Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - 65% Dark Chocolate 60% and Dark Milk Chocolate Blood Orange - Mar. 31, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate
1.) Dark Chocolate Blood Orange 65% (square) - Good +
2.) Dark Milk Chocolate Blood Orange 60% (square) - Good + - Good ++
Weight: .36 oz. (10 g.) / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) in total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 58.3 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $58.50 - $65.00 for 1 box of 48 pieces
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Blood Orange 65% and Dark Milk Chocolate Blood Orange 60% (squares) were manufactured in Hawaii by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate Inc. (Lahaina, Maui, HI).

The company offers chocolates made with cacao from Ecuador, and cacao grown locally in Hawaii.

These two individually-wrapped chocolates (squares) were part of an attractively packaged large assortment box featuring both Dark Chocolates and Dark Milk Chocolates--most with flavor infusions. 

Dark Chocolate Blood Orange 65% (square)

Aroma and flavor notes for this creamy smooth dark chocolate square included: relatively bold but well balanced dark chocolate-y chocolate infused with citrus (blood orange) flavoring.

Dark Milk Chocolate Blood Orange 60% (square) 

Aroma and flavor notes for this dark milk 60% chocolate included satisfying dark milk chocolate with citrus (orange) infused flavor. The milk added a creamy texture and helped balance and mellow the flavoring.

Normally I prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate, but the Dark Milk Chocolate version won out by a narrow margin this time.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors. Dark Milk Chocolate also contained Milk.

Allergen-related information: Dark Milk Chocolate contains Milk.   

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - 65% Dark and 60% Dark Milk Peppermint (squares) - Mar. 30, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate
1.) Dark Chocolate Peppermint 65% (square) - Good +
2.) Dark Milk Peppermint 60% (square) - Good + - Good ++
Weight: .36 oz. (10 g.) / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) in total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 58.3 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $58.50 for 1 box of 48 pieces
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Peppermint 65% and Dark Milk Chocolate Peppermint 60% (squares) were manufactured in Hawaii by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate Inc. (Lahaina, Maui, HI).

The company offers chocolates made with cacao from Ecuador, and cacao grown locally in Hawaii. And they have a retail store and cafe that looks like it would be fun to visit.

These two individually-wrapped chocolates (squares) were part of a large, thoughtfully designed assortment box featuring both Dark Chocolates and Dark Milk Chocolates--most with flavor infusions. 

Dark Chocolate Peppermint 65% (square)

Aroma and flavor notes for this creamy smooth dark chocolate square included: relatively bold but balanced chocolate-y chocolate infused with robust peppermint flavoring.

Dark Milk Peppermint 60% (square) 

Aroma and flavor notes for this dark milk 60% chocolate included satisfying dark milk chocolate with a mint (peppermint) flavoring. The milk added a creamy texture and helped buffer the "natural flavoring" a bit.

Normally I prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate, but the milk in the Dark Milk Chocolate won out this time.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors. Dark Milk Chocolate also contained Milk.

Allergen-related information: Dark Milk Chocolate contains Milk.  

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - 65% Dark Chocolate Mango & 60% Dark Milk Mango (squares) - Mar. 29, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Mango 65% Cacao (square) - Good + 
Dark Milk Chocolate Mango 60% Cacao (square) - Good +
Weight for 2 squares: .36 oz. (10 g.) in 2 squares/ 8.5 oz. (240 g.) total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 58.3 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $58.50 for 1 box of 48-pieces
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's individually-wrapped Dark Mango and Dark Milk Mango squares were from Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate (Lahaina, Maui, HI).

Dark Chocolate Mango square

Aroma notes for the smooth-textured, Dark Chocolate 65% cacao square included: sweet, smooth dark chocolate, light cream and faint fruit.

Flavor notes included: sweet, smooth dark chocolate, bright tropical fruit (mango flavoring) with a slight bitterness in the finish. (I'm not sure if the bitterness was caused by the mango "natural flavors" added or whether it was from the cacao. It's not been present with other flavors tried so far in this assortment box.)

Dark Milk Mango square

Aroma and flavor notes included for the 60% Dark Milk Chocolate included: smooth, creamy milk chocolate, tropical fruit (mango) flavoring. The slight bitterness in the finish that was present in the 65% dark version was slightly muted by the milk in this square.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors. (The Dark Milk square also contained Milk.)

Allergen-related information: The Dark Milk square contained Milk. "Soy, nut and gluten free"   

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - Maui Mokka Coffee (dark, dark milk squares and milk chocolate bar) - Mar. 28, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate

Dark Chocolate 2% Maui Mokka(R) Coffee 63% (square) - Good ++ 
Dark Milk Chocolate 2% Maui Mokka (R) Coffee 58% Cacao (square) - Good ++
Weight for 2 squares: .36 oz. (10 g.) in 2 squares/ 8.5 oz. (240 g.) total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 58.3 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $58.50 for 1 box of 48-pieces
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

Milk Chocolate Maui Mokka Cappuccino 55% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) for 1 bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1 bar 
Cost: $10.00 (estimate) for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's two-individually-wrapped chocolate squares: 1.) Dark Chocolate (square) and 2.) dark milk chocolate (square); and one full-sized Milk Chocolate Cappuccino (bar) were from Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate (Lahaina, Maui, HI).

Dark Chocolate Mokka Coffee 63% (square)

Aroma notes for this 63% cacao dark square included: sweet, smooth dark chocolate with warm spice and coffee

Smooth, soft, very slightly gummy chewy that quickly resolved into creamy dark chocolate with relatively low acidity (chocolate and coffee) and bitterness. 

Flavor notes included: sweet, smooth dark chocolate, faint coffee, warm spice, and almost undetectable sweet herbal. There was also some faint sweet coffee/mocha in the finish.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Coffee

Allergen-related information: "Soy, nut and gluten free"  

Dark Milk Chocolate Maui Coffee 58% (square)

This 58% dark milk square with 2% Maui Mokka Coffee square had very similar warm aroma and flavor notes as the Dark chocolate version, but with a creamier (milk) taste and texture.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Milk, Cocoa Butter, Coffee 

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk "Soy, nut and gluten free"

Milk Chocolate Maui Coffee 55% (bar)

This 55% Cacao bar had a rich, luxurious milk chocolate aroma, texture and flavor -- with subtle, freshly-made, mocha latte/cappuccino notes.

