Qantu - Ho Ho Ho! 45% (bar) & SOMA Ginger Milk Pudding (bar) - Jan. 26, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's two winter holiday bars were from chocolate makers in Canada (Montreal and Toronto, respectively) -- where chocolates (hot and cold) bring warmth.

1.) 45% dark milk chocolate with black walnuts and cranberries from Christmas (last month)

2.) White chocolate ginger milk pudding--in time for Chinese New Year (next month) 

Qantu 
Ho Ho Ho! 45% Chocolat au Lait, Noix de noyer noir, Atoca (tablette)
(45% Milk Chocolate, Black Walnut, Cranberries (bar))
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 306 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

This bar was made by Qantu Cacao et Chocolat Inc (Montreal, QC, Canada), using white cacao (beans) from Piura, Peru.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, dried fruits (cranberries, currants); very slight bitter/earthy nuts (walnuts); and very faint spices and maple, and barely there black olive (likely from the black walnut).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate interspersed with chewy, dried cranberries and embedded walnut pieces.

Flavor notes included: rich blend of dark chocolate, dried cranberry and black walnut. The rich flavors lingered into a pleasing finish.

This well-balanced and well-executed bar exceeded my expectations. The black walnut added elegant complexity and complementary dark notes--making this 45% dark milk fudge-y chocolate seem darker than it was (more like a 65% bar). These darker cacao and nut notes complemented the dried cranberry very well. Neither fruit nor chocolate was too sweet. 

As a dark chocolate fan I found this 45% cacao seasonal bar to be right in the Goldilocks zone -- just right. I hope Qantu will offer this bar again in the future.

This dark walnut and cranberry bar was also a great pairing with today's second chocolate: a Ginger Milk pudding (white chocolate) bar.

Qantu Maker's Tasting Notes: "Ice Cider, creme brulee, fudge"

Ingredients: "cane sugar, black walnut, cocoa beans, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, dried cranberries"

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk and nuts"

SOMA chocolatemaker

Ginger Milk Pudding (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.166 oz. (33 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Today's Ginger Milk Pudding (bar) from SOMA chocolatemaker (Toronto, ON, Canada) was inspired by a warm dessert from Southern China (Guangdong Province). 

Ginger milk pudding (aka ginger milk curd)* is popular in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Foshan and other cities. It's typically made from a short list of ingredients: milk, ginger juice and sugar.

Aroma notes for this (white chocolate) bar included: milky pudding infused with mild, aromatic ginger.

Texture: smooth and creamy with softly chewy pieces of candied ginger.

I enjoyed this rich creamy white chocolate enlivened with tiny cubes of sassy, warm and spicy candied ginger. Loved the punch of the sweet, authentic ginger and the short list of just four ingredients. A great homage to Ginger Milk Pudding.*

SOMA tasting notes/description: "...peppery and spicy, with a custardy cream melt"

Ingredients: "Cacao Butter, Milk Powder, Organic Cane Sugar, Ginger"

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "May contain traces of peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat."

*SOMA kindly added a note about ginger milk pudding (that, made correctly, will not curdle but rather will thicken and resolve into a dessert with a creamy pudding-like texture). 

"..The magic comes from a bit of science--when ginger juice and warm milk are mixed, the enzymes and proteins react to create an impossibly delicate, silky-smooth curd that eats like a dream..."

The Organic House - Thailand 70% Cacao Chanthaburi (bar) - Dec. 28, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Thailand 70% Cacao Chanthaburi (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 198 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cacao, online order

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

Today's Thailand 70% Cacao Chanthaburi (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

The cacao came from Thai-inter cacao, a women-owned and operated family farm in Chanthaburi in eastern Thailand, near the Cambodian border.

Aroma notes included: relatively smooth, dark chocolate with warm, authentic brown/maple sugar.

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a snap, and it had a smooth, almost creamy texture and melt.

