Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Limited Release Nantucket Fog 65% Cacao (Colombia) Dark Milk Chocolate bar - May 2, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Limited Release Nantucket Fog 65% Cacao (Colombia) Dark Milk Chocolate bar
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $24.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate & Tea Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate & Colombia Theme Week.

Today's Limited Release Nantucket Fog 65% Cacao (Colombia) Dark Milk Chocolate bar was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA). 

Aroma notes included: chocolate (cocoa, marshmallow, vanilla) and faint, sweet milky tea.

Texture: relatively smooth texture with a faint tea astringency.

Flavor notes included: smooth, dark milk chocolate; vanilla marshmallow; and sweet tea latte with a faint bergamot flavoring that finally emerged and lingered a bit at the end of the finish.

I appreciated the short list of quality and organic ingredients. And I liked that the makers used both single origin cacao and single origin cocoa butter in this sweet confection of a bar.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "...creamy vanilla and chocolatey notes from our Boyaca (Colombia) beans weave together with milky black tea and floral bergamot citrus. Rich, balanced and slightly sweet..."

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Organic Whole Milk Powder, Organic Earl Grey Tea (Organic Black Tea, Bergamot Oil), Vanilla Bean

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. ("Soy Free, Gluten Free")

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Maker's Choice - Dark Chocolate Pure Passion Fruit, Guatemala 70% Cacao (bar) - May 24, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms
Limited Edition Dark Chocolate Pure Passion Fruit 70% Cacao - Guatemala (bar)
Good ++  
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Limited Edition Dark Chocolate Pure Passion Fruit 70% Cacao - Guatemala (bar) was made from bean to bar by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA), as part of their "Maker's Choice" series.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (bitter to bittersweet) and balanced, tart-sweet fruit (passion fruit).

Texture: smooth and satisfying texture and melt  

Flavor notes included: a perfect blend (for me) between the dark, balanced-bitter cacao and tart-sweet passion fruit. There was a very faint earth flavor - but it was so well balanced/managed that it would be hard to imagine this bar without it. This chocolate had an almost dynamic, lilting quality to it. Very enjoyable.

I found this 70% bar addictive--in a way that I often do with excellent dark milk chocolate bars. This sweet-tart dark chocolate had an almost dynamic, lilting quality to it. Very enjoyable.

Maker's description: "This passion fruit dark chocolate is a powerful expression of luscious, sweet and tart tropical fruit. Our bright, Guatemalan Asochivite cacao pairs perfectly with the tropical citrus flavors of passion fruit, and our freshly pressed cocoa butter creates a smooth and rich chocolate experience."

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Passion Fruit Powder

Allergen-related information: None listed on packaging. "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free"  

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Yasica Especial 70% Cacao (bar) - May 23, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms
Limited Edition Dark Chocolate Yasica Especial 70% Cacao - Guatemala (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $35.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Limited Edition Dark Chocolate Yasica Especial 70% Cacao - Guatemala (bar) was created by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA), as part of their "Limited Release" series.

Aroma and flavor notes included: appealing dark chocolate with a faint and diffuse fruitiness (soft peach; very faint banana; even fainter sweet strawberry and sweet red bell pepper). 

Texture: smooth, with a satisfying melt and a very slight astringency (dryness/graininess) in the finish.

I really enjoyed the authentic, balanced and gentle bouquet of fruit notes in this cacao -- exactly the kind of subtle complexity, low acidity and bitterness; and gentle honey-ed sweetness you'd hope to taste from a single origin, heritage (Criollo) cacao-based chocolate. The makers enhanced this tasting experience by also using single origin cocoa butter--rather than bulk, deodorized cocoa butter typically added in chocolate making.

Was this worth $35.00 (USD)? Years ago, I was able to see the great work that Giff Laube was doing in Nicaragua; and I'm willing to pay this price, to enjoy great chocolate in the future--chocolates made possible by makers like Goodnow Farms using great single origin cacaos from the forests and farms in Central America.

Will others feel the same? Hard to know. Cacao prices are currently at a 60-year high this year. They'll likely remain high due to several short-term (tariff uncertainties) and long-term challenges (climate change).

Maker's description: "Rich with notes of juicy strawberries, cream, honey and cashews, this rare Nicaraguan Yasica Especial dark chocolate is crafted from ancient Central American Criollo white cacao. Along the Yasica River, farmer Giff Laube tends his small patch of trees yielding only one sack of cacao. In local Matagalpan legend, Yasica embodies adventure and new discovery; enjoy this special chocolate tasting journey!"