I enjoyed the gentle complexity and warm flavors in all three of these Maui-made chocolates. 

I liked the higher percentage dark square best because the dark chocolate and flavors were clearer. Milk chocolate lovers will appreciate the luxe, creamy, milky cappuccino-like flavors and textures in the dark milk (square) and the even milkier 55% milk chocolate (bar) featured today.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Milk, Coffee

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.  

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - Dark Chocolate & Dark Milk Chocolate Lemongrass (squares) - Mar. 27, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate
1.) Dark Chocolate Lemongrass 65% (square) - Good ++
2.) Dark Milk Chocolate Lemongrass 60% (square) - Good + - Good ++
Weight: .36 oz. (10 g.) in 2 squares / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) in total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 58.3 calories in 2 squares 
Cost: $58.50 for Assorted Dark and Dark Milk 48-piece (16 flavor) box
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's individually-wrapped, Dark Chocolate Lemongrass 65% and Dark Milk Lemongrass 60% chocolate (squares) was made in Maui by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate (Lahaina, Maui, HI).

Today's Dark Chocolate Maui Guava 65% Cacao, Costa Esmeraldas, Ecuador (bar)

These two lemongrass infused chocolate squares were part of a larger, 48-piece (dark chocolate and dark milk chocolate) assortment box. Each chocolate square was individually-wrapped.

Aroma and flavor notes for the dark chocolate 65% lemongrass-infused squares included: citrus, (herbal lemonade), lemongrass and relatively robust but smooth, almost creamy dark chocolate. 

The 60% dark milk version was creamier and sweeter; and the milk muted some chocolate and lemongrass flavors. (Think rich, creamy gelato.) Milk chocolate fans will enjoy this creamier taste and texture.

I enjoyed the crisper, purer flavors in the darker (65% cacao) version. 

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, (Dark Milk square contained Milk), Natural Flavors.

Allergen-related information: Today's Dark Milk square contained Milk.  

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Maui Guava 65% Cacao, Ecuador (bar) - Mar. 26, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate
1.) Dark Chocolate Maui Guava - 65% Cacao (Ecuador) (square) - Good ++
2.) Dark Chocolate Maui Guava - 65% Cacao (Ecuador) (bar) - Good ++
3.) Dark Milk Chocolate Maui Guava 60% Cacao (Ecuador) (square) - Good ++

Weight of 2 squares: .36 oz. (10 g.) for 2 squares / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) total 48-piece box
Weight of bar: .88 oz. (25 g.) in total bar
Calories: 196 calories (estimate) in 1 bar (140 calories) + 2 squares (56 calories (estimate))
Cost: $6.75 (sale) for 1 bar + cost of two squares in a larger $58.50 48-piece assortment box

Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Maui Guava 65% Cacao and Dark Milk Maui Guava (squares and bar) were manufactured by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate Inc. (Lahaina, Maui, HI).

These chocolates were made in Hawaii using cacao grown in Ecuador* and Hawaiian guava essence. 

Dark Chocolate Maui Guava 65% (square and bar)

Aroma and flavor notes for the Dark Chocolate Maui Guava 65% Cacao Square included: smooth dark chocolate and fruity, almost floral tropical fruit (red/pink guava and strawberry guava jam). The guava was an extracted fruit essence--completely incorporated into the chocolates (rather than pieces of identifiable guava fruit).

Interestingly, the smaller (individually-wrapped) dark guava 65% square had more guava flavor than the full-sized dark guava 65% bar version. The bar had more pure dark chocolate (less guava); and the smaller, individually-wrapped square had more guava fruit flavors.

Dark Milk Chocolate Maui Guava 60% (square)

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate, tropical fruit (guava, berries, and guavaberries) with balanced chocolate and tart-sweet fruit flavors (ranging from guava to guavaberry, pineapple and mild herb/spice (faint eucalyptus, warm black pepper, allspice).

Overall, I liked the 1.) authentic and relatively complex guava flavors in the squares best; 2.) smooth, balanced dark flavors that weren't boring or overly sweet. (The very slightly sweeter dark milk 60% version was a true dark milk.) 

I usually don't care for "natural flavors," but today's guava flavors were an exception.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors  (The Dark Milk 60% square contained Milk.)

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy (lecithin). "Made in a facility that also processes nuts, dairy, soy.  

*The cacao was grown on a family-owned cacao farm (Costa Esmeraldas) in a northwest coastal province in Ecuador. 

Hana Gold - 72% Dark Chocolate with Hana Grown Coffee (bar) - Mar. 25, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Hana Gold
72% Dark Chocolate with Hana Grown Coffee (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $8.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Hana Gold, online order

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

Today's 72% Dark Chocolate with Hana Grown Coffee (bar) was distributed by Hana Gold Farm (Hana Highway, Maui, HI).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (faint earth, hops); coffee; and very faint black olive.

Texture: soft, very briefly slightly gummy, then pleasantly creamy once melted. 

Flavor notes included: slightly earthy dark chocolate and coffee (crunchy bits of coffee bean).

The moderately complex flavors were a bit bold and earthy, but also well balanced. I liked the slightly  darker/bolder (yet also smooth) flavors in this three-ingredient bar, as well as the creamy texture that developed over the first few seconds and continued into the finish.

Ingredients: Hana Gold cacao, organic cane sugar, Hana grown coffee.

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that also processes nuts, dairy, soy."

Hana Gold - 63% Dark Chocolate with Mandarin Orange (bar) - Mar. 24, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Hana Gold
63% Dark Chocolate with Mandarin Orange (bar) 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. of bar
Cost: $8.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Hana Gold, online order

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

Today's 63% Dark Chocolate with Mandarin Orange (bar) was from Hana Gold Farm (Hana Highway, Maui, HI). The company is a "branch-to-bar" chocolate maker on the island of Maui. 

Hawaii has both the climate (lower latitude, and large areas with very few cold snaps) and the rich, volcanic soils--conditions that enable many working cacao farms/plantations.

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich, tart sweet dark chocolate (bold, very slightly earthy/peaty--but nicely balanced--cacao) with pieces of tart, sweet, authentic (and delicious) mandarin orange.

