Chuao Chocolatier - Exploding Coal - popping candy and black cacao (bar) - Jan. 30, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chuao Chocolatier
Exploding Coal - popping candy and black cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.99 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order 

Welcome to Day #2 of Unique Chocolates Week, featuring interesting origins and form factors, as well as surprising flavor additions.

Today's Exploding Coal bar with popping candy and black cacao was created by Chef Antonorsi at Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA). 

Drawing inspiration from a fossil fuel is unique, although the reference to coal has more to do with Christmas* than combustibles.

Aroma notes included: roasted dark chocolate and sweet vanilla.

I enjoyed the playful textures in this holiday bar: the hard snap of dark chocolate, effervescent popping candy and a constellation of tiny, crunchy sugar sparkles.

Flavor notes included: robust but friendly, toasty dark chocolate (deep but smooth cocoa) and warm sweet vanilla (marshmallow) and sweet popping candy.

This naughty (rather addicting) and nice "coal" dark chocolate would be a welcome addition to any Christmas stocking.

Ingredients: Premium 60% dark chocolate (cacao*, cane sugar*, cacao butter*, sunflower lecithin [as an emulsifier], natural vanilla), popping candy (sugar, maltose, carbon dioxide), black cacao powder*.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that uses milk, soy, tree nuts, and wheat on shared equipment."

*Children in the 1800s-1900s were told they would receive a lump of coal in their Christmas stocking if they landed on Santa's "naughty" list. As coal was often used to heat homes, the sight of these black lumps in a scuttle by the stove or fireplace (where Santa entered a home) made it a more credible threat back then.

Chuao Chocolatier - Golden Goodness Caramelized sugar, cacao nibs (bar) - Oct. 18, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chuao Chocolatier 
Golden Goodness Caramelized sugar, cacao nibs (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Pumpkins, and Warm Fall Spices.

Today's Golden Goodness Caramelized sugar and 100% cacao nibs in sweet white chocolate (bar) was from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA). 

Aroma notes for this white chocolate and nibs bar included: faint cacao, cookie dough, and faint caramel and vanilla.

Texture: Sweet white chocolate blended with caramelized sugar held an abundant field of crunchy cacao nibs.

Flavor notes included: cocoa nibs, caramel, white chocolate and vanilla. Caramelized sugar added warm flavor depth. And this caramelization, and vanilla, added a feeling of warmth to me. 

Yes, 31% cacao white chocolate is sweet. But the other elements added textural and flavor contrast created appealing complexity. The nibs and a perfect amount of salt helped balance flavors and sweetness level.

I paired this white chocolate bar with a cup of warm spiced tea with cinnamon and vanilla.

Ingredients: "Premium 31% white chocolate (cacao butter, sugar, whole milk powder, lactose, whey powder, nonfat dry milk, caramelized sugar, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor, salt), cocoa nibs, pink himalayan salt."

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Soy. No Gluten Ingredients Used.

Chuao Chocolatier - Milk Chocolate Nut Bark - Aug. 15, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chuao Chocolatier 
Milk Chocolate Bark - Almond and Hazelnut

Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 5.12 oz. (144.8 g.) in total 
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. serving
Cost: $7.04 total package of 3 large pieces
Purchased from: N/A - Received as a gift from a friend

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

Today's Milk Chocolate Almonds and Hazelnut Bark was with chocolate from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA). Today's package of three generously-sized pieces of chocolate nut-topped bark were sold (by weight) by Whole Foods Market in Cupertino, California. 

Aroma notes included: sweet, smooth dark milk chocolate and faint nut and spice.

Flavor notes for these thick 41% cacao slabs included: rich, creamy smooth, chocolate (fudge, creamy ganache); authentic whole almonds and hazelnuts; occasional bites of of sweet(er) white chocolate drizzle; and overall sweet mellow vanilla.

Eating this on a slightly warmer day made the thick milk chocolate just right, i.e. not too hard, but not too soft either. (It can be hard to take a bite of a very thick piece of chocolate on a cold day.)

