Kessho - Sichuan Hot Pot Dark Chocolate 62% Cacao (bar) - Sept. 5, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Kessho
Sichuan Hot Pot Dark Chocolate 62% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 172.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Savory Chocolates Theme Week.  

Today's Sichuan Hot Pot Dark Chocolate 62% Cacao (bar) was handcrafted in Austin, TX, and distributed by Kessho, LLC (Austin, TX).

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: aromatic and flavorful Sichuan green peppercorns, light toasty/nutty (sesame seeds), dark chocolate, and a bit of chili heat at the end. 

The Sichuan peppercorns left my mouth tingling--what I expected. But they also had a delicate side: a pleasing, almost floral, clean green flavor.

Texture: smooth, almost velvety dark chocolate with some gentle texture from the layer of sesame seeds pressed into the back side.

The textures and flavors were authentic and balanced; and the savory flavors were relatively subtle. (The salt level was more subtle (less) than expected.)

I appreciated this successful take on a dish with complex elements, and the maker's choice of a single origin cacao: from the Semuliki Forest in Uganda.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Umami, toasted sesame, nutty spice, numbing pepper. Heat level: mild, flavor-forward"

Ingredients: "Whole cocoa beans, sugar, cocoa butter, roasted white sesame seeds, fermented black beans, Sichuan green pepper powder, chili powder, sea salt"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that also processes tree nuts, wheat, sesame and eggs."

Fossa Chocolate - 64% Dark Milk Black Truffle (bar) - Sept. 4, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Fossa Chocolate
64% Dark Milk Black Truffle (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

Welcome to Day #7 of Savory Chocolates Theme Week.  

Today's 64% Dark Milk Black Truffle (bar) was made by Fossa Chocolate (Singapore). Fungi like mushrooms and truffles are rich in umami (glutamate) flavors--that overlap with savory flavors.

Aroma and flavor notes for this black truffle bar included: aromatic, slightly earthy black truffle, and soft dark chocolate (cocoa).  

Texture: soft, velvety dark chocolate with a crunchy feuilletine bits (like finely ground, fresh and light vanilla wafer crumbs).

I found this bar addicting. The textures and flavors were very well balanced and executed. The black truffle was authentic (and perhaps the boldest flavor in this bar). I also appreciated the short list of quality ingredients and single origin cacao. 

Maker's Tasting Notes: "...reminiscent of damp undergrowth, earth, humus and mushrooms...Infused into floral Ecuadorian Costa Esmeraldas dark milk chocolate and mixed with crispy feuilletine..." 

Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar, cacao butter, milk powder, truffle oil (sunflower oil, black truffle), feuilletine (wheat flour, sugar, butter, salt), sea salt

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