Flavor notes included: refreshingly tasty, very faintly roast-y, dark chocolate and subtle tropical fruit (mango, cacao pulp, sweet pineapple) sweetened with brown/coconut flower nectar sugar. Nice finish with a little warm spice that lingered with the cacao, fruit and brown sugar notes. This bar was high in flavor, and relatively low in bitterness.

(Sadly, this bar was sold out when I checked The Organic House site today.)

Maker's tasting notes: "Tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, passion fruit) and toasted brown sugar" 

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, Organic coconut flower nectar, Organic cacao butter

Allergen-related information: "May Contain: Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pistachios"

The Organic House - Movie Night Caramel Corn 60% Cacao Nicaragua (bar) - Nov.30, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Movie Night 60% Cacao Nicaragua O'Payo (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 293 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Week.

Today's Movie Night 60% Cacao Nicaragua O'Payo (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada). 

The bar was hand-crafted with care--as was the animated film "The Man Who Planted Trees" (1987) by Frederic Back* that I "paired" with this chocolate. 

The film features the story of a man who planted Oak, Birch, Linden (and possibly Maple) trees, across miles of land, over decades, completely transforming a once barren landscape. 

This hand-crafted story seemed like a good match with today's "Proudly Canadian" chocolate bean-to-bar chocolate, sweetened with sugar from maple trees. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's bar included: dark chocolate; caramel and caramel corn; faint fruit (berry, faint date); and uplifting warm spice and maple sugar.

The caramel corn (made from scratch) was ground into the O'Payo** Nicaragua cacao beans -- resulting in a smooth, relatively creamy chocolate with no detectable popcorn texture. (A faint, pleasant popcorn flavor did surface in some bites.)

I enjoyed the dark, satisfying caramel flavors and gentle fruit and maple complexity. Some of these notes certainly came from the use of a single origin cacao. Many thanks to the creative Canadian animators and chocolate makers who made tonight's special "Movie Night" possible.

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, Ontario maple sugar, Organic popcorn, Organic cacao butter, Organic maple sugar, Organic almond butter, Sea salt, Organic coconut oil. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains Almonds. May contain: Cashews, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pistachios"

*The "Man Who Planted Trees" is an award-winning, 30-minute long, animated film created from more than 20,000 drawings. It was adapted from a French story, created and directed by Frederic Back, and narrated by actor Christopher Plummer. The team also included Academy Award winning Canadian sound editor + composer Normand Roger and several other talented folks who worked to complete this film over a five-year period. The story was (and still remains) an inspiring tale of how one person can make a difference.

**The O'Payo Nicaragua cacao used in this bar was from Ingemann, a family-owned company in Nicaragua.

 

The Organic House - Chai Latte 55% Cacao Belize Maya Mountain (bar) - Sept. 18, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Chai Latte - Mylk chocolate infused with chai tea 55% Cacao (Belize) (bar)
Good ++
Calories: 142 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Organic House, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate & Tea Week. This is the third tea-themed chocolate week this year, and I'm finding a lot of blends and pairings I like in 2025.

Today's Chai Latte - Mylk chocolate infused with chai tea 55% Cacao Belize - Maya Mountain (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Maya Mountain (I'm assuming this means Maya Mountain Cacao*), in southern Belize.

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: chocolate, brown/less refined sugar, and an aromatic blend of warm, chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, very faint anise, other). The single origin cacao added very faint, diffuse and smooth fruit and authentic cacao complexity.

Texture: uniformly smooth and relatively creamy throughout. (The tea and spice bits were fully incorporated; no detectable particle grit--made this chocolate more latte-like.)

Every chai tea tastes a little different depending on the tea and spice blend(s). Here the rooibos tea added a very light herbal tea flavor. And the warm spices tasted authentic, albeit a bit more like pumpkin spice than chai spice. (The cardamom and pepper were further down on the ingredient list.)

This was a rich and sweet, friendly and authentic bar that will please those who enjoy a warm, flavorful spiced chocolate with less caffeine. The use of coconut flower nectar made the sweetness richer and less buzzy than more refined white cane sugar.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Buttery notes of chocolate, chai tea, honey, raisins, and pineapple."