Ingredients: "Premium milk chocolate (41% Cacao, Cacao Butter, Sugar, Dehydrated Milk, Soy Lecithin (as an emulsifier), Natural Vanilla), Almonds, Hazelnuts, Premium White Chocolate (Pure Cane Sugar, 31% Cacao Butter, Cream Lactose, Soy Lecithin (as an emulsifier), Vanilla Bean. 

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nuts (almonds), hazelnuts; dairy (milk, lactose); soy.

Chuao Chocolatier - Dark Chocolate Organic Coconut Hibiscus 72% bar - June 7, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier
Dark Chocolate Organic Coconut Hibiscus 72% bar
Good
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $2.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Organic Coconut Hibiscus 72% bar was from Chuao* Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA).

The organic dark chocolate was crunchy, sweet and chocolatey with coconut and very light tangy floral and faintly earthy flavors (organic hibiscus flowers). This bar was quite sweet (sweetened coconut, cane sugar, maple sugar) for a 70%+ chocolate bar.

*Chuao (pronounced Chew-WOW') Chocolatier was founded over 17 years ago by two Venezuelan brothers.  One, Michael Antonorsi, was trained as a Master Chef. Both brothers recall the strong tradition of chocolate from their home country. (Relatives had been involved in cacao farming.) And the company name (Chuao) is a tribute to a village (Chuao) established in the 1500s, that grew to become a famous cacao producing region in Venezuela.

Chuao Chocolatier - Salted Caramels Almond - March 2, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

joy-filled caramels

Good +

Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in package of 4 caramels

Calories: 320 calories in 4 pieces

Cost: N/A - gift

Purchased from: N/A - gift - Thank you Anne!

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate Gifts Theme Week.

These "ooh aah almond" sea salt caramels were part of a Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA) family of "joy-filled caramels."

Whole crunchy almonds were surrounded by rich salted caramel and covered in dark chocolate. Great combination. It definitely worked. These disappeared in a hurry.

New flavors continue to appear each year from Chuao Chocolatier's chocolate chef (who is originally from Venezuela) and team.

Thank you Anne for your generous chocolate gifts!

Chuao Chocolatier - Dark Chocolate Organic Raspberry Rose 72% bar - Feb. 1, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

Dark Chocolate Organic Raspberry Rose 72% cacao bar

Good ++

Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar

Calories: 143 calories (estimate per label) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $2.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Organic Raspberry Rose 72% cacao bar from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA) was part of the company's "Enamored Collection," which is apt, as Valentines Day is coming up soon.

The organic chocolate had a rich dark chocolate aroma and flavor, interspersed with natural red raspberry fruit flavor (and one or two tiny seeds), coupled with faint rose (organic rose petal) floral notes.

In case it's difficult to read in the photo, the words inscribed on this bar read: "let's leave a, little sparkle, wherever, we go, chuao..."

Chuao Chocolatier - ooh aah almond - Crunchy whole almonds bar - Jan. 3, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

ooh aah almond - Crunchy whole almonds bar 

Good

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar

Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $5.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to the last day (Day #9) of Crunchy Chocolate Theme Week.

This morning's ooh aah almond - Crunchy whole almonds...bar was from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA).

Everything about this bar was crunchy. Each bite broke off with a crunchy snap and the whole almonds kettle cooked in sugar and sea salt were crunchy. The packaging was fun. If you have a sweets craving with some flavor, this might be your bar.

The 60% dark chocolate bar was on the sweeter side. If you prefer a bolder chocolate and/or more unadulterated nut experience, you might favor a darker bar with less sugar. 

Chuao Chocolatier - For the Love of Peppermint (bar) - Dec. 26, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

for the love of Peppermint (bar)

Good

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar

Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $ missing information

Purchased from: REI, Mountain View, CA

Happy Holidays, and welcome to Day #1 of Crunchy Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's "For the Love of Peppermint" (bar) was from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA). The company was co-founded by two Venezuelan brothers in 2002. 