Texture: relatively smooth texture, with (three+ pieces) of wonderfully thin, chewy orange. 

I liked the 1.) balanced, robust dark and the high-quality chocolate, 2.) perfectly thin, chewy pieces of  authentic mandarin orange, and 3.) short list of ingredients.

Ingredients: "Hana Gold cacao, organic cane sugar, Mandarin oranges"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that also processes nuts, dairy, soy."

 

Hana Gold - 72% Dark Chocolate Maui Made (bar) - March 23, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Hana Gold
72% Dark Chocolate Maui Made (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. of bar
Cost: $8.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Hana Gold, online order

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

Today's 72% Dark Chocolate "Maui Made" (bar) was distributed by Hana Gold Farm (Hana Highway, Maui, HI).

Aroma and flavor notes included: deep dark chocolate with diffuse, balanced fruit and forest notes. I could almost taste (or at least the chocolate conjured up notions of) slightly earthy (peaty/amended) volcanic soils in the greener parts of Hawaii.

Texture: soft, initially very slightly gummy, texture with a creamy and light mouthfeel once melted. 

I liked this bold but balanced 72% dark chocolate. Dark fans will appreciate the less sugary taste and the slightly earthy but smooth dark complexity. Like many two-ingredient bars you get more unadulterated cacao flavors and a sense of cacao origins (terroir, fermentation, grower and maker choices).

Ingredients: Hana Gold cacao, organic cane sugar.  

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that... processes nuts, dairy, soy.

 

Hana Gold - 51% Milk Chocolate with Hana Banana (bar) - Mar. 22, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Hana Gold
51% Milk Chocolate with Hana Banana (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) in total bar
Calories: 241 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $8.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Hana Gold, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Gold Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week. 

Today's 51% Milk Chocolate with Hana Banana (bar) was distributed by Hana Gold Farm (Hana Highway, Maui, HI).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and light banana.

Texture: soft, initially almost gummy, texture with a creamy and light mouthfeel once melted.

Flavor notes included: slightly fruity, rich, sweet, dark and milky/creamy chocolate--with thin, crunchy banana slices of dried banana.

This sweet, balanced dark milk chocolate bar still had some pleasing, mild complexity (very slightly fruity cocoa, banana, vanilla). That is, the higher percentage of sugar and milk (51% vs. 70%) in this bar did not eclipse the other/more subtle flavors.

Ingredients: Cacao, Organic cane sugar, cocoa butter, whole and skim milk, whey, soy lecithin, vanilla, organic dried banana.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy (lecithin). "Made in a facility that also processes nuts, dairy, soy.

Anthon Berg - Golden Jubilee Selection: 1.) Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum; 2.) Famous Grouse; 3.) Sobieski Vodka - Mar. 21, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Anthon Berg 

Golden Jubilee Selection
1.) Matusalem Gran Reserve (rum) - Good ++
2.) Famous Grouse (Scotch whisky) - Good ++
3.) Sobieski Vodka - Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.69 oz. (48 g.) in 3 bottles / 2.2 lbs. (1 kilogram) in total 64-pc. Golden Jubilee Selection box
Calories: 216 calories (estimate) in 3 bottles 
Cost: $N/A - gift from a friend
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend (Thank you Joe-Ming!)

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

These spirits-filled chocolate bottles were from Anthon Berg (Ballerup, Denmark). This Danish chocolatier (now a division of Toms International) has a history that stretches back to 1884.

Today's three foil-wrapped chocolate bottles were part of a deluxe, 64-bottle Anthon Berg Golden Jubilee Selection, that were housed in an attractive, large gold package (box). The filled chocolate assortment featured several well-known spirits/liqueurs fillings from different countries.

Matusalem

The 50% dark chocolate "bottle" enclosure had a smooth dark milk chocolate* taste with a creamy melt and mouthfeel. 

Matusalem is a premium Caribbean rum produced in the Dominican Republic.

The Matusalem Gran Reserva liquid (syrup) filling was authentic, with pleasing almost whiskey-like caramel and vanilla, along with very faint and rich wood/oak and stone fruit notes.

Famous Grouse

Famous Grouse is a brand of blended Scotch whisky(s) produced in Scotland.

Sweet, creamy and aromatic dark milk chocolate surrounded a generous sip of sweet, boozy, rich and smooth single malt Scotch flavor.

Sobieski Vodka

The well-tempered, creamy dark milk bottle-shaped exterior contained a sweet and "clear" boozy dose of vodka, with a clean finish.

The chosen dark chocolate couverture complemented all the spirits-based fillings in the Golden Jubilee flavors I tasted.

*Note: Today's chocolates did not list milk in their ingredients list; they are 50% dark chocolates--despite my repeated descriptions of these chocolates having the smooth, creamy taste and texture of a dark milk chocolate.

Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa mass**, cocoa butter**, water, spirits 6% (whiskey, liqueurs, cognac, whisky, vodka, liqueur (coconut), rum), natural orange flavor (Cointreau(R)), 0.8%, flavoring. (Minimum 50% cocoa solids in dark chocolate.)

** = Rainforest Alliance Certified

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut. May contain traces of milk and tree nuts.

Anthon Berg - Golden Jubilee Selection: 1.) Cointreau, 2.) Remy Martin Cognac, and 3.) Southern Comfort - Mar. 20, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Anthon Berg 

Golden Jubilee Selection
1.) Cointreau - Good ++
2.) Remy Martin Cognac Fine Champagne - Good + - Good ++
3.) Southern Comfort - Good ++

Weight: 1.69 oz. (48 g.) in 3 bottles / 2.2 lbs. (1 kilogram) in total 64-pc. Golden Jubilee Selection box
Calories: 216 calories (estimate) in 3 bottles 
Cost: $N/A - gift from a friend
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend

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

Today's three foil-wrapped chocolate bottles were part of a deluxe, 64-bottle Anthon Berg Golden Jubilee Selection (housed in an attractive gold package). The filled chocolate assortment featured several well-known spirits/liqueurs fillings from different countries.

Anthon Berg (Ballerup, Denmark) is a Danish Chocolatier (now a division of Toms International) with a history that stretches back to 1884.

How did each one taste? 

