). And the chocolate complemented the almond flavors and added some satisfying flavor depth. 

I liked that the protein and mushroom powders were fully incorporated and not too grainy.  

The green tea in the Matcha Chai bar provided the tea element in a theme week featuring blends of teas, herbs and spices.

Ingredients: "Almonds, Protein Blend (Pea Protein Crisps [Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch], Pea Protein), Natural Flavors, Prebiotic Blend (Tapioca Fiber, Vegetable Fiber), Coconut Oil, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa, Water, Cocoa Butter, Cinnamon, Sea Salt, Lion's Mane, Stevia Plant Extract, Vitamin E"

Allergen-related information: Contains: Almonds, Coconut

Intrigue Chocolate Co.

Today's Pomegranate 50% Cacao bar from Intrigue Chocolate tasted relatively sweet at 50% cacao; but, a bit more sugar made sense given the bold, acidic and naturally astringent taste of pomegranate fruit and juice.

Pomegranate is a challenging fruit to tackle in chocolate. The maker here used freeze-dried pomegranate juice. Other than a brief flicker of fruit astringency, this well-executed blend was quite well-behaved and worked very nicely. It was enjoyable to try.

Ingredients: "Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, freeze-dried pomegranate juice."

Loon Chocolate - Lion's Mane Dark Chocolate (bar) & CacaoTeca - Rum Truffles - Dec. 25, 2024

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Loon Chocolate
Lion's Mane 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2.25 oz (64 g) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) of bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar + shipping 
Purchased from: Loon Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Mushroom Week + a bonus holiday chocolate with rum. And Merry Christmas to all who celebrate this festive, winter holiday.

Lion's Mane 70% Dark bar

Today's Loon Chocolate Lion's Mane 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) (Batch #924-74) was manufactured in small batches by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, New Hampshire).* 

Lion's Mane mushroom powder was from Dunk Mushroom Products and Foraging LLC (Brentwood, NH)--a farm, processing facility, retail store and education center.

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate; ripe berry; faint graham cracker; and barely detectable, pleasant woodsy umami.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a Facility That Uses Almonds and Milk. Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan" 

*Lion's Mane mushroom powder was from Dunk Mushroom Products and Foraging LLC (Brentwood, NH)--a farm, processing facility, retail store and education center.

Cacaoteca Rum Chocolates

Cacaoteca
Chocolate Rum Truffles
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .58 oz. (16.6 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total box of 12
Calories: 88 calories (estimate) in 2 truffles
Cost: $21.00 for 1 box of 12
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Today's box of Cacaoteca chocolate rum truffles were made with cacao and rum from the Dominican Republic.

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet (milk-y, chocolate-y, fudge-y) filled chocolate with faint, warm spirits (rum) flavor that wasn't too boozy.

Texture: smooth "rum paste" in the center (4% alcohol) surrounded by relatively sweet, creamy smooth chocolate.

Ingredients: Cacao Mass, Powdered Milk, Cane Sugar, Cacao Butter, Rum 

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.

Raaka Chocolate - "Mellow Moon" - Functional Dark Chocolate 64% (bar) - Dec. 24, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate
"Mellow Moon" - Functional Dark Chocolate 64% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. 28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.25 for 1 bar + shipping 
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Mushroom Week.

Today's "Mellow Moon" Functional 64% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) made by Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY).

Aroma and flavor notes included: the smells of freshly cut wood stacked by a fireplace, with a winter mulled, warm chocolate and spice beverage in my hand wafting up steam. Amazing how evocative smells and taste can be.

Additional flavor notes included very faint, authentic menthol/peppermint and very faint wood and umami.

Texture: smooth, almost creamy texture--with no detectable mushroom powder/grit. (I've made this comment in most of this week's mushroom chocolate bars. We've come a long way from the very first mushroom chocolate I ever tasted years ago.) 

I enjoyed the diverse blend of ingredients that somehow all harmonized well together, and the base cacao that contributed a smooth yet flavorful base, and the faint, fleeting and unlikely graham cracker (brown sugar?) note in the finish.

Cacao origin: Semuliki Forest, Uganda. 

Maker's description: "Mellow out with this soothing, floral dark chocolate infused with seven adaptogenic herbs and 530 mg of mushrooms, carefully crafted for the after hours."

Ingredients: "organic cacao beans, organic coconut sugar, organic cacao butter, organic lion's Mane mushroom extract, organic reishi mushrooms, organic peppermint, organic holy basil, organic lemon balm, organic lavender, organic ashwaganda"

Allergen-related information: Contains coconut sugar. "gluten free, vegan" 

Raaka Chocolate - Day Break Functional Dark Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 23, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate
Day Break Functional Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. 28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.25 for 1 bar + shipping 
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Mushroom Week.

Today's Day Break Functional 63% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) made by Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY).

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (rich, chocolate-y, caramel); bright, dark ripe berry/berry syrup; sweet green (noccino); very faint wood and warm spice notes. This was a great morning, winter warmer chocolate.

Texture: smooth, almost creamy texture--with no detectable mushroom powder/grit (thank you!).

This blend was well executed, well balanced and full of appealing flavors. There were no "off" loamy notes, or strong bitter or acidic notes, or anything that tasted like fungi/mushrooms to me.

Cacao origin: Semuliki Forest, Uganda.

Maker's notes: "Focus and Energy"...."infused with seven adaptogenic herbs and 530 mg. of mushrooms, carefully crafted to jump start your day."