This chocolate bar was one of at least three holiday-themed bars the company has offered this season. Today's bar was the company's "ode to the wonder and glee of the season...dark chocolate...mixed with crushed candy canes..."

When opening the package for this bar, the aroma of cooling peppermint wafted out. This peppermint was a prominent part of the tasting experience. The slightly bold dark chocolate took a back seat to the sweet but powerful mint candy. The bar offered a refreshing, wake-up, holiday experience. And the candy cane bits did add crunchy texture to the otherwise smooth dark chocolate.

Chuao Chocolatier - Organic Dark Chocolate Moon Bark - Coconut Almond Radiance - June 28, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

Coconut Almond Radiance - Organic Dark Chocolate Moon Bark 

Good

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total package

Calories: 200 calories in 1 package
Cost: $ missing information  

Purchased from: missing information

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

Today's Coconut Almond Radiance Organic Dark Chocolate Moon Bark was from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA).

This disc- or moon-shaped chocolate had a slightly crunchy texture. The base 72% (fair trade) dark chocolate was decorated, mendiant*-style, with toasted coconut, dates and salted caramelized almonds.

On the flip side (not pictured in this post), the disc was scored into quarters, the following words appeared: "Moon Vibes Only." Coincidentally we were out last night admiring our wondrous summer moon; it was shining between branches in the backyard. What a treat.

*A mendiant is a French-style chocolate confection, usually round and flat, with nuts and fruits pressed into or dropped/placed onto a cooling chocolate disc. Each inclusion was said to represent one of the monastic orders in France, and possibly to represent the colors of monks" robes.

Chuao Chocolatier - Dark Chocolate Organic Blueberry Lavender 72% - March 31, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Chuao Chocolatier

Dark Chocolate Organic Blueberry Lavender 72% 

Enamored Collection

Good - Good +

Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar

Calories: 143 calories in 1/2 bar 

Cost: $2.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week. We're sampling another chocolate with blueberry and lavender today.

Today's Dark Chocolate Organic Blueberry Lavender 72% bar from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA) contained whole wild, organic blueberries infused with lavender flavor. (The blueberries were more visible when the bar was broken into pieces.)

Like most of the other blueberry + lavender blends this week, this chocolate tasted fairly sweet for a 72% dark chocolate bar.

Chuao Chocolatier - Totally Tangy Mango bar - Jan. 30, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

Totally Tangy Mango bar

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar

Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $4.69 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Draeger's Market, Los Altos, CA

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

Today's Totally Tangy Mango dark chocolate bar with mango, lime, sea salt and chili, from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA), was packed with well balanced flavor.

The tasting experience was full of excitement—in a good way. The aroma and initial flavor of smooth, dark chocolate was quickly eclipsed by a short bright burst of mango fruit and lime, followed by a light sparkle of sea salt, and then back to chocolate and fruit. 

The pasilla chili provided some warmth and flavor depth to the chocolate without being too spicy. And a trace of vanilla helped to sweeten and mellow the blend.

The 60% dark chocolate base was made with Fair Trade Certified cacao, sugar and cocoa butter.*

The Totally Tangy Mango bar flavor combination was created by Chuao's Master Chocolatier, Chef Michael Antonarsi, who came to the U.S. from Venezuela with a host of fond food memories—including the dusting of fresh, sweet mango fruit with their own special blend of chamoy (lime, salt, pasilla chili).

*The use of sunflower lecithin instead of soy will please those who can't have soy.

Chuao Chocolatier - Salted Caramel Dreamin' bar - Jan. 8, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Chuao Chocolatier
Salted Caramel Dreamin' bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $1.99 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Salted Caramel Dreamin' bar from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA) was true to its name.

The milk chocolate bar was a blend of smooth, salty and crunchy— with bits of caramel toffee* and sea salt crystals commanding a good deal of the flavor and texture attention.