Ingredients: Organic coconut flower nectar, Organic cacao beans, Organic cacao butter, Organic cashews, Organic* rooibos chai tea (rooibos leaves*, cinnamon bark*, ginger root*, star anise fruit*, cloves*, cardamom seeds*, black pepper*, natural flavor*).

Allergen-related information: Contains Cashews. May contain: Almonds, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pistachios."

*Maya Mountain Cacao is a facility that works with many local farmers in the lush forests of the Toledo district of southern Belize (not far from Punta Gorda). Their centralized post-harvest cacao fermenting and processing operation sells to many small-batch, specialty/craft chocolate makers.

Qantu - IPA Style 60% Hops Infused Dark Milk Chocolate (bar) - Aug. 29, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Qantu
IPA Style 60% Hops Infused Dark Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 144 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Beer & Hops Week.

Today's IPA Style 60% Hops Infused Dark Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Qantu Cacao et Chocolat Inc. (Montreal, Canada).

The cacao beans used to make this bar were from Morropon, Piura, Peru. The IPA-style hop taste was supplied by Avant-Garde (artisan brewers in Montreal).

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate (smooth, flavorful, with creamy caramel) and authentic, slightly bitter IPA-style, hop-py beer (that mellowed a bit within minutes after the inner wrapper was opened). (Full disclosure: I love chocolate and I love hops, so I was very happy to taste this bar.)

Texture: creamy, smooth dark milk chocolate 

I enjoyed the rich, hop-py taste; the well-executed and complementary cacao and beer flavors; and the satisfying and authentic complexity (sweet cream, caramel, fruit, rich cacao and slightly bitter brew)--all achieved with very a short list of ingredients.

Maker's tasting notes: "Caramel, orange, mangue (mango)"..."...evokes the pleasure of an IPA-style beer infused with the fruity aromas of Sabbro hops."

Ingredients: "cacao beans, cane sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter"

Allergen-related information: "Contains Milk. May contain traces of nuts."

The Organic House - Viral Dubai Kanef with Raspberry Drizzle - July 27, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Viral Dubai Kanef with Raspberry Drizzle
Good ++ 
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) / 15.68 oz. (444 g.) in a large bar
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 2 oz. serving 
Cost: $29.00 for 1 large bar 
Purchased from: The Organic House, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Nuts and Day #1 of Chocolate, Cherry and Berries Theme Week.

Today's Viral Dubai Kanef with Raspberry Drizzle was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

Aroma notes included: subtle dark chocolate; flavorful sweeteners; maple sugar and coconut flower nectar; and a slight nuttiness.

This hearty, satisfying filled pistachio bar was similar to a Dubai-style chocolate made with shredded pastry. Instead crunchy bits of gluten-free corn flakes mingled with ground pistachios and maple and coconut sugar this large confection. The dark chocolate shell/coating was smooth and balanced (and securely contained the substantial/generous filling). 

A drizzle of raspberry added a subtle, refreshing red berry accent flavor; and a bit of sea salt rounded things out. 

I enjoyed finding and trying this gluten-free version of a Dubai-style filled chocolate bar. I also appreciated the relatively short list of high-quality, authentic ingredients. I'm always glad to find chocolates without additives, gums or "natural flavors."

Ingredients: "Pistachios, GF corn flakes, cacao beans, maple sugar, coconut flower nectar, cacao butter, pear juice, sea salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains: Pistachios.

The Organic House - Vegan Turtle(s) - July 26, 2025

The Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Vegan Turtle(s)
(Tortue Vegetalienne) 

Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 8 oz. (226.4 g.) in total bar
Calories: 320 calories in 50 g. (2 pieces)
Cost: $13.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: The Organic House, online order

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

Today's package of Vegan Turtle(s) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

Aroma and flavor notes for these 70% dark chocolate-enrobed pecan turtles included: dark chocolate, sweet botanical/green (maple syrup, coconut flower nectar, brown sugar) and pecans.