Ingredients: "organic cacao beans, organic coconut sugar, organic cacao butter, organic cordyceps mushrooms, organic chaga mushrooms, organic yerba mate, organic moringa, organic schisandra berry, organic rhodiola, organic cinnamon"

Allergen-related information: Contains coconut sugar. "gluten free, vegan"

Loon Chocolate - Chaga Chai 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 22, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Loon Chocolate
Chaga Chai 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.485 oz. (42.24 g.) / 2.25 oz (64 g) in total bar
Calories: 238 calories in 2/3 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar + shipping 
Purchased from: Loon Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Mushroom Week.

Today's Loon Chocolate Chaga Chai 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) (Batch #924-77) was manufactured in small batches by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, New Hampshire). 

The maker collaborated with Dunk Mushroom Products and Foraging LLC (Brentwood, NH)--the farm, processing facility, retail store and education center that supplied the Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate; woodsy; very faint umami and roast-y (gentle sauna wood, Birch, Cedar) 

Texture: smooth, almost creamy texture--with no mushroom powder/grit (thank you!).

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (chocolate-y, roast-y, dark ganache, dark ripe berry); light wood, nut, and diffuse, balanced umami (mushroom); and very faint chai spices. The overall flavor characteristics: mellow, aged to perfection and well-rounded.

This blend was smooth and flavorful, well executed and well balanced. There were no "off" loamy notes, or strong bitter or acidic notes. The 70% cacao (no origin or blend specified on packaging) was complementary to mushroom and chai.

The large illustration of a skull with mushrooms image on the packaging might lead you to think this treat might be hallucinogenic. Nope. No funny side effects. Just plain, tasty chocolate with a few side (health) benefits. I loved the subtle complexity of the aroma and flavors in this approachable bar. I could share this with dark fans or almost dark fans alike.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Dunk's Mushrooms Chaga Chai Blend (Ginger, Black Tea, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Chaga, Clove, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Fennel, Star Anise)

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a Facility That Uses Almonds and Milk. Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan"

IQ Bar - Toasted Coconut Chip Plant Protein Bar - Dec. 21, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

IQBar, Inc.
Toasted Coconut Chip Plant Protein Bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1 bar
Cost: (Part of a 7-bar sampler pack for $14.99)
Purchased from: IQBar, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Mushrooms Week. 

Today's Toasted Coconut Chip Plant Protein Bar was distributed by IQBar, Inc. (Boston, MA).

Aroma notes included: coconut almond cookie bar with vanilla cereal.

This bar had a protein bar texture (dense, but softer than most protein bars; small coconut shreds were embedded in a cookie dough-like texture); dark chocolate chips supplied a nice accent texture and flavor.

The coconut flavor was authentic and balanced by ground almonds (the number one ingredient), pea protein, chocolate chips and vanilla-like flavoring. The Lion's Mane (mushroom) was all but undetectable.

Ingredients: Almonds, Protein Blend (Pea Protein Crisps [Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch], Pea Protein,  Natural Flavors, Prebiotic Blend (Tapioca Fiber, Vegetable Fiber), Coconut, Coconut Oil, Unsweetened Chocolate, Water, Cocoa, Cocoa Butter, Sea Salt, Lion's Mane, Stevia Plant Extract, Vitamin E. 

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds, Coconut. (Gluten Free, Vegan.)

 

Intrigue Chocolate - Blackberry Mushroom (bar) - Dec. 20, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Blackberry + Mushrooms 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar + shipping
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Mushroom Week.

Today's Blackberry + Mushrooms 60% Cacao (bar) was made and distributed by Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). This bar was made in collaboration with Lumen Field (Seattle, WA). 

Origin story: The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Uganda, Rwenzururu - Semuliki Forest (Type: "Mostly Trinitario and Amelonado; Harvest Year: 2022). (Batch No.: 000000083024)

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate; ripe, tart, almost boozy, dark berry (blackberry); slight roast-y, slightly umami bitterness.

Texture: very smooth and buttery--with no mushroom powder/grit or berry seed particles (thank you!).

Flavor notes included: a blend of dark chocolate (chocolate-y, roast-y dark ganache), authentic blackberry notes, and diffuse, balanced umami (mushroom). 

I liked many things about this bar. First, this blend was well executed and well balanced, and the sweetness level was just right for me -- i.e, sweet, but not too sweet. Second, there were no "off" or astringent notes with this potentially challenging flavor blend.

Like other chocolates from Intrigue, I appreciated the thoughtful, short list of quality ingredients, the lack of emulsifiers or other additives, and the use of raw cane sugar.

Makers tasting notes/description: "...first developed...as an exclusive for their (Lumen Field) suites and gifts...The lush dark fruit and the rich deep earth are emblematic of the region's sun-drenched summers and mist-drenched winters."

Ingredients: "Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, freeze-dried blackberries, mushroom blend (wood ear, oyster, cordyceps, turkey tail, lion's mane, shiitake, chaga, maitake, mesima, reishi)." 

Allergen-related information: None listed on packaging.

David Rio - Black Rhino Cocoa Chai (+ mushrooms) - Dec. 19, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

David Rio
Black Rhino Cocoa Chai 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 2 Tbsp. (80 g.) / 16.1 oz. (456 g.) in total container

Calories: 80 calories in 1 serving 
Cost: $14.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Amazon.com, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Chai Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Mushroom Week.

Today's Black Rhino Chai -- black tea, exotic spices & rich cocoa -- was manufactured for David Rio (San Francisco. CA)

Aroma notes included: sweet cocoa, faint gingerbread spices and very faint spiced tea latte.

Texture: smooth texture after mixed with hot water and milks.

Flavor notes included: pleasant light cocoa, gingerbread and chai tea flavors. (Note: I put in a little extra of this powdered mix into my cocoa to get a bit more chocolate flavor. (Sugar was the number one ingredient.)