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: None listed on packaging. "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free" 

Goodnow Farms - Maple Asochivite 70% Cacao Guatemala (bar) - May 22, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms
Maple Asochivite 70% Cacao - Guatemala (bar)
Good +++ 
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: N/A - free sample bar from Goodnow Farms (thank you)
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, part of a larger online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Maple Asochivite 70% Cacao Guatemala (bar) was created by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA), as part of their "Maker's Choice" series--that highlights high-quality and single origin flavor combinations.

Aroma notes included: fragrant dark chocolate with faint, diffuse fruits (stone fruits, mild citrus), maple, butter and warm spice (cinnamon) notes.

Texture: smooth and satisfying. The maple sugar was fully incorporated into the chocolate.

Flavor notes included: a delicious blend of chocolate and maple with subtle fruit (peach jam) and warm spice. This tree sweetener (maple sugar) had satisfying, authentic depth of flavor that really complemented the single-origin Guatemala cacao.

This was a great, well-curated and well-executed combination of slightly fruity, well-balanced cacao and high-quality maple sugar. In less capable hands the end results would not have been as impressive. The sugar would have overpowered the cacao, or vice versa. This blend sang; and it over-delivered on my expectations.

Maker's description: "The bright, fruity flavors of our directly sourced Asochivite cacao from Alta Verapaz, Guatemala combine perfectly with sweet maple sugar we source from familiy-owned Severence Maple in Northfield, MA. Chocolate meets French toast..."

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Maple Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: None listed on packaging. "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free"

Goodnow Farms - Winter Maple with Spiced Brown Butter (bar) - May 10, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms
Winter Maple with Spiced Brown Butter (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Warm Spices, and Day #3 of Bees and Trees Theme Week--including several chocolates flavored or sweetened with honey, maple and/or dates.

Today's Winter Maple with Spiced Brown Butter (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA).

Aroma and tasting notes included: warming spices (ginger, cardamom); dark milk chocolate; and maple sugar and butter caramel. (Note: there was no ginger in this chocolate; but there was cardamom.)

Texture: very smooth, buttery texture and melt. The maple sugar and spices were fully incorporated into the bar (no spice grit, thank you!)

I enjoyed the sweet flavors (spices, butter caramel, maple) and texture. It was rich enough to be satisfying after a few bites. I could also see a chef choosing this chocolate to make a very rich, sophisticated chocolate dessert (mousse, tart, truffle).

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Maple Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Butter, Cardamom

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Mexico Almendra Blanca 77% (bar) - Mar. 5, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Mexico Almendra Blanca 77% (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bat
Calories: 165 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.99 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Caputos, online order

Bienvenidos (welcome) to Day #6 of Chocolate and Mexico Theme Week.

Today's Mexico Almendra Blanca 77% (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA).

Like yesterday's bar, today's chocolate was made with lighter colored "white almond" cacao beans grown in Mexico.* These beans create a lighter hued finished dark chocolate (an almost auburn, medium brown). Both these bars were skillfully made, well-tempered and they broke with a hard snap (in a cool room). 

The aroma notes for today's Goodnow Farms dark chocolate were relatively subtle.  (Note: I also had a fairly serious cold when I tasted this bar.)

The flavor notes were stronger, and included a bold, balanced, almost peppery tartness: dark chocolate with bright, tangy sweet fruit (citrus, berry); subtle cream; faint (very slightly astringent) nut; subtle, diffuse, green botanical/forest; and a barely there (well balanced, subtle) bitterness toward the finish.

I enjoyed the opportunity to try a single origin dark chocolate Almendra Blanca bar like this with beautifully complex flavors. 

I also continue to appreciate Goodnow Farms makers' short list of quality and organic ingredients; their thoughtful sourcing of cacao and local ingredients; and the fact they press their own single origin cacao butter (vs. buying large blocks of generic, deodorized cocoa butter) when added cocoa butter is desired.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Creamy Citrus & Hazelnut"

Ingredients: "Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter"

Allergen-related information: "May contain trace amounts of peanuts and tree nuts." ("Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free")

*The Almendra Blanca cacao beans used to make today's chocolate were grown and fermented on farmer Vicente Cacep's Jesus Maria farm outside Villahermosa (in the State of Tabasco), Mexico.

