Xocolatl Chocolate - Barrel-Aged Dark with ASW Distillery Duality Double Malt Whiskey 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 14, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl Chocolate
Barrel-Aged Dark with ASW Distillery's Duality Double Malt Whiskey (R) 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

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

Today's Barrel-Aged Dark with ASW Distillery's Duality Double Malt Whiskey (R) 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). 

Founders Elaine Read and Matt Weyandt started their chocolate making journey with Costa Rican cacao over a decade ago, and are committed to sourcing sustainably grown cacao from farmers in the Americas--where cacao originated. Their company name (Xocolatl, the "Aztec word for chocolate") is a tribute to the civilizations and people who have cultivated cacao for many centuries. 

Today's bar is a collaboration with ASW Distillery (Atlanta, GA). Presumably cacao nibs were barrel-aged in whiskey casks that imparted the very subtle, smooth and naturally sweet spirits aroma and flavor that mingled with the cacao flavors.

Aroma and flavor notes for today's chocolate (bar) included: rich dark chocolate with medium, balanced acidity; faint diffuse fruit (very faint sweet pomegranate and fig syrup); sweet green botanical (with a touch of spirits, brown sugar, smooth wood/oak, red wine); and very faint (barely detectable), fleeting herb (dill pickle chips, salt)--that dissipated soon after opening the wrapper.

Texture: smooth was a very faint (fruit) astringency.

I appreciated the short list of high-quality and organic ingredients and the subtle, balanced flavors that gently lingered into the finish. You may want to savor this bar slowly; and lean in a little to get some of the nuances.

Ingredients: Cacao*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, ASW Distillery's Duality Double Malt Whiskey(R) (* = organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made on equipment that processes peanuts, soy, wheat & tree nuts (almond, coconut, hazelnut, pecan)."