While it created an extra step to find my own milk, I also appreciated having the option to choose the milk of one's choice--hazelnut milk. It was fairly light (not thick and creamy), so I felt like I needed a bit more heft -- either whole milk or dark chocolate, to add flavor and make it a little less sugary.

I also tried mushroom jerky-infused milk. The hazelnut milk was OK, but the slightly sweet-salty mushroom jerky-infused milk didn't work as well as I thought it would. (I like savory chocolates; so I had to give it a try.)

I liked that this powdered mix dissolved into warm/hot liquids fairly easily (and completely). I'm a gingerbread fan, so I liked the ginger-forward chai spices. I also liked that the critically endangered Black Rhino got a little extra publicity with this product name. 

Ingredients: "sugar, cocoa (14%), black tea powder (5%), spices, salt."

Allergen-related information: (No information found on container.)

Mandala Chocolate - Appalachian Wild Chai Sugar Free Dark Chocolate with Herbs, Mushrooms, Chai Spices (bar) - Dec. 18, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Mandala Chocolate
Appalachian Wild Chai Sugar Free Dark Chocolate with Herbs, Mushrooms and Chai Spices (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 302 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar (when purchased in a 3-pack)
Purchased from: Amazon.com/Mandala Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Chai Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Mushrooms Week.

Today's Organic Appalachian Wild Chai Sugar Free Dark Chocolate with Herbs, Mushrooms and Chai Spices (bar) was handcrafted in Asheville, North Carolina, by Mandala Naturals, LLC (Barnardsville, NC), using 70% stoneground cacao--and without added sugar.*

Aroma and flavor notes included: subtle chocolate and warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, very mild clove and nutmeg), very slightly woodsy sweetness (mesquite, licorice root), and very faint citrus (orange).

This 70% cacao bar included a wild chai blend: spices, herbs and "mushrooms unique to the Blue Ridge Mountains." All these flavors harmonized very nicely. The mushroom flavors were very undetectable. (The 70% cacao and range of spices in this bar makes them easy to miss.)

Texture: nice cacao buttery melt, smooth texture (especially given the amount of added spices and mushrooms).

I loved that this chocolate had an appealing, mild, natural sweetness with no added sugar.*

This bar had more nuanced flavors and a milder taste than most 70% chocolate bars, in part due to thoughtful ingredient selection and the lack of cane sugar.* You realize the effects of processed sugar when it's not there. There are other paths to sweetness.

Ingredients: "*Cacao, *Yacon, *Ginger, *Mesquite, *Maca, *Cinnamon, *Vanilla, *Licorice, *Cardamom, **Chaga, *Peppercorn, *Clove, **Reishi, **Spiceberries, *Nutmeg, *Fennel, *Orange Oil, Celtic Sea Salt (* = Organic, and ** = Organic and Wildcrafted)

Allergen-related information: No information listed.

*And I loved that "zero added sugars" actually meant no sugars and no artificial sweeteners. Instead, sweet-tasting herbs and botanicals (like yacon, maca, cinnamon, licorice, vanilla, etc.) supplied the "sweetness".

Verse Chocolate - 90% Original Dark Chocolate Medallion(s) + Chai tea - Dec. 17, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Verse Chocolate 
90% Original Dark Chocolate Medallion
Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 4.23 oz. (120 g.) in total box of 12
Calories: 180 calories in 3 pieces
Cost: $10.89 for 1 box of 12 medallions
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's 90% Original Dark Chocolate Medallions were from Verse Chocolate LLC (Nixa, MO). 

I enjoyed trying one of these individually-wrapped chocolates; and then paired two pieces of this ultra-dark chocolates with hot, homemade masala chai tea.

Normally, I would have picked a dark milk chocolate for a chai pairing, but at least part of the cocoa used to make these chocolate medallion-shaped pieces had been processed with alkali--a process that can neutralize acidic or bitter elements that might clash with other foods/beverages. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's 90% cacao medallions were still quite robust, and included: heavy roast, ultra-dark, deep and dense cacao (that I associate with Forastero cacao varieties). 

The medallions were easy to hold on the tongue; and the shape (a relatively thin square with very rounded corners) allowed easy access to flavors. The texture was smooth with some mild graininess. 

I appreciated that this 90% chocolate was organic, had relatively low acidity, wasn't too sweet, and was made with only four ingredients 

However--possibly due to a relatively heavy roast/alkalizing process--there were no glimmers of naturally occurring fruit, floral, green or other notes (that I associate with more complex fine cacaos). I found myself transported to a deep, ultra-dark, very still, jungle, looking for a tiny uptick of other flavors. 

In fairness to today's chocolate, most chai spice or masala chai chocolates are milk chocolates (or dark milk chocolates), because: 1.) we associate chai tea with a creamy/milky taste, 2.) people like sweet teas and milk chocolates, and 3.) ultra-dark 90%+ chocolates don't always play well with strong spices or overwhelm subtler notes in other foods/beverages.

This was true today, even though this robust ultra-dark had been tamed a bit.* (Verse's Salted Almond or 70% Sea Salt Medallions would likely have been a better choice with the chai tea that I made using original robust spices (cardamom pods, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, etc.)

In fairness to Verse, I didn't contact them to ask about ultra-dark pairings. And I felt I should have known the two would fight each other a bit, as the company had clearly printed on the packaging: "This chocolate is not candy." (Love that.)

The company's name (Verse) refers to their efforts to share original chocolate flavor (closer to its source and history) with a chorus of people who might then join others singing a new verse to an ancient song (about cacao). 