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Chocolate Banana Split; Ecuador, 59% Cacao (bar) - Feb. 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Chocolate Banana Split; Ecuador, 59% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 320 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 (current price) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Unique Chocolates Week.

Today's Chocolate Banana Split; Bean Origin: Ecuador, 59% Cacao (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA). 

I loved that the makers took advantage of a cacao with slightly fruity (red fruit/berry) notes and leveraged that in creating today's banana split (ice cream sundae-inspired) chocolate. The vanilla and banana flavors (added to the cacao and berry notes) were subtle; and the final blend was creamy and delicious.

Warning: addictive, especially if you're hungry.

Thank you to the makers at Goodnow Farms for their thoughtful process and creations, short list of quality ingredients, and for using organic ingredients.

Ingredients: "Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Organic Whole Milk Powder, Organic Bananas, Salt, Single Origin Vanilla Beans"

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Soy Free, Gluten Free"

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Limited Release Dark Chocolate Demon Seed Whiskey 77% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 6, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Limited Release Dark Chocolate Demon Seed Whiskey 77% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 145 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $35.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Limited Release Dark Chocolate Demon Seed Whiskey with Maple Sugar 77% Cacao was made by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA) in collaboration with Boston Harbor Distillery (Dorchester, MA). The cacao bean origin was Colombia (Boyaca).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (dark cocoa, ganache), and very faint spirits (whiskey) and maple sugar. 

When I bought this bar, I didn't know it contained scorpion pepper, one of the world's hotter peppers. (The name Demon Seed Whiskey should have clued me in.) If you don't detect a chili/pepper smell to this bar, you might be surprised by the bit of heat that kicks in a bit later. So, for the heat-sensitive, I'd advise taking a small bite first.

Texture: relatively smooth (all ingredients were fully incorporated), with a tiny bit of (possibly imagined) astringency toward the end.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (bittersweet chocolate), warm maple sugar, and very faint whiskey, chili spice and earth notes. The whiskey added flavor depth without being obvious.

Given the relatively bold flavor elements, this was a very balanced and well-executed chocolate. There were no pyrotechnics or rushes to grab a glass of water because of the scorpion pepper. Yes, the pepper had some heat, but it wasn't overwhelming (thank you). The ginger was barely detectable, but it likely added some warm spice that melded flavors together nicely.

The 77% cacao (single origin Colombia, Boyaca) seemed relatively smooth for a higher percentage chocolate, and the sweetness level seemed to be just right. The maple and ginger were subtle but added some warmth that makes it appealing for colder/winter days. And this is a fun bar to share with others.

Maker's tasting notes: "...Heat from scorpion peppers dances with ginger and melds with flavors of rich, maple fudge. A warm caramel syrup sensation lingers..."

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Maple Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Whiskey, Scorpion Pepper, Ginger

Allergen-related information: "Soy Free, Gluten Free"

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Limited Release Dark Chocolate Unfiltered Hard Cider 70% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 3, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate 
Limited Release Dark Chocolate Unfiltered Hard Cider 70% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $19.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Limited Release Dark Chocolate Unfiltered Hard Cider 70% Cacao (bar) was made by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and crisp, relatively tart fruit (apple) and sweetness.

Texture: smooth, almost creamy dark chocolate 

Flavor notes included: deep, relatively robust (but smooth) dark chocolate with very slight earth and faint apple/cider; and a fleeting warm spice (apple cinnamon) in the finish. 

* Maker's description: "...Dominican Republic Zorzal Communitario cacao nibs are soaked in 23 gallons of Downeast's locally crafted 8% hard cider. This infusion process creates a perfect balance of tart apples and rich dark chocolate. Our take on fall in New England!"

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Nibs, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Hard Cider (Hard Cider, Fresh Pressed Apple Cider, Water, Sugar, Malic Acid, Sulfites to Preserve Flavor)

Allergen-related information: Soy Free; Vegan. 

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - 77% Dark Chocolate Las Palomas Coffee (bar) - Sept. 26, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
77% Dark Chocolate with Las Palomas Coffee Guatemala (bar)
Good +++ - Very Good
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $17.00 for 1 bar (when bought in a 3-bar Coffee bundle)
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Special Reserve 77% Dark Chocolate with Las Palomas Coffee Guatemala (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA) in collaboration with George Howell Coffee.