Texture: a satisfying blend of smooth chocolate, smooth brown sugary caramel, and softly crunchy pecan halves. The caramel wasn't corn-syrup, pull your dental fillings out caramel. It was a much less sticky form of caramel, formed from natural sugars. I liked that.

I enjoyed this blend of balanced and flavorful, high-quality and organic ingredients (pecans, chocolate, choice of less processed sugars).

Maker's tasting notes/description: "Toasted pecans mixed with a vegan caramel covered in a 70% dark chocolate."

Ingredients: Organic pecans, Organic cacao beans, Ontario maple syrup, Organic almond butter, Organic cacao butter, Organic vanilla, Organic sea salt. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains Almonds, Pecans...May contain: Cashews, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pistachios...Made in a facility that uses tree nuts"

 

The Organic House - Pecan Chocolate Brittle with 70% dark chocolate - July 25, 2025

The Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Pecan Chocolate Brittle with 70% dark chocolate  (bar)

Good ++
Weight: 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total package
Calories: 480 calories in 1 package
Cost: $9.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: The Organic House, online order

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

Today's Pecan Chocolate Brittle with 70% dark chocolate was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

Aroma notes included: subtle chocolate, nuts (pecans) and brown coconut sugar/maple sugar/date.

I enjoyed the texture: It had different levels of soft crunchiness. It was not too brittle and hard, and not too soft and crumbly. (Reading that this thoughtfully-created confection contained maple sugar and coconut nectar explained the taste and textures I liked.)

I liked the blend of authentic flavors and textures in this substantial "brittle" more than I expected. The pecan halves (and other organic ingredients) were of good quality; and the brown "brittle" was tasty--and not as over-sweetened as I was expecting (thank you). 

The smaller amounts of dark chocolate added richness and depth. The pecans were the star of the show; and rightly so. Last, but not least, the very judicious use of sea salt (not too much, not too little) also enhanced/elevated this sweet, nutty blend.

Maker's tasting notes/description: "Toasted pecans layered with vegan butter toffee topped with 70% dark chocolate and sea salt."

Ingredients: "Ontario maple syrup, Organic pecans, Organic cacao beans, Organic coconut flower nectar, Mineral water, Organic cacao butter, Organic sea salt, Organic vanilla beans, Organic unrefined coconut oil (organic expeller pressed unrefined virgin coconut oil)"

Allergen-related information: "Contains Pecans...May contain Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pistaches...Made in a facility that uses tree nuts."  

The Organic House - Chocolate Covered Maple Candied Orange Slices - June 8, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House 
Chocolate Covered Maple Candied Orange Slices
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: .706 oz. (20 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total package 
Calories: 70 calories (estimate) in 1 piece/slice 
Cost: $22.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Citrus Week.

Today's Chocolate Covered Maple Candied Orange Slices were from The Organic House (Burlington, Ontario, Canada). 

The company is a bean-to-bar chocolate maker that specializes in vegan, gluten- and dairy-free, and organic chocolate bars and confections made with ethically-sourced cacao.

Aroma notes for today's chocolate and maple sugar covered, dehydrated orange slices included: citrus (orange, orange peel), maple sugar cake and dark chocolate.

Texture: chewy, authentic orange slices; lightly textured, authentic maple sugar and coconut flower nectar; partly covered by a smooth dark chocolate. 

Flavor notes included: high-quality, authentic maple sugar and dried orange slices flavor, and smooth dark chocolate. The maple and coconut flower nectar added a rich flavor of their own as well.

I appreciated the short list of quality, local (Ontario maple sugar) ingredients.  

Ingredients: "Oranges, Ontario maple sugar, cacao beans, coconut flower nectar, cacao butter"

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that uses tree nuts. "Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten Free"

Qantu - Erable et Sel (Maple & fleur de sel) (bar) - May 14, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Qantu
Erable et Sel (Maple & fleur de sel) bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 156 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week.

Today's Erable et Sel (Maple & fleur de sel) bar was from Qantu Cacao et Chocolat Inc. (Montreal, QC, Canada). 