Ingredients: Cocoa beans*, cane sugar*, cocoa processed with alkali*, cocoa butter*. (* = Organic ingredient.) Cacao: 90%.

Allergen-related: "May contain traces of tree nuts and sesame seeds."

* Ultra-dark 90%-100% cacao bars sometimes taste less bitter if chocolate makers alkalize the cocoa and add cocoa butter (yes to both today) or salt (or salty items) that can help balance bitterness. 

Pairings that may work: strong spirits like whiskey; salt or savory items like aged cheeses or roasted, salted nuts; dark roast coffee; very dark beers; or grated into/over some desserts (that are layered and/or could benefit from a little pop of flavor depth/contrast).

Kasama Chocolate Winter's Eve (bar) + Big Train Chocolate Chai mix - Dec. 16, 2024

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Kasama Chocolate
Winter's Eve (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Kasama, online order

Big Train
Chai Latte (mix)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1/3 cup (51 g.) / 3.5 lbs (159 kg.) in total package
Calories: 220 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $29.51 for 1 large package
Purchased from: Amazon.com, online order

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

Kasama - Winter's Eve bar

Today's Winter's Eve bar (Batch #28) was a Seasonal Release made by Kasama Chocolate (Vancouver, B.C., Canada). The dark chocolate base was made using single estate cacao beans from Costa Esmeraldas in northern Ecuador.

Aroma notes for this bar included: chocolate (hearty, roasted cacao), black licorice, and subtle chai-masala-like spices.

Maker's notes/description: "The oaky and roasty note of this cacao provide a rich-chocolaty canvas, through which each of the spices weaves its flavour threads, creating a tapestry of tastes..."

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cacao Butter*, Cinnamon*, Cardamom*, Ginger*, Cloves*, Turmeric*, Black Pepper* (* = Organic)

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

Big Train - Chocolate Chai Latte mix

Today's Big Train Chocolate Chai mix was distributed by Kerry Inc. (Beloit, WI).

This drink mix (designed to be suitable for cold and hot beverages) had a light, sweet hot cocoa aroma and sweet marshmallow hot chocolate with vanilla and very faint spices flavor. This is the kind of light, pleasant hot cocoa (using alkalized cocoa powder) that I remember sipping when I was young. 

Ingredients: Sugar, Nonfat Dry Milk, Coconut Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Cocoa Processed with Alkali), Instant Black Tea, Honey Granules (Sugar, Honey), Spice Blend (Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom, Anise, Ginger), Sodium Caseinate (A Milk Derivative), Salt, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Mono- and Diglycerides, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Silicoaluminate (Anti-Caking Agent), Silicon Dioxide (Anti-Caking Agent), Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum, Bourbon Vanilla Extract from Madagascar.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.

 

TCHO - Dirty Chai with Cashew Oat Milk & Espresso (bar) - Dec. 15, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO
46% Cacao Dirty Chai with Cashew Oat Milk & Espresso (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .83 oz. (23 oz.)/ 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $5.49 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's 46% Cacao Dirty Chai with Cashew Oat Milk & Espresso (bar) was from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA) in collaboration with Equator Coffees 

Aroma notes in this package of three, individually-wrapped bars included: chocolate; chai spices + vanilla; and coffee latte.

Texture: very creamy and buttery with a very, very faint and fleeting astringency/powdery mouthfeel 2/3 way through.

Flavor notes for this small batch collaboration bar included: chocolate; nuts; warm, spiced coffee latte; and faint vanilla and caramel.

I liked the maker's choice of a relatively short list of Organic ingredients (44% fair trade).

Ingredients: Cacao Beans**, Cocoa Butter**, Coconut Sugar*; Gluten Free Oat Flour* (Oat Flour*, Natural Vitamin E, Cashew Butter*, Cane Sugar*, Coffee Beans**, Masala Chai* (Basil Leaf*, Assam Tea*, Cardamom*, Cinnamon*, Ginger*, Cloves*, Black Pepper*), Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin*, Vanilla Beans* (* = Organic; ** = Organic and Fair Trade Certified). 

Allergen-related information: Contained Coconut, Cashew. "May contain other tree nuts." "Certified Kosher Pareve by Earth Kosher."

ChocolateSpiel - Chai Latte (bar) - Dec. 14, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

ChocolateSpiel 
Chai Latte (bar)
Good + - ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (27 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: ChocolateSpiel, online order (Etsy)

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Chai Tea Week.

Today's Chai Latte (bar) was from ChocolateSpiel (Seattle, WA).

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate; ground, warm chai spices (from Aditi Chai); faint coconut milk; and nuts. The coconut milk chocolate tasted slightly acidic/harsh; but the overall bar was otherwise quite nice.

I enjoyed the pleasing creamy texture; the festive and colorful appearance of this bar--created by spatters of different colors of colored cocoa butter; the short list of ingredients; and the smaller size.

Ingredients: Cocoa, sugar, cocoa butter, coconut milk powder, chai spices from Aditi Chai, colored cocoa butter. 

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of peanut, gluten, tree nuts."

Public Chocolatory - Masala Chai 55% Dark Milk Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 13, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Public Chocolatory
Masala Chai 55% Dark Milk Chocolate (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: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Chai Theme Week, featuring chocolates with chai spice blends, bars and drinking chocolate.

Today's Masala Chai 55% Dark Milk Chocolate (bar) (Batch No. MC240406) was from Public Chocolatory (Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich, dark milk chocolate, chai tea and spices (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and possibly (smaller amounts of) anise/fennel and black pepper.

Texture: This bar had a soft, silken, luxurious fudge-y texture. 