Cointreau 

The chocolate "bottle" had a smooth dark milk chocolate taste with a creamy melt and mouthfeel.

The Cointreau liquid (syrup) filling was authentic, with pleasing, clean, clear fragrant sweet orange and  very faint, pleasing herbal and balanced bitter orange notes toward the finish.

Remy Martin Cognac Fine Champagne 

Sweet, creamy and aromatic dark milk chocolate surrounded a generous sip of sweet, boozy, cognac/brandy flavored syrup.

Southern Comfort

The well-tempered, creamy dark milk bottle-shaped exterior contained a sweet, relatively complex warm, sweet whiskey, with very faint citrus and oak notes.

Note: The dark chocolate did not contain milk, even though it had the smooth taste and creamy texture of a dark milk chocolate.

A testament to how versatile chocolate can be, the chosen dark chocolate couverture complemented all the spirits-based fillings well.

Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa mass**, cocoa butter**, water, spirits 6% (whiskey, liqueurs, cognac, whisky, vodka, liqueur (coconut), rum), natural orange flavor (Cointreau(R)), 0.8%, flavoring. (Minimum 50% cocoa solids in dark chocolate.)

** = Rainforest Alliance Certified

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut. May contain traces of milk and tree nuts.

Goldkenn - 37% Swiss Milk Chocolate with Remy Martin Cognac Fine Champagne (bar) - Mar. 19, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goldkenn 
37% Swiss Milk Chocolate with Remy Martin Cognac Fine Champagne (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 500 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $16.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Worldwide Chocolate, online order

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

Today's 37% Swiss Milk Chocolate was filled with pockets of Remy Martin Cognac Fine Champagne Syrup. It was "Swiss made by Goldkenn" (La Locle, Switzerland).

This bar was part of Goldkenn's Liquor Collection (chocolate bars filled with different spirits). The company also offers a Gold Collection that includes gold (chocolate) coins, gold bars, and even a gold van filled with...yes, gold chocolates.

Aroma and flavor notes for this cognac chocolate included subtle dark milk chocolate--that tasted a bit darker than many 37% cacao milk chocolates (less sweet, hurray!), while also having a very smooth flavor that I associate with fine Swiss chocolate.

The chocolate complemented the "Remy Martin Cognac Fine Champagne" syrup filling quite nicely. The syrup did contain real Cognac--a brandy (spirit distilled from wine) from the Cognac region in France. And each filled square of this bar had an authentic (slightly bitter, boozy) cocktail flavor.

Texture: Smooth mouthfeel. The bar was divided into eight, scored, 37% milk chocolate squares. Each square had a protruding dome that contained a flowing (liquid), cognac liqueur-like filling. (Note: Eat over a plate or a napkin if you want to avoid possible cognac drips.)

There was a small percentage of alcohol in this adult chocolate.And each filled square of this bar did have an authentic (very slightly bitter/strong) miniature cocktail flavor. 

This bar paired well with a fruit plate. In keeping with the gold theme, golden tangerines added some extra sweet citrus sparkle.

Ingredients: "sugar*, cocoa butter**, cocoa mass**, Remy Martin(R) Cognac Fine Champagne (7%), whole milk* powder, skimmed milk* powder, butter*fat (milk), whey* powder (milk), emulsifier: rapeseed lecithin, natural vanilla extract. (* = Ingredients from Switzerland; ** Rainforest Alliance Certified). Made in Switzerland.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. May contain hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, pecan nuts, cashew nuts, pistachio nuts, eggs, soya, wheat and barley. "This product may contain traces of coconuts."

Zoe's Chocolate Co. - The Gold Bar - Mar. 18, 2025

Chocolate of the Day 

Zoe's Chocolate Co.
The Gold Bar - part of The Bar Collection
Good ++
Weight: 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 411 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $9.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zoe's Chocolate, online order

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

Today's "The Gold Bar" from Zoe's Chocolate Company (Waynesboro, PA and Frederick, MD) is part of the company's The Bar Collection.

This sweet, smooth--and elegant looking--60% cacao bittersweet chocolate bar was draped with a generous helping of 24 karat gold leaf pieces.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, natural vanilla), 24 karat gold. 

Allergen-related information: "Made in an environment where peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, dairy and eggs are used."

Willie's Gold - Pure Gold Sur Del Lago Venezuela 100% Cacao (bar) - Mar. 17, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Willie's Gold 
Pure Gold Sur Del Lago Venezuela 100% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .705 oz. (20 g.) / 1.41 oz. (40 g.) in total bar
Calories: 130 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Worldwide Chocolate, online order 

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

Today's Willie's Gold Pure Gold Sur Del Lago Venezuela 100% Cacao (bar) was from chocolate maker Willie's Cacao Ltd. (Devon, UK). 

The cacao used to make this bar was grown in Sur Del Lago (south of Lake Maracaibo) in Venezuela. Maracaibo is a famed lake where the skies are charged with tropical lightning.* Bananas, peanuts, cocoa and other crops are grown in this area.

Aroma and flavor notes for this smooth (silky, buttery) textured chocolate bar included: deep, luscious dark chocolate (fudge brownie with nuts (almonds, walnut)) -- without the sugar. (Note: there were no nut ingredients.)

Ultra-dark chocolate lovers will appreciate this two-ingredient bar that captures the essence of cacao very nicely. As with all other 100%ers, milk chocolate/candy lovers may miss the bright sweetness that comes with sugar-sweetened chocolate.** 

I enjoyed this bar with friends in the Golden State of California, at a Golden State Warriors basketball game in San Francisco, with views of the Golden Gate bridge. It was indeed a 100% gold-filled day. Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all who celebrate this day. We saw rainbows today, but no leprechauns (cancelled due to weather) jumping into pots of gold.

Ingredients: Cocoa Solids, Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: (None listed/visible on this package.)

*The Catatumbo lightning over Lake Maracaibo is part of a rare atmospheric phenomenon -- a reaction driven by the interaction between warm air from the Caribbean and cooler air descending from the Andes mountains. The word "catatumbo" comes from the local Bari language and roughly translates to "house of thunder." 

**Note: I am someone (part of roughly 25% of the population in the U.S./Europe) who not only tolerates, but really enjoys more bitter flavors (cacao, hops, arugula, coffee, etc.). And while this may be largely genetically determined, I am thankful my genes allow me to savor the nuanced flavors in these lovely items. Yes, there are some plant items that are too bitter even for me, but thankfully cacao seeds (aka cacao beans) are not on this list. 