Aroma notes included: sweet brown/maple sugar, faint caramel chocolate cookie.

Texture: smooth, fully incorporated maple sugar and salt.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with sweet, slightly acidic (banana tannins) maple sugar and faint sea salt.

The flavor notes in this blend of cacao and maple sugar had an interesting complexity. The sea salt provided a very light accent flavor.

Maker's tasting notes: "Nose: sweet spices, caramel; Mouth: banana cinnamon; Finish: pecans and other nuts"

Ingredients: "organic cocoa beans, organic pure maple sugar, organic cocoa butter, Maras fleur de sel"

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk and nuts"

Sirene Chocolate Makers - Limited Edition No Sugar Milk 60% Dark Milk (bar)

Chocolate of the Day 

Sirene Chocolate
Limited Edition - No Sugar Milk 60% Dark Milk (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 191 calories in (estimate) 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA 

Welcome to Day #3 of Unique Chocolates Theme Week.

Today's Limited Edition - No Sugar Milk 60% Dark Milk (bar) was from Sirene Chocolate (Victoria, B.C., Canada).

Why was this bar unique? It contained no added sugar, and yet it was (to my taste) sweet. It was a great opportunity to taste how sweet a dark milk chocolate can be--without added sugar(s). Surprisingly, this was only the third bar I've tried in 18 years like this.

I enjoyed the creamy texture, milk chocolate mouthfeel and melt, the authentic sweetness supplied by the milk and the very slight bitterness toward the finish. The milk mellowed any bitterness (or absence of sugar).

The claims of "no sugar" or "sugar free" chocolates in the past meant artificial sweeteners or some other sweetener sleight of hand. However, today's two-ingredient bar, let us know that the milk (lactose) alone can do the job. I hope I'm able to try more chocolates like this in the future.

Ingredients: "cacao beans, whole milk powder"

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Made In A Nut Free Facility, Soy Free, Gluten Free" 

Kasama Chocolate - Limited Release - Echague Isabela, Philippines, 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Jan. 21, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Kasama Chocolate
Limited Release - Echague Isabela, Philippines, 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 162.5 calories in 1/2 bar (325 cals. in 1 bar)
Cost: $17.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Kasama, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and The Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Limited Release - Echague Isabela, Philippines, 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Kasama Chocolate (Vancouver, BC, Canada).

Aroma notes for this special chocolate included: dark chocolate with subtle fruit, almost floral/botanical, and butter notes.

Texture: smooth, creamy/buttery texture with a thick, luxe melt (in a cold room).

Flavor notes included: dark, buttery chocolate, with subtle, fleeting fruit (something green and very slightly tart-sweet, diffuse red fruit -- maybe apple); fleeting mild, "clean" (white) seed/nut (chestnut); and very faint earth. 

I enjoyed: 1.) the subtle intriguing flavor complexity (it felt like a game of hide and seek in a forest); 2.) the short list of quality, organic ingredients; and 3.) that it wasn't too sweet. 

Maker's tasting notes: "...smooth, creamy chocolate with notes of roasted chestnuts, Black Forest Cake and stout beer."

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, "Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cacao Butter* (* = Organic) 

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

 

The Organic House - Philippines 100% Cacao, Philippines Bon Bulak (bar) - Jan. 17, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Philippines 100% Cacao, Philippines Bon Bulak (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and the Philippines Week.

Today's Philippines 100% Cacao, Philippines Bon Bulak (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, Ontario, Canada). 

Bon Bulak ("floral") refers to a micro-lot (of cacao) from Kablon Farms in South Cotabato, Davao, in the Philippines; and chocolates using this cacao origin have been created by several craft chocolate makers in the past year or so. Yesterday I featured a 70% cacao version of this cacao from the same maker.

Today's 100% bar included much fainter versions of the same aroma and flavor notes (that appeared in yesterday's 70% version): dark chocolate with faint fruit and floral, very subtle light molasses/brown sugar, and warm spice. Flavor notes also included deep, appealing chocolate-y notes and warm buttery umami (slightly sweet mushrooms in butter and green herbs (savory, mint family). 