Together, the chai masala tea flavors (that were fully incorporated into the chocolate), the milk -- that contributed to the wonderful creamy, smooth texture conveyed the essence of a cup of warm chai tea -- and the sweetness, all made this chocolate a bit addictive (more-ish).

I also appreciated the thoughtful execution and the short list of quality ingredients.

Ingredients: "Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Cacao Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Masala Chai Tea"

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. 

Intrigue Chocolate - Chai Latte - Oat Milk Dark 60% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 12, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Chai Latte Oat Milk Dark Chocolate 60% Cacao (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar + shipping
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Chai Latte Oat Milk Dark Chocolate 60% Cacao (bar) was made and distributed by Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). This bar was inspired by the maker's favorite Indian restaurants in Seattle.

Origin story: The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Uganda, Rwenzori, Kisinga microlot (Type: "Mostly Trinitario and Amelonado; Harvest Year: 2022).

Aroma notes included: chocolate and a rich blend of authentic chai tea with warm spices (cloves, star anise, cinnamon, spice cookie and more. (Note: there was no star anise listed in the ingredients.)

Texture: smooth, well-tempered dark chocolate with a pleasing creamy melt, followed by a very slight, fleeting, astringency/fine powder (that could have been very tiny oat milk and/or tea/spice particles. It did not take away from the tasting experience.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (chocolate-y, dark ganache)

I liked many things about this bar. First, I really felt like I was enjoying a great cup of chai tea--with the added flavor(s) of a great dark chocolate. The flavors were well balanced and the sweetness level was just about perfect for a chai tea. 

I also liked the thoughtful, short list of quality ingredients, the lack of emulsifiers or other additives, and the use of raw cane sugar. (I also liked that there was a little black pepper, ginger, fennel pollen and sea salt added--in amounts that were so subtle, you might not be able to identify them...You just know you like the whole blend.)

Makers tasting notes/description: "...sweetened with raw cane sugar, softened by gluten-free oat milk powder, emboldened by Assam black tea, and spiced with some of India's most iconic flavors."

Ingredients: Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, oat milk powder (oats), black tea, green cardamom, cloves, cassia cinnamon, black pepper, ginger fennel pollen, sea salt. (The maker's Batch # for this bar was: 000000052324)

Allergen-related information: Vegan, no dairy, no soy, no gluten. 

    

Ritual - Gin Juniper Lavender Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar) + Intrigue - Fernet Branca Truffle - Dec. 11 , 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Ritual Chocolate
Gin Juniper Lavender Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: .706 oz. (20 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $11.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Intrigue Chocolate
Fernet Branca Truffle
Good ++
Weight: .314 oz. (8.9 g.) in 1 truffle / for 1 box of 12 (13) truffles
Calories: 49 calories for 1 truffle
Cost: $44.00 for 1 box of 12 (13) truffles
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate and Spirits Theme Week, featuring two chocolates -- a gin-infused bar, and an Italian liqueur-inspired truffle.

Ritual Chocolate

Today's Gin Juniper Lavender Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar) was made by Ritual Chocolate (Heber City, UT), using Barrel Aged Alpine Distilling Gin from Alpine Distilling (Park City, UT). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: authentic, fragrant and floral (lavender) botanical gin (with juniper) and dark chocolate.

The juniper and lavender both contributed fairly strong flavors--as did the sweet-tart acidity (citrus) taste and astringency in this dark chocolate It was interesting to try this very flavorful blend. However, for those who don't care for gin/juniper and/or lavender, you may find the intersection of all these bold flavors a little overwhelming. 

Maker's tasting notes: Juniper, Lavender, Cardamom, Orange Peel

Ingredients: Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Juniper Berries, Lavender, Alpine Distilling Gin 

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes Wheat, Tree nuts"

Intrigue Chocolate - Fernet Branca* Truffle

Today's Fernet Branca* flavored chocolate truffle was created by Intrigue Chocolate (Seattle, WA). It was part of a larger assortment of different truffles.

This individually-wrapped, square dark chocolate truffle had pleasing, authentic mint and herbal (light liqueur) notes, including a slightly mellow richness--likely due to the practice of aging this liqueur in oak barrels. The creamy soft truffle (with a rich, buttery melt) was dusted with a generous amount of cocoa powder. 

Ingredients: Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla, soy lecithin), Cream (milk), flavors (as described in the truffle name).

Allergen-related information: Contains Dairy, Soy. 

*Fernet Branca is an Italian amaro liqueur made with "27 herbs from 4 continents" that's often served as an after-dinner digestif or before-meal appertif. 

Some ingredients said to be part of this recipe include: aloe, angelica, camomile, cardomom, cinchona, gentian, iris, myrrh, peppermint and rhubarb. (Some sources also say it may contain chocolate.) The base is distilled grape spirits.

Fruition Chocolate Works - Gay Bar 69% Cacao Boozy Dark Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 10, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Fruition Chocolate Works
Gay Bar 69% Cacao Boozy Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 163 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Fruition, online order

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate and Spirits Theme Week. (Note: this post is likely not appropriate for children. This bar contains alcohol and some adult cocktail references.)

Today's Gay Bar 69% Cacao Boozy Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Fruition Chocolate Works (Shokan, NY).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, and a slight boozy richness and fullness (think oak barrel, citrus, cherry, whiskey, vermouth -- in other words, something like a Manhattan (cocktail) fully incorporated into a smooth, rich dark chocolate.

Flavor notes took the aroma notes (listed above) one step further--with the dark chocolate (Peru (pangoa) + Colombia (tumaco) taking center stage. There was also a pleasing, lingering, slightly boozy (sweet, layered whiskey cocktail with cherry), buttery and very smooth oak finish. (Note: there was no dairy butter in this bar.)