Eat Gold Organics - The Untamed 70% Cacao (bar) - Mar. 16, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Eat Gold Organics
The Untamed 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ Missing information (Current price on website: $15.00)
Purchased from: The Village Market, S.F. Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Gold Theme Week, including several chocolates with "gold" connections, and a few that actually contain gold.

Today's "The Untamed" 70% Cacao (bar) was from Heart of Gold Organics (Minneapolis, MN). The company produces a line of different chocolate bars; and, yes, this Limited Edition bar from Tasya Van Ree did contain attractive, festive flecks of 24K gold.

My tasting notes: smooth, and slightly woodsy dark chocolate with a bit of very subtle sweet fruit, botanical and light umami and pleasant wood in the relatively long finish.

 Ingredients: Specialty Cacao*, Coconut Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Lions Mane Mushrooms*, Rhodiola Rosea*, 24K Gold (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a Facility That Processes Tree Nuts, Milk, Wheat & Peanuts.

Eat Gold Organics - Sweet Dreams (bar) - Mar. 15, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Eat Gold Organics
Sweet Dreams 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: The Village Market, S.F. Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Gold Theme Week, including several chocolates with "gold" connections, and a few that actually contain gold.

Today's Sweet Dreams 70% Cacao (bar) was from Heart of Gold Organics (Minneapolis, MN). The company produces a line of different chocolate bars. (One of these does contain gold, and I'm featuring that one tomorrow.) In the meantime, this Sweet Dreams bar was described as "Adaptogen Nootropic Infused."*

My tasting notes: smooth, and slightly woodsy dark chocolate with a balanced bit of bitter in the finish.

 Ingredients: Specialty Cacao*, Coconut Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Almonds* (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a Facility That Processes Tree Nuts

*Normally the theobromine (the primary stimulant in cacao) keeps people feeling wide awake. However, I didn't quite get the same buzz I associate with some dark chocolates -- likley due to use of coconut sugar, vs. refined "white" sugar. (Coconut sugar is lower on the glycemic index.) 

Cacao is considered by some to have nootropic (cognitive enhancing) properties. I'm not sure if the unspecified "adaptogen nootropic" properties of this particular chocolate contributed to a sense of relative calm or not. And there was no other information available on the packaging to explain how this bar was "formulated to reach a deeper, more restful sleep." I guess I'll find out tonight....P.S. I slept very well and did have great dreams.

Chocolarder - Gold Frankincense & Myrrh chocolate 72% (bar) - Mar. 14, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolarder
Gold Frankincense & Myrrh chocolate 72% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.24 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 196 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Gold Frankincense & Myrrh 72% chocolate (bar) was from Chocolarder (Falmouth, Cornwall, U.K.).

This seasonal bar was made from bean-to-bar using Peruvian cacao, tree resins from the province of Kenitra in Morocco, and gold leaf. 

For all its shimmering beauty, gold is an inert element that imparts no flavor that I'm aware of. However, this dark chocolate was dressed for an evening out, with sparkling flecks of gold (very thin gold leaf/foil pieces) carefully placed in a chocolate mold so that on the finished bar, the gold pieces adorned the company name ("Chocolarder") and some cocoa pods.* 

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate; faint diffuse fruit (mild citrus (sweet orange or mild tangerine); and pine or herb-like, aromatic resins (frankincense and myrrh). There was also a very faint (barely detectable but pleasing) cherry cola with sweet herbs soda note in the finish.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Warming aromas of orange and pine needle with undertones of red fruit and green apple."

Ingredients: "Cocoa beans, unrefined raw sugar, cocoa butter infused with Frankincense and Myrrh, 23ct gold leaf"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a factory that also handles dairy and tree nuts."

*Typically flavor inclusions are sprinkled on the "back" of a bar, and it was impressive to have all these elements present on one side. Extra luxe (and extra time and care too I imagine).

John Kelly - Dark Chocolate Fudge Bourbon Truffle Fudge Bar - Mar. 13, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

John Kelly

Dark Chocolate Bourbon Truffle Fudge Bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 264 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $ Missing information 
Purchased from: Village Market, S.F. Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Bourbon Truffle Fudge Bar, from John Kelly Chocolates (Los Angeles, CA) was swaddled in gold foil.

This gold ingot of a bar offered a hearty, sweet, rich, and very slightly boozy (Knob Creek) Kentucky Straight Bourbon chocolate tasting experience with a rich (buttery) smooth fudge-y texture.

Ingredients: Cane Sugar, Semi-sweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor Processed With Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin {Emulsifer}, Natural Flavor), Evaporated Milk (Milk, Dipotassium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Vitamin D3), Unsweetened Chocolate, Butter (Pasteurized Cream, Salt), Dark Chocolate Flavored Confectionery (Sugar, Palm Kernel and Palm Oil, Cocoa Powder, Skim Milk Powder, Demineralized Whey Lactose {Milk}, Soy Lecithin {An Emulsifier}, Vanilla Extract), Natural Flavor, Tapioca Syrup, Invert Sugar Syrup, Knob Creek Bourbon (Less than 1% Alcohol by Volume), Natural Flavors, Kosher Salt

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk and Dairy, Soy

Cuna de Piedra - 85% Mexican Cacao (Soconusco, Chiapas) (bar) - Mar. 12, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Cuna de Piedra
85% Mexican Cacao (Soconusco, Chiapas) (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 2/3 bar
Cost: $10.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

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

Today's 85% Mexican Cacao (Soconusco, Chiapas) bar was from Cuna de Piedra (Monterrey, N.L, Mexico).

The cacao used to make this chocolate was from the 28-member RAYEN co-operative in Soconusco, Chiapas, Mexico. Harvest information: "Dry Season, Harvest 2022"

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate with spice, diffuse fruit and floral including red fruit (red berry, candied watermelon, kiwi, citrus), and very faint, fleeting lemon cookie and cream.* The very subtle floral notes reminded me of wild orchids, very faint jasmine, honey, and other tropical flowers.