The texture was very cocoa-buttery and smooth, with a pleasant creamy melt and mouthful. 

The difference was with no sugar, this chocolate was more bitter, and some of the bright/sweet fruit and buttery mushroom notes dropped out quite a bit--as did some of the flavors in the coconut blossom sugar. The (relatively earthier) mint herb notes were still intact. (Today's 100%er would be a great educational bar to pair with its 70% sibling as part of a tasting flight.)

Maker's tasting notes: "Porcini, sage, lilac, petit verdot (small red wine grape (slow to ripen), primarily from Bordeaux). Mellow earthy notes, with a smooth finish."

Ingredients: "Organic cacao beans, Organic cacao butter"

Allergen-related information: "May contain Almonds, Cashews, hazelnuts, Oats, Pistachios"  

The Organic House - Philippines 70% Cacao, Bon Bulak (bar) - Jan. 16, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Philippines 70% Cacao, Philippines Bon Bulak (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 392 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and the Philippines Week.

Today's Philippines 70% Cacao, Philippines Bon Bulak (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, Ontario, Canada). 

Bon Bulak ("floral") refers to a micro-lot (of cacao) from Kablon Farms in South Cotabato, Davao, in the Philippines. Kablon Farms, a bio (organic) grower, is producing some very tasty cacao--based on both yesterday's (Ritual Chocolate) and today's (The Organic House) bean-to-bar chocolates made with cacao grown there.

Aroma and flavor notes for today's 70% bar included: dark chocolate with faint fruit and floral, very subtle light molasses/brown sugar, and warm spice. Flavor notes also included deep, appealing chocolate-y notes and warm buttery umami (slightly sweet mushrooms in butter and green herbs (savory, mint family). 

Note: I like chocolates with umami flavors and/or coconut (flower nectar) sugar, so those flavors in today's balanced and subtlety complex chocolate was a bit of heaven for me.

Texture: smooth chocolate, and a pleasant creamy melt and mouthful. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Porcini, sage, lilac, petit verdot (small red wine grape (slow to ripen), primarily from Bordeaux). Mellow earthy notes, with a smooth finish."

Ingredients: "Organic cacao beans, Organic coconut flower nectar, Organic cacao butter"

Allergen-related information: "May contain Almonds, Cashews, hazelnuts, Oats, Pistachios" 

Kasama Chocolate - The Endless Summer (Philippines cacao) (bar) - Jan. 14, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Kasama Chocolate

"The Endless Summer" - Seasonal Release 55% Chocolate with Coconut Milk and Saba Banana (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 329 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $13.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Kasama Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and The Philippines Theme Week.

Today's "The Endless Summer" - Seasonal Release 55% Dark Chocolate with Coconut Milk and Saba Banana (bar) was from Kasama Chocolate (Vancouver, BC, Canada).

Tropical flavor inclusions and island origins are great for cold winter days. It was chilly outside today where I live; but this "Endless Summer" bar offered a welcome, virtual trip to the Philippines.

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate (dark ganache); sweet green (banana); and subtle, authentic coconut milk. 

There was also a faint and balanced fruit tanginess to this bar also; but it was hard to pin down whether it was coming from the cacao, the coconut milk, the banana or a combination of all the ingredients. In any case, it added a tiny bit of oomph to the overall taste. Not too tart or sour, but enough to add some interest--like a squirt of lime or lemon on a fruit salad.

Texture: The base chocolate had a creamy, almost silken, texture -- thanks to the combination of coconut milk and cocoa butter. 

The Saba* banana chips (pieces on the back of the bar) added subtle banana/plantain chip texture and flavor. The chips (a generous sprinkle of small, thin, crunchy pieces) were just right for my taste; and it was great to see a variety of banana that originated in the Philippines.

As with other Kasama Chocolate offerings, I appreciated the short list of quality ingredients. And I liked that the 55% cacao dark coconut milk bar had a richer, darker flavor (more like a 65%+ cacao dark chocolate) than some other dark milk chocolates.