Disclosure: I do very much enjoy dark chocolate and whiskey pairings. In skilled hands, fine quality dark chocolate + spirits and oak barrel/seasoned wood produces some very appealing results. The vermouth, cherries and bitters were well-balanced and well-integrated, and these ingredients conveyed the whole cocktail concept very nicely. I loved the layered flavors in this bar that harmonized so well together.

What's behind the name "Gay Bar" other than the play on words? The packaging features a large, glittering, red (big apple) disco ball--part of a club scene with happy, diverse patrons (cartoon characters of bear, deer, beaver cartoon). "...a portion of the proceeds from each Gay Bar sold will benefit Hudson Valley organizations working to better the lives of Upstate New York's vibrant LGBTQ+ community."

Ingredients: "cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, rye, vermouth, cherries, bitters"

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

Fjak Chocolate - Vermouth O'Clock 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 9, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Fjak Chocolate AS
Vermouth O'Clock 60% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.11 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 176 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Vermouth O'Clock 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Fjak Chocolate AS (Eidfjord, Hardangerfjord, Norway).

Crafted in Norway, Fjak's small batch chocolates (many with Nordic/European and seasonal flavor inclusions) are always a pleasure to try.

Complex, subtle aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, slight savory (olive, herb); very faint, warm spirits (dry sherry, vermouth); faint tart-sweet fruit (citrus (faint orange), cherry); and barely detectable herb, spice and botanical (sweet straw stalks, fennel sticks, light cinnamon, clove, star anise). (Note: there was no star anise or clove.)

I really liked the well-executed interplay of smooth, sophisticated cocktail flavors. This was a very enjoyable bar to taste, and to share with others. The 60% cacao dark chocolate was relatively sweet and that sweetness was upped a bit with the sweet orange (peel) and warm spice notes, but it seemed comparable to what you might find in a Vermouth cocktail. And the very faint (real) olive balanced things out nicely.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Vermouth, Juniper*, Cinnamon*, Fennel Seeds*, Orange Peel*, Olives, Candied Orange Peel* (Min. 60% cocoa). (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Certified Organic; Vegan; dairy and gluten free. "Processed in a facility that handles nuts, dairy and gluten"

Seattle Chocolate - Sip Sip Hooray (bar) - Dec. 8, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate
Sip Sip Hooray (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.95 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Pebble Beach Market Market, Pebble Beach, CA

Welcome to Day # of Chocolate and Spirits* Theme Week

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate, tart-sweet raspberry candy, and faint lemon.

Texture: smooth truffle bar texture: creaminess, punctuated by the crunch and fizz of raspberry popping candy.

What did I like? I enjoyed the creamy + crunchy layered flavors and textures (almost velvety dark chocolate coating and white chocolate interior) and the subtle raspberry popping candy. 

This bar had a festive (touch of bubbly and pink champagne bottle like illustrations on label) feel to it. The label was splashed with celebratory golden yellow and pink. Yes this bar was a little bit sweet, but it was also fun. And fun is underrated.

Ingredients: white chocolate (cane sugar, cocoa butter*, milk, soy lecithin, natural vanilla), dark chocolate (cocoa mass, cane sugar, cocoa butter, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), popping candy (cane sugar, lactose, corn syrup, carbon dioxide), coconut oil, raspberry powder, citric acid, beet extract (color), organic natural flavor. (* = Rainforest Alliance Certified)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, and Coconut. "This product is manufactured in a plant that processes milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and wheat products."

*Vedrenne Creme de Cacao Blanc

To make this day technically compliant with the "Chocolate and Spirits" Theme this week, I paired this bar with a very small glass of Vedrenne Creme de Cacao Blanc liqueur (made with the cacao fruit that surrounds cacao beans/seeds). 

This Creme de Cacao was head and shoulders above most liqueur-style spirits in terms of quality and flavor had a refreshing, lovely, tart-sweet, tropical fruit taste--consistent with cacao fruit pulp I've tried in the past--with subtle, authentic notes of mango, tangerine, very faint pineapple and melon. It also had 1-2 other very faint (barely there) botanical notes I associate with chocolate that I couldn't quite identify.

Zotter Chocolate - Gin & Lemon Dark milk chocolate 60% gin ganache, lemon cream (bar) - Dec. 7, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolate
Gin & Lemon Dark milk chocolate 60% gin ganache, lemon cream (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter US, online order 

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Gin & Lemon Dark milk chocolate 60% filled with gin ganache, lemon cream (bar) was from Zotter Chocolate US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, spirits (gin) sour-sweet lemon (and almost lime, other citrus), and very faint coconut (there was no coconut) and warm spice.

A thin layer of smooth, 60% dark chocolate surrounded a soft, but substantial, lemony, gin-infused filling that had a range of bright, citrus-like flavors (lemon, tart apple, grapefruit), and very faint vanilla.

The faint juniper note in the gin and the citrus provided an authentic gin cocktail flavor. 

I enjoyed this flavorful, very slightly boozy bar made with 85% Organic ingredients (and several Fairly Traded ingredients as well). It teetered on the edge of too many flavors and spices (star anise, cloves, cardamom), but it worked. 

Those adults I've shared this bar with so far have all given it a thumbs up. (Because of the alcohol in this bar, I only shared this with adults.*)

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass**, Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter**, Dry Whole Milk, Gin*(7%), Invert Sugar Syrup*, Dry Skim Milk, Lemon Juice (2%), Glucose Syrup*, Dry Sweet Whey, Lemon Juice Concentrate*(0.5%), Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder**, Grapefruit Concentrate*, Apple Balsamic Vinegar*, Cinnamon**, Star Anise*, Cloves*, Cardamom* (* = Organic (85% Organic) (** Organic and Fair Traded)

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk. "Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Eggs, Soy, Gluten and Sesame."