I would call this more of a toffee; however, sometimes the boundary between caramel and toffee is a thin one.* I've tasted caramels that ranged from soft and flowing to stiff enough to yank out fillings, and toffees that ranged from shards of crunchy brittles to chewy squares.

This bar was part of the company's California Collective series of milk and dark chocolate bars blended with California-inspired flavor inclusions.

*The caramel toffee bits contained cane sugar, butter (pasteurized cream, salt)

British toffees may be more likely to contain brown sugar or molasses, whereas American toffees are likely to be made with the more flavor-neutral white cane sugar, said to better highlight the buttery flavors. Caramelized sugar is enjoyable in many forms.

Chuao Chocolatier - Bright and Sunny Honey dark chocolate bar - Dec. 4, 2017

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

Bright and Sunny Honey dark chocolate bar

Good - Good +

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar

Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and California Dreaming Theme Week.

This Bright and Sunny Honey dark chocolate, California Collective* bar was from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA). Good name for this bar. It really was, as far as dark chocolate goes, bright and sunny, thanks to the incorporation of tiny bits of honey toffee and roasted almonds.

Happy winter sunshine and blue skies, to all those who have access to them today. And if you're trapped inside, this bar will bring a bit of Southern California sunshine indoors.

*Chuao Chocolatier's Master Chocolatier and Chef, Michael Antonorsi, is living the California dream; and his recent California Collective collection of bars inspired by California living and flavors includes three bars featured in this week's theme week, and a few others.

Chuao Chocolatier - Sun Kissed Coconut milk chocolate bar - Dec. 3, 2017

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

Sun Kissed Coconut milk chocolate bar

Good - Good +

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar

Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and California Dreaming Theme Week.

Today's Sun Kissed Coconut milk chocolate bar from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA) was one of a series of California Collective bars from the company.

The company's headquarters (Carlsbad) in Southern California (north of San Diego) is located in a lovely coastal area, near beaches, palm trees and southern California pastimes like surfing, paddle-boarding and swimming. Sounds like a California city that lives up to the dream.

This Sun Kissed Coconut bar was made with tiny pieces of roasted almonds and flecks of toasted coconut. Its sweet, smooth milk chocolate coconut flavor and texture put it closer on the chocolate spectrum to a high-end confection than bar, but it was still enjoyable.

Chuao Chocolatier - Sea Salt Surf dark bar - Dec. 2, 2017

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

Sea Salt Surf dark chocolate sea salt bar

Good - Good +

Weight: .93 oz. (26.6 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar

Calories: 147 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and California Dreaming Theme Week.

The Sea Salt Surf dark chocolate sea salt bar from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA) was made with Fair Trade Certified cacao and gluten free* ingredients. It was also Kosher Certified.

"Chew, wow, chuao**, giggle, sweet and desire." Those were the six words etched into six squares (1/3 bar). There was one word per square, so you could pick a few and create your own expressions.

The chocolate had a relatively complex, but balanced flavor profile, with subtle green, salty leather, sweet dark chocolate and nutty aroma and flavor notes.

The bar broke into pieces with a good snap, mostly along the scored lines; and the chocolate had a creamy even melt and a relatively mellow finish with a light trace of salt.

Chuao Master Chocolatier and Chef Michael Antonorsi is living the California dream. Originally from Venezuela, he fell in love with California in college and, after culinary school in Paris, returned to the state and made it his home. "From paddle boarding with my daughters to enjoying the sunset and a glass of wine with my wife, the spirit of the golden state is all around me," he notes.

*There were no gluten free ingredients in this bar; however, the chocolate was manufactured in a facility "that uses milk, soy, tree nuts and wheat on shared equipment."

**The town of Chuao is located near the northern coast of Venezuela. Chocolate lovers will recognize it as an area that is famous for its fine flavored cacao. If you meld the two English words "chew + wow" together, the result is close to the Spanish pronunciation of the word "chuao."