This ultra-dark 85% bar had substantial and balanced, natural fruit sweet-tartness (relatively bright, candied fruits)--the opposite of the heavier "brown" dried fruits often found in darker, denser chocolates. It was also one of the most subtle and complex 85%ers I've tasted. Taking that one step further, it was one of the more interesting and unique chocolates I've ever tasted. 

And I do mean that in a very good way. The very nuanced flavors in this chocolate (created from just two ingredients) were complex and special.

The bars from southern Mexico this week have provided a form of virtual travel. You won't find these on store shelves, as most of these are micro-batch, limited edition bars. Thank you to all the growers and makers who made these amazing chocolates possible.

Ingredients: Cacao beans, Cane sugar.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that processes wheat, milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts and eggs."

*Some heritage and Criollo cacaos are known for their more delicate fruit and cream notes. There were no dairy ingredients in this bar.

Theo Chocolate - Organic Sweet & Spicy 55% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 11, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Theo Chocolate
Organic Sweet & Spicy 55% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.4 oz. (39.5 g.) / 2.8 oz. (79 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/3 bar (~213 cals in 1/2 bar)
Cost: $N/A - gift from a friend
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend 

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

This bar was not from Mexico; but it did contain the southwest trifecta of chocolate flavor inclusions: chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon* and cayenne pepper. 

Today's Organic Sweet & Spicy 55% Dark Chocolate (bar) was distributed by Theo Chocolate (Seattle, WA). This was a special gift from a friend who lives in Arizona. (Thank you Joy!)

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth, sweet dark chocolate (dark chocolate cookie), interspersed with tiny crunchy bits of sweet brittle; and sparkles of warm spice (cinnamon) and occasional, tiny spikes of cayenne pepper heat.

This was, just as advertised, sweet and spicy chocolate with a touch of vanilla and warming spices. I liked the relatively short list of Organic and "Fair for life" (Fair Trade) ingredients, and the addition of a crunchy element (brittle).

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate* (Cocoa Beans*+, Cane Sugar*+, Cocoa Butter*+, Ground Vanilla Bean*), Brittle* (Sugar*, Rice Syrup*, Coconut Oil*, Sea Salt, Baking Soda), Cinnamon*, Cayenne*. 

(*Organic, +Fair Trade - Contains 89% Fair Trade Ingredients)

Allergen-related information: "Made on equipment that also process (sic) milk, peanuts, and tree nuts."

*Cinnamon may not be native to the Americas, but in just a few centuries it became firmly embedded in Mexico and the U.S. culinary (and chocolate) offerings.

Michel Cluizel - Coffee (Origin Chiapas, Mexico) 70% Chocolat Noir (bar) - Mar. 10, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Michel Cluizel 
Coffee (Origin Chiapas, Mexico) 70% Chocolat Noir (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.46 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 195 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sigona's, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Coffee (Origin Grand Cru Chiapas, Mexico) 70% Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Michel Cluizel (Paris, France).

The coffee used to make this bar was from Chiapas, Mexico; and the cacao was from Guayas, Ecuador.

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, coffee and very faint citrus and olive.

Texture: smooth and uniform with a very faint astringency in the finish.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, rich but smooth coffee, and very slight (well-balanced) earth and almost undetectable olive and citrus (mild, sweet orange).

I found this to be a wonderful "sipping" chocolate--that could be savored slowly with a friend. It wasn't too sweet (thank you!), allowing one to appreciate the short list of quality, Organic ingredients.

Ingredients: cocoa from origin Guayas* (Ecuador), cane sugar*, coffee beans*, cocoa butter*

Organic Dark Chocolate (70% of cocoa minimum) and Coffee from Mexico (9% minimum)

Allergen-related information: Product made in a workshop using shelled tree nuts, milk, gluten.

Pinwheel Craft Chocolate - 70% Dark Mexican Hot Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 9, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Pinwheel Craft Chocolate
70% Dark Mexican Hot Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 326 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Pinwheel Chocolate, online order

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

Today's 70% Dark Mexican Hot Chocolate (bar) was made by Pinwheel Craft Chocolate (Eagle Mountain, UT), using beans sourced from Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico.

Aroma and notes for this bar included: bright, clean subtle but rich dark chocolate; cinnamon spice cookie/crispy toffee (with a touch of butter and salt); faint ginger and vanilla; and a bit of spicy cayenne pepper heat. 

Texture: smooth and creamy with small pieces of crunchy, crispy cinnamon-spice buttery toffee.

I appreciated that everything in this bar seemed thoughtfully arranged, relatively subtle, balanced and expertly-executed; and that this chocolate was yet another/different take on Mexican hot chocolate (cinnamon, vanilla and pepper(s) with chocolate). 

Two different kinds of cinnamon (Saigon, Ceylon) and two different peppers (ancho and cayenne) helped broaden the spice flavor profile--all without dominating the single estate (in Tabasco) cacao-based chocolate too much. 

The cacao used in all three of the Pinwheel bars this past week was very special, and difficult to describe. It had the subtlety of a Criollo cacao, and unique, clean/pure notes. 

Maker's tasting notes: "We crafted this delicious bar to capture all the cozy richness of a favorite beverage, Mexican Hot Chocolate..."

Ingredients: Spiced Chocolate (Cacao beans, cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, Saigon cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon, ancho chili, ginger, cayenne pepper) Toffee (cane sugar*, Kerry Gold grass-fed butter, Mexican vanilla extract, baking soda, salt (* = organic ingredients)

Allergen-related information: (While not listed on label, the following was printed on other bars from this maker from the same order: "Made on shared equipment that processes nuts and dairy") 

Pinwheel Craft Chocolate - 70% Dark Tabasco, Mexico (bar) - Mar. 8, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Pinwheel Craft Chocolate
70% Dark Tabasco, Mexico (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 326 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Pinwheel Chocolate, online order

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

Today's 70% Dark Tabasco, Mexico (bar) (Batch #23041) was made by Pinwheel Craft Chocolate (Eagle Mountain, UT).

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: dark chocolate milk, fruit (cherry and cherry blossom; peach and persimmon tea); caramel almond latte; balanced forest and fruit teas (with light tannins); and very faint clay/clean mineral. 

I could taste the terroir, the cacao, the soils, the fermentation. And it was good. I don't remember any bar quite like this. Virtual travel in a bar for certain. But also a truly unique and wonderful chocolate.

Texture: creamy, smooth, almost like dark milk chocolate tea (but there was no milk).

I enjoyed the intriguing, balanced and very complex bundle of wide-ranging (and authentic-tasting) flavors in this bar. I kept thinking of different teas (oolong persimmon tea anyone?) when I ate this chocolate. Saying there were faint tea-floral and stone fruit flavors don't begin to do justice to this single origin, single estate bar.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "...It has a complex and unique flavor that defies description. We are honored to make chocolate from these special beans."

Ingredients: Cacao beans, cane sugar*, cocoa butter* (* = organic ingredients)

Allergen-related information: Made on shared equipment that processes nuts and dairy 

Pinwheel Craft Chocolate - 65% Dark Milk, Tabasco, Mexico (bar) - Mar. 7, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Pinwheel Craft Chocolate
65% Dark Milk, Tabasco, Mexico (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Pinwheel Chocolate, online order

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

Today's 65% Dark Milk chocolate with cacao beans from (Comalcalco) Tabasco, Mexico (Batch #23038) bar was made by Pinwheel Craft Chocolate (Eagle Mountain, UT).

Aroma and flavor notes for this single estate bar included: smooth dark milk chocolate, caramel flan, sweet nut (walnut); and hard to pin down, diffuse forest/tannin; juicy fruit and warm spice. (There was also a faint, fresh and clean mineral taste that I liked.)

Texture: creamy, almost silky melt and mouthfeel.

I loved the luxurious texture, the thoughtful short list of ingredients, and the well-crafted, subtle and complex flavors. The subtle sophistication will appeal to both milk and dark chocolate lovers.

Maker's tasting notes: "...dulce de Leche, custard, toasted walnuts"

Ingredients: Cacao beans, cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, whole milk* (* = organic ingredients)

Allergen-related information: Made on shared equipment that processes nuts and dairy

Moka Origins - Mexican Spice Milk Chocolate 58% Cacao (bar) - Mar. 6, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Moka Origins
Mexican Spice Milk Chocolate 58% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) / 2.4 oz. (68 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sigona's, Palo Alto, CA  

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

Today's Mexican Spice Milk Chocolate 58% Cacao (bar) was from Moka Origins (Honesdale, PA).

This dark milk chocolate contained the Hispanic chocolate spice trinity of chili, vanilla and cinnamon. The first two of these spices are native to the Americas. 

The third, cinnamon, arrived in Mexico from Spain (via European traders, spice merchants). However, cinnamon has become so well integrated into modern life in Mexico, that it's hard to remember when it wasn't part of the cuisine.**

The cacao used to make this bar was grown in Ghana, making this Mexican Spice Milk Chocolate bar an international ensemble. 

Aroma notes included: roasted, smooth, sweet dark chocolate, warm spices and vanilla.

Texture: uniformly smooth with a thick, creamy melt and mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with vanilla, chili (with small upticks in chili pepper (cayenne pepper) heat) and warm spicy cinnamon. This winter warmer was a drinking chocolate in bar form. 

Ingredients: *organic cocoa beans, *organic cocoa butter, organic cane sugar, organic milk powder, organic cayenne pepper, organic vanilla bean, organic cinnamon 

*Fair Trade Certified by Fair Trade USA/Over 58% Fair Trade Certified Ingredients

Allergen-related information: "Contains: milk." ..."Made in a facility that handles milk, eggs, wheat, soy, almonds, and other tree nuts."

** While Mexico does grow some of their own cinnamon (much of it in the State of Veracruz), both the United States and Mexico have been large importers of cinnamon for some time. 

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Mexico Almendra Blanca 77% (bar) - Mar. 5, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Mexico Almendra Blanca 77% (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bat
Calories: 165 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.99 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Caputos, online order

Bienvenidos (welcome) to Day #6 of Chocolate and Mexico Theme Week.

Today's Mexico Almendra Blanca 77% (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA).

Like yesterday's bar, today's chocolate was made with lighter colored "white almond" cacao beans grown in Mexico.* These beans create a lighter hued finished dark chocolate (an almost auburn, medium brown). Both these bars were skillfully made, well-tempered and they broke with a hard snap (in a cool room). 

The aroma notes for today's Goodnow Farms dark chocolate were relatively subtle.  (Note: I also had a fairly serious cold when I tasted this bar.)

The flavor notes were stronger, and included a bold, balanced, almost peppery tartness: dark chocolate with bright, tangy sweet fruit (citrus, berry); subtle cream; faint (very slightly astringent) nut; subtle, diffuse, green botanical/forest; and a barely there (well balanced, subtle) bitterness toward the finish.

I enjoyed the opportunity to try a single origin dark chocolate Almendra Blanca bar like this with beautifully complex flavors. 

I also continue to appreciate Goodnow Farms makers' short list of quality and organic ingredients; their thoughtful sourcing of cacao and local ingredients; and the fact they press their own single origin cacao butter (vs. buying large blocks of generic, deodorized cocoa butter) when added cocoa butter is desired.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Creamy Citrus & Hazelnut"

Ingredients: "Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter"

Allergen-related information: "May contain trace amounts of peanuts and tree nuts." ("Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free")

*The Almendra Blanca cacao beans used to make today's chocolate were grown and fermented on farmer Vicente Cacep's Jesus Maria farm outside Villahermosa (in the State of Tabasco), Mexico.

White Label Chocolate - Mexico Almendra Blanca 74% (bar) - Mar. 4, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

White Label Chocolate
Mexico Almendra Blanca 74% (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 178 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Mutari Chocolate (pop-up), Santa Cruz, CA

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

Today's Mexico Almendra Blanca 74% (bar) was produced and distributed by White Label Chocolate (factory in Watsonville/ currently with pop-up location in Santa Cruz, CA).  

This bar was made with single origin "Almendra Blanca" (single variety Carmelo) cacao that was grown on a family-run farm (Finca Frida Estate), in the Soconusco region (in the southwestern corner of Chiapas), Mexico.

Almendra Blanca ("white almond" in English), is a lighter colored cacao bean that creates a slightly lighter hued chocolate. Today's bar had the appearance of a vibrant, almost ruddy, dark milk chocolate--or a cup of hot, authentic drinking chocolate.

Aroma notes for this bar included: rich, warm drinking chocolate.

Texture: well-tempered, smooth and uniform, creamy texture.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (rich, warm drinking chocolate); diffuse warm spices and tart-sweet berries; subtle nut (green walnuts in syrup); and barely detectable pepper.

I enjoyed the complex, bright, rich chocolate-y flavor notes in this well-executed bar.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Brown Spice, Nutty, Cocoa, Red Berry, Walnut Skin"

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Organic Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: (None found/listed on package.)

*The cacao harvest season was Fall 2022; Batch #MX7420241028NF*

Don Bugito - Dark Chocolate Crickets with Amaranth Seeds - Mar. 3, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Don Bugito
Dark Chocolate Crickets with Amaranth Seeds
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .44 oz. (11 g.) / .88 oz. (22 g.) in total package
Calories: 36.5 calories in 1/2 serving 
Cost: $8.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: Il Parco, in the Presidio, San Francisco, CA

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Crickets with Amaranth Seeds were from Don Bugito* (San Francisco, CA).

This cricket-based, planet-friendly protein snack was made in California, but was inspired by "Mexican Prehispanic cuisine and Native American ingredients."

Aroma notes for these small rounds included: very faint dark chocolate, vanilla, and seed cookie.

The texture was fairly smooth (soft, lightly crunchy chew followed by chocolate melt/mouthfeel, with subtle fiber from amaranth seeds -- and I'm guessing from toasted cricket pieces as well.).

Flavor notes included: chocolate; mild, toasted amaranth seed; and very faint vanilla. There was not any insect or other savory protein (cricket-like) flavor I was aware of--even though crickets were listed as the number one ingredient. (Note: I did have a fairly bad cold on this day.)

Ingredients: "Toasted Crickets, Amaranth Seeds, Semisweet Chocolate (cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, vanilla beans), Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: "If you are allergic to shellfish, this product may not be right for you. Made in a facility that processes milk, eggs and peanuts."

*Don Bugito is a woman-owned company that sells edible insect snacks. The company was founded in 2011 by Monica Martinez. 

Casa Bosques - Pure Dark Chocolate 74% Organic Cacao Criollo Chiapas, Mexico - Mar. 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Casa Bosques
Pure Dark Chocolate 74% Organic Cacao Criollo Chiapas, Mexico (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 146 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $17.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: DeLaurenti (store), online order 

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

Today's Pure Dark Chocolate 74% Organic Cacao Criollo Chiapas, Mexico (bar) was from Casa Bosques (New York, NY and Mexico City).* 

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate and faint chili and olive.

Texture: smooth

Flavor notes included: bold dark chocolate with relatively high acidity (tannic acids, bark).

I liked that this 74% cacao ultra-dark bar wasn't too sweet. It may be too strong for some, but it was fun to try something with deep, dark authentic forest and fermentation flavors. I also appreciated that there were no emulsifiers or artificial ingredients. 

Instead the process of chocolate making (from reading information on the Casa Bosques website) is considered a creative endeavor and might include small amounts of ingredients like blue corn, various plants, preserved lemon, etc.

Ingredients: "Organic cacao, organic cane sugar"

Allergen-related information: "Vegan and Organic." "Handcrafted in a facility that also processes peanuts, tree nut, dairy."

*Casa Bosques is a project by Rafael Prieto, founder and creative director of Savvy Studio. Cacao/ingredients are obtained from "small ranches in Mexico." 

Chocolat Bonnat - Kuna Balam Mexique 75% Cacao (bar) - Mar. 1, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolat Bonnat
Kuna Balam Mexique 75% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 301.5 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $21.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Kuna Balam Mexique 75% Cacao (bar) was from Maison Bonnat Chocolatier (Voiron Cedex, France). The family-owned company has been in the chocolate business since 1884.

Aroma notes for this special limited edition chocolate (made with Mexican Cacao) included: authentic, classic dark chocolate, subtle fruit (cherry) and very faint roasted cacao/mocha and balanced forest.

There was a story in French about the wildlife (jaguar) on the cacao plantation, on the back of the bar, that is worth re-telling in short form.*

This bar had a smooth, uniform and satisfying (almost buttery) texture.

Flavor notes included: deep dark chocolate fudge cake and creamy dark frosting; fudge brownies; slightly acidic dark chocolate ice cream. 

I liked the deep, classic chocolate-y flavor(s) -- produced with just three ingredients. The natural sweetness/fruit level was fairly high, making this seem "sweeter" than 75% cacao. The smoothness and sweetness will appeal to those who shy away from higher percentage dark chocolates.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Fruity aromas with fruity and woody flavors"

Ingredients: "Cacao, cacao butter, sugar"

Allergen-related information: Peanut Free, Sesame Free, Gluten Free,...Kosher..."May Contain Traces of Milk and Tree Nuts" 

*"The story of Kuna Balam tells of the intention to protect the birth of a young jaguar in the Mexican jungle within Bonnat's family plantation. In order to not disturb his coming into the world, part of the plantation has been closed. After he left, they realized that old and special cocoa trees dotted this part of the plantation and they decided to make a chocolate celebrating this extraordinary event.

Ranger Chocolate Co. - Mexico Soconusco Dark Chocolate Bar 70% - Feb. 28, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate Co.
Mexico Soconusco Dark Chocolate Bar 70%
Good +++ - Very Good
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 349 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Mexico Theme Week. It's always a pleasure to return to the Americas, where cacao originated. 

Today's Mexico Soconusco 70% Dark Chocolate Bar was from Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR). The Soconosco region is "the birthplace of cacao in Mexico, where they've been growing this crop for 4,000 years..."

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (rich drinking chocolate); fruit (mango, wine grape juice/white raisin); diffuse warm spice; very faint botanicals (faint peppercorn); and very faint, fleeting, warm apple cider in the finish.

Texture: well-tempered and executed bar with smooth and satisfying texture.

I liked everything about this well-executed chocolate. I enjoyed the balanced, deliciously hearty yet smooth, cacao aroma and flavor complexity...the fruit, spice and other subtle flavors in this bar. I also appreciated the texture and the sourcing of the short list of ingredients.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "juicy mango, grapefruit, white grape, juniper"

Ingredients: "organic cacao, organic sugar"

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Nut Free"