* Children can have remarkably sophisticated palettes when it comes to dark chocolates. And I'm often interested in hearing their opinions if I'm sharing chocolate with a family. 

Years ago I was surprised to see that some under 10 years old even liked darker (>70% cacao) chocolates as well. I would still limit the dose to under 1 oz. (28 g.); but there you go. You can't generalize about people, at any age. Everyone has different tastes and preferences. 

 

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Limited Release Dark Chocolate Demon Seed Whiskey 77% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 6, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Limited Release Dark Chocolate Demon Seed Whiskey 77% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 145 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $35.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Limited Release Dark Chocolate Demon Seed Whiskey with Maple Sugar 77% Cacao was made by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA) in collaboration with Boston Harbor Distillery (Dorchester, MA). The cacao bean origin was Colombia (Boyaca).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (dark cocoa, ganache), and very faint spirits (whiskey) and maple sugar. 

When I bought this bar, I didn't know it contained scorpion pepper, one of the world's hotter peppers. (The name Demon Seed Whiskey should have clued me in.) If you don't detect a chili/pepper smell to this bar, you might be surprised by the bit of heat that kicks in a bit later. So, for the heat-sensitive, I'd advise taking a small bite first.

Texture: relatively smooth (all ingredients were fully incorporated), with a tiny bit of (possibly imagined) astringency toward the end.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (bittersweet chocolate), warm maple sugar, and very faint whiskey, chili spice and earth notes. The whiskey added flavor depth without being obvious.

Given the relatively bold flavor elements, this was a very balanced and well-executed chocolate. There were no pyrotechnics or rushes to grab a glass of water because of the scorpion pepper. Yes, the pepper had some heat, but it wasn't overwhelming (thank you). The ginger was barely detectable, but it likely added some warm spice that melded flavors together nicely.

The 77% cacao (single origin Colombia, Boyaca) seemed relatively smooth for a higher percentage chocolate, and the sweetness level seemed to be just right. The maple and ginger were subtle but added some warmth that makes it appealing for colder/winter days. And this is a fun bar to share with others.

Maker's tasting notes: "...Heat from scorpion peppers dances with ginger and melds with flavors of rich, maple fudge. A warm caramel syrup sensation lingers..."

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Maple Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Whiskey, Scorpion Pepper, Ginger

Allergen-related information: "Soy Free, Gluten Free"

Zotter Chocolates - Rum Coconut 70% filled bar - Dec. 5, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolates
Rum Coconut 70% filled bar
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.19 + shipping for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order 

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Rum Coconut 70% filled with coconut ganache and rum cream (bar) was made in Austria by Zotter Chocolates and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Zotter's filled (or "hand-scooped") bars contain ultra-thin layers or fillings, sometimes two or three. In this case there were authentic coconut and rum layers inside a thin coating of 70% dark chocolate. 

Aroma notes for this slightly boozy*, filled bar included: rum, tropical fruit (pineapple, mango, lemon), dark chocolate and subtle coconut. The smooth, dark chocolate became more prominent when I bit into it, and the fruit notes receded.

Texture: mostly smooth and creamy with a few tiny coconut shreds.

I liked the layering of flavors, the use of organic and fair trade ingredients, and the fact that this was an authentic winter warmer, in almost every respect. The rum clearly raised the temperature in my room. Neat trick. 

Maker's description: "A tropical dream..."Brown rum adds...flavor to a rich dark chocolate ganache...accompanied by a light coconut layer made from almond praline, coconut couverture, coconut milk, and a hint of pineapple juice, and crunchy coconut flakes..." The whole treat is then coated with a layer of 70% dark chocolate. 

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass**, Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter**, Rum** (6%), Invert Sugar Syrup*, Toasted Coconut**(4%), Rice Drink Powder (Rice*, Sunflower Oil*, Salt), Coconut Milk* (3%), Coconuts*, Water, Thickener: Guar Gum*), Almonds*, Pineapple Concentrate*, Glucose Syrup*, Coconut Powder* (1%: Coconut Paste*, Coconut Milk*, Coconut Flour*), Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder**, Lemon Powder* (Lemon Juice Concentrate*, Corn Starch*, Sugar*), Emulsifier: Lecithin (Soy)*, Emulsifier: Lecithin (Sunflower)*, Ginger* (* = Organic (100% Organic) (** = Organic and Fair Traded). Fair Trade Content in Total: 83%

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Coconut, Almonds, Soy" "Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Milk, Eggs, Sesame and Gluten." 

*No Chocolate and Spirits Week would be complete without a filled chocolate from Europe that contains a bit of real alcohol. Zotter Chocolates offers organic and fair trade chocolates with a variety of spirits, for those who are looking to upgrade in this category.

Creo Chocolate - Whiskey Milk 65% Milk Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 4, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Creo Chocolate
Whiskey Milk 65% Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 250 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Creo Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Whiskey Milk - 65% Milk Chocolate Infused with Westward Whiskey (bar) was from Creo Chocolate (Portland, OR).

The single origin cacao used to make this bar was from Ecuador, which contributed to the smooth rich chocolate-y flavor.

Aroma notes included: dark milk chocolate; very faint, sweet spirits (whiskey); and subtle rich caramel.

Texture: creamy, smooth chocolate.

Flavor notes included: smooth, dark milk chocolate; subtle sweet spirits (whiskey) and rich caramel and light cream; and an unexpected (but wonderful) sparkling of salt. But, not just any salt -- mesquite sea salt. 