Ingredients: "Cacao Beans*, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cacao Butter*, Coconut Milk Powder*, Saba Banana Chips, Sea Salt" (* = Organic)

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

*The Saba banana is a triploid hybrid cultivar, that originated in the Philippines. It's used in cooking and eating fresh.

Kasama Chocolate - 55% Goat's Milk, Philippines (bar) - Jan. 13, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Kasama Chocolate
55% Goat's Milk, Philippines (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 318 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Kasama, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and The Philippines Theme Week.

Today's 55% Goat's Milk, Philippines (bar) was from Kasama Chocolate (Vancouver, BC, Canada).

Aroma notes included: smooth, dark milk chocolate with very faint, clean floral and light hay.

Texture: smooth dark milk chocolate with a clean, light mouthfeel and melt.

Flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate with a very small hint of goat milk (with no game-y or off notes). Think goat milk (metaphorically wrapped in freshly washed silk and) blended with rich cocoa.

Thank you to the makers for the short list of quality ingredients, and for the opportunity to try chocolates made with cacao from the Philippines.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, "Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cacao Butter*, Goat's Milk Powder (* = Organic) 

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

Kasama Chocolate - 57% Earl Grey Tea, Philippines (bar) - Jan. 11, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Kasama Chocolate
57% Earl Grey Tea, Philippines (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 157 calories in 1/2 bar (314 cals. in 1 bar)
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Kasama, online order

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate, Tea, Herbs and Spices Theme Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week.

Today's 57% Earl Grey Tea, Philippines (bar) was created by Kasama Chocolate (Vancouver, BC, Canada). The company offers a variety of bars made using cacao from the Philippines*-- and you'll see at least four of these bars featured this week.

Aroma and flavor notes include fragrant bergamot (floral, citrus); dark milk chocolate (cocoa, ganache); and smooth, satisfying and sweet tea latte.

Texture: smooth, with a very slight (authentic) black tea astringency in the finish. Extra points for providing a full Earl Grey tea experience. 

I really enjoyed "sipping" (savoring small bites of) this tea-inspired chocolate. This bar would be a great gift for (or to share with) chocolate and Earl Grey tea fans.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, "Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cacao Butter*, Whole Milk Powder, Earl Grey Tea" (* = organic) 

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

*One of the founders has roots, and family, in the Philippines. 

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." 

Kasama Chocolate - 65% Kape Espresso (bar) - Oct. 1, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Kasama Chocolate
65% Kape Espresso (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 162.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Kasama Chocolate, online order

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

Today's 65% Kape Espresso (bar) from Kasama Chocolate (Vancouver, BC, Canada) was made with Kape Philippine Coffee Beans. 

The Tagalog (Filipino) word Kasama (togetherness, friendship, camaraderie, collaboration) aptly describes Kasama and its four founders. The company makes bean-to-bar chocolate and truffles using cacao from the Philippines and flavor inclusions from both the Philippines and the Pacific Northwest.

Aroma notes included: strong coffee (espresso), chocolate, faint dried fruit (date sugar), and even fainter green (botanical) syrup.

Texture: smooth, uniform, with very slight graininess/astringency.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with bold, balanced, dark roast espresso coffee. The dark chocolate was more apparent in the taste than in the aroma; but the espresso still ruled the roost.

I appreciated tasting this single origin bean-to-bar chocolate, where both cacao beans and coffee beans came from the Philippines.* The sweetness (provided by unrefined cane sugar) tasted natural and balanced the bold espresso flavor.

Maker's notes: "...synthesis of cacao & coffee beans yields notes of dates, roasted chestnuts, & Muscovado sugar."

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cacao Butter*, Kape Philippine Coffee Beans (* Organic)

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

*Maker's coffee origin description: The roasted coffee beans came from "Iona & Paolo at Kape Coffee. This semi-washed coffee is grown in the highlands of Bansalan, by award-winning coffee grower, Ate Marivic, part of a farmer owned co-operative in Davao del Sur."