Aroma notes included: appealing dark chocolate; fruit; and subtle spice and coffee.

Texture: rich, smooth, relatively creamy texture.

Flavor notes included: a compelling blend of true chocolate with fruit (ripe, sweet berry, faint tropical fruits (mango, cacao, other)); slight, diffuse warm spice and coffee.

I really enjoyed the nuanced, sophisticated complexity in this bar. I kept returning to take another bite, to appreciate what I was tasting, and in case I had missed something in the attractive unfolding of notes.

I loved the fruity notes in this well-executed chocolate and coffee blend; the care taken to make a true single origin bar--with a short list of high-quality ingredients; and the balance and harmony between chocolate and coffee.

Maker's description: "...This collaboration bar with George Howell Coffee is a testament to the joys of single origin flavor. The many fruit flavors of their Las Palomas coffee from Huehuetenango, Guatemala combine with our fruity cacao from Coban, Guatemala..."

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Single Origin Coffee

Allergen-related information: "May contain trace amounts of peanuts and tree nuts." ("Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free")

 

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Dark Chocolate El Carmen with Coffee Crunch 69% (bar) - Sept. 25, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Dark Chocolate El Carmen with Coffee Crunch 69% Cacao (bar)
Good +++ 
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 135 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $17.00 for 1 bar (when bought in a 3-bar Coffee bundle)
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Maker's Choice Dark Chocolate El Carmen with Coffee Crunch Nicaragua 69% Cacao (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA). Both cacao and coffee beans used to make this single origin bar hailed from Nicaragua.

Aroma notes included: very inviting dark chocolate and coffee.

Texture: smooth, fudge-y, creamy dark chocolate with finely ground bits of (very slightly gritty, crunchy) coffee.

Flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate (dark chocolate fudge, true chocolate-y) infused with just the right amount of coffee (not too much, not too little) so that the chocolate was still the primary focus. The cacao and the coffee were neither too acidic nor too bitter. 

I appreciated the thoughtful execution and moderate sweetness level. (There was enough sugar to please those who don't care for black coffee, but not enough to muffle flavors that ultra-dark fans appreciate.)

Maker's description: "...premium single origin Nicaraguan cacao with finely ground single origin coffee from Nicaragua's El Recreo Estate for this crunchy celebration of Nicaraguan flavor."

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Single Origin Coffee

Allergen-related information: "May contain trace amounts of peanuts and tree nuts." ("Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free")

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Colombia Boyaca 73% Cacao (bar) - Sept. 13, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Colombia Boyaca 73% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Colombia Theme Week.

Today's Colombia Boyaca 73% Cacao (bar) from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA) was part of this bean-to-bar maker's Signature Line of bars.

Aroma notes included: chocolate, delicate fruit, caramel, spice (green pepper), 

The texture was very smooth, almost creamy.

Flavor notes included: chocolate with complex, delicate very faint "cream", light loam and green foliage (barely detectable initial, fleeting cooling menthol); spice; very faint, diffuse tropical/cacao fruit; sweet notes (honeyed caramel, toasted marshmallow + bitter caramel ice cream); and a few other tantalizing notes too faint and fleeting to catch. I kept tasting more of this chocolate hoping to "find" more hidden notes. It was like trying to catch a glimpse of a rare tropical bird through a lush rainforest canopy. Tantalizing; and just out of reach.

I really appreciated the intriguing complexity of this bar. It tasted lighter, sweeter and more subtle than many 73% cacao chocolates. It was also sophisticated and well-crafted from start to finish. The freshly pressed cocoa butter enriched this single origin cacao experience. And even the natural-tasting sweetness was layered and nuanced. 

I associate some of the more subtle fruit, cream and caramel notes mentioned above with fine Criollo heritage cacaos. The cacao used to make this bar was from "a new fermentation facility in the town of San Pablo de Borbur" (in Boyaca, Colombia, that) "allows farmers to produce these exceptionally high-quality fine flavor beans."

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Toasted Marshmallow & Honey"

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free"    

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Peru Ucayali 70% (bar) - July 21, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Peru Ucayali 70% (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Peru Ucayali 70% (bar) was made by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA). 

The company specializes in single origin bars--some with high-end flavor and/or spice inclusions. This 70% dark chocolate was part of the bean-to-bar maker's Signature Line.