Disclaimer: I like savory/smokey chocolates. Chocolates with a judicious dose of sea salt that also was smoked. Yes, that is just fine. I find that salt and/or a savory element balances out higher levels of sugars, even natural and authentic-tasting sweetness. I can't be sure; but the 65% cacao might have been too sweet for me. But the maker's choices of salt, milk and whiskey all blended very nicely in this case.

Maker's tasting notes: "Flavor notes: barrel-aged whiskey, malt, smoked sea salt -- creamy and sophisticated"

Ingredients: cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic whole milk powder, mesquite smoked salt, malt whiskey. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Milk" "Manufactured on shared equipment with products containing eggs, wheat, sesame seeds, soy, peanuts & tree nuts"

 

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Limited Release Dark Chocolate Unfiltered Hard Cider 70% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 3, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate 
Limited Release Dark Chocolate Unfiltered Hard Cider 70% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $19.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Limited Release Dark Chocolate Unfiltered Hard Cider 70% Cacao (bar) was made by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and crisp, relatively tart fruit (apple) and sweetness.

Texture: smooth, almost creamy dark chocolate 

Flavor notes included: deep, relatively robust (but smooth) dark chocolate with very slight earth and faint apple/cider; and a fleeting warm spice (apple cinnamon) in the finish. 

* Maker's description: "...Dominican Republic Zorzal Communitario cacao nibs are soaked in 23 gallons of Downeast's locally crafted 8% hard cider. This infusion process creates a perfect balance of tart apples and rich dark chocolate. Our take on fall in New England!"

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Nibs, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Hard Cider (Hard Cider, Fresh Pressed Apple Cider, Water, Sugar, Malic Acid, Sulfites to Preserve Flavor)

Allergen-related information: Soy Free; Vegan. 

Kasama Chocolate - Tanduay Rum 75% Cacao Barrel Aged Dark Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 2, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Kasama Chocolate
Tanduay Rum 75% Cacao Barrel Aged Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 166.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $19.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Tanduay Rum 75% Cacao Barrel Aged Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Kasama Chocolate (Vancouver, B.C., Canada).  

This Special Release bean-to-bar chocolate was made using cacao beans and rum from the Philippines.

These roasted cacao beans (broken into pieces, aka nibs) were aged with Tanduay Gold Philippine Rum*. The nibs were then "dried and stone ground to create a rich, dark chocolate with tropical notes of coconut, caramel cream and hints of spice and sandalwood..."

I didn't pick up all these notes, but it was still a very enjoyable tasting experience. Aroma and flavor notes I experienced included: smooth dark chocolate and subtle, sweet spirits (rum) and subtle green/botanical/floral (orchid) and very faint cookie (brown sugar, rum).

Texture: smooth, creamy chocolate-y with a pleasing melt and mouthfeel.

I enjoyed the subtle, smooth flavor and natural sweetness in this chocolate. The choice of 75% cacao dark chocolate seemed perfect. (A 70% cacao version might have tasted too sweet, and might have made the already subtle flavor notes too subtle--for a bar where I want to enjoy the taste imparted by the spirits.) 

Like yesterday's Kasama Single Malt Canadian Whisky bar (with bolder flavors), today's rum bar might be a great bar to share with friends and family over the holidays, and would be a nice winter warmer. (Both could be part of a chocolate and spirits (side-by-side) tasting flight.)

Ingredients: Tanduay Gold Rum Aged Cacao Nibs, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cacao Butter* (* = Organic)  

Allergen-related information: None listed, except "Made in a facility that contains nuts."

*"In 1854, a distillery was built on Isla De Tanduay, a small piece of land bordering the Quiapo & San Miguel districts in Manila." (It became most well known for its rum.)

Kasama Chocolate - Odd Society Single Malt Canadian Whisky 70% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 1, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Kasama Chocolate
Odd Society Single Malt Canadian Whisky 70% Cacao Barrel Aged (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 163 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $19.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Odd Society Single Malt Canadian Whisky 70% Cacao Barrel Aged (bar) was from Kasama Chocolate (Vancouver, B.C., Canada).  

This Special Release bean-to-bar chocolate was made using cacao beans from Northern Ecuador (Costa Esmeraldas). These roasted cacao beans (broken into pieces, aka nibs) were "aged with Odd Society Distillery's Commodore single malt whisky*. The nibs were then dried and stone ground to create a...rich dark chocolate with oak and whisky notes."

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth, dark chocolate; a bouquet of marinated fruits (ripe cherry, sweet/boozy orange, citron and sweet lime); barrel-aged whiskey; very, very faint (fleeting) vegetable (green beans + nopalitos cooked with a little lemon); and very faint herbal (licorice). In the finish: fudge brownie, whiskey, vanilla and cherry tobacco, subtle oak.

Texture: smooth, chocolate-y with a pleasing melt and mouthfeel.

I enjoyed the balanced, rich complexity and unexpected fruitiness in this bar. It was flavorful, not too sweet (thank you!), and satisfying. I liked that the complex cocktail of flavors extended into a relatively long finish with mellow, authentic, barrel-aged whiskey, vanilla and light cherry. 

This would be a great bar to share with friends and family over the holidays, or to provide a little warmth to any winter day/evening.

Ingredients: Commodore Whisky Aged Cacao Nibs, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cacao Butter* (* = Organic) 

Allergen-related information: None listed, except "Made in a facility that contains nuts."

*The Odd Society Commodore small-batch whisky in this bar tasted closer to Bourbon than Scotch. It was "distilled with 100% BC grown, malted barley, and aged in ex-bourbon barrels, giving it a...peppery-sweetness, along with dark fruit, clove, and toffee notes."