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.