Chuao Chocolatier - Caramel Apple Crush bar - Oct. 15, 2017

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier
Caramel Apple Crush bar
Good
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.95 (estimate) for 1 bar 
Purchased from: CVS/pharmacy

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Halloween wEEKs.

Another option for Halloween chocolate is to pick an autumn-themed bar, like this Caramel Apple Crush bar from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA).

The inspiration for this bar came from the tangy green apple and buttery caramel in caramel apples. Tiny bits of dried apple and toffee were encased in 41% milk chocolate. The bar had a pleasant premium milk chocolate aroma, and while it was sweet (like a caramel apple might be), the flavor inclusions were balanced and authentic tasting.

This Caramel Apple bar was made with Fair Trade Certified Cocoa, gluten-free and Non-GMO ingredients, and without artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colors and flavors. The bar was also Kosher Certified.

This bar is also available for trick-or-treaters in mini bar size (along with the company's Baconluxious, Orange-A-Go-Go and Potato Chip bars).

Chuao Chocolatier - baconluxious bar - Dec. 24, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier
baconluxious chocolate bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 420 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $5.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate, Smoke and Fire Theme Week.

What's the best breakfast on a winter morning? How about a chocolate bar with "...maple sweetness, a sprinkle of bonfire smoked sea salt and crispy, uncured bacon in milk chocolate?"

That description fits today's baconluxious bar from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA). This bar had balanced, subtle flavors—with a hint of maple sweetness and a subtle hint of smoky bacon saltiness.

Merry Christmas Eve to all who celebrate. Best wishes to Santa as you shimmy down those chimneys tonight.

The content and images in this post belong to ChocolateBanquet.com.

Chuao - Orange bar - Nov. 6, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier
orange-a-go-go bar
Good
Weight: .924 oz. (26.4 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 136 calories (estimate) in 1/3 bar
Cost: $4.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sigona's Farmers Market, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week.

This attractive "orange-a-go-go" bar from Chuao Chocolatier (San Diego, CA) bustled with flavors: 60% dark chocolate, candied orange peel, bergamot orange and orange extracts. Each flavor in this sweeter than expected, high-octane bar seemed to be jostling for top position. A-Go-Go, indeed.

ChocolateBet: September 7, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

3/4 bar
Chuao Chocolatier
Caracas - Milk Chocolate Bar with Almonds, Hazelnuts and Pistachios
Very Good
Weight: 2.625 oz. (75 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) total bar
Calories: 393 calories (estimate)
Cost: $5.99 total bar
Purchased from: Piazzas Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today's "Caracas" milk chocolate (41% cacao) bar (from Chuao Chocolatier based in Carlsbad, CA) was filled with whole roasted almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios. A base of rich, smooth, deep milk chocolate  complemented crunchy bites of nuts.

Previously, I tried the Chuao dark chocolate (60% cacao) version of the  Caracas bar.  I've found 40-60% cacao is a good range for certain nut, bacon, and savory flavored bars.

Today was Day #9 of Chocolate and Almonds Theme Week; and Day #5 of Chocolate and Hazelnut Theme Week. 

ChocolateBet: July 30, 2011

Chocolate of the Day: 

.5 oz. piece
Chuao Chocolatier
Honeycomb - Dark Chocolate Bar with Caramelized Honey
Good +
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) total bar
Calories: 75 calories
Cost: $5.99 total bar
Purchased from: Sigonas, Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Tout Sweetener Theme Week.

My favorite entries in this week's group of bars, truffles, and other chocolate creations? The ones that capture and elevate the unique flavors of natural sweeteners -- so they rise slightly above the chocolate --, without boosting the overall level of sweetness so much that it ruins everything. This is very difficult to achieve. Though this Honeycomb bar from Chuao Chocolatier was very sweet for a dark (60% cacao) bar, a small burst of real honey flavor arrived at the very end of the flavor curve. Like other Chuao bars I've tried, rather than being scored into squares or rectangles, it was artfully embossed with the Chuao name and a cocoa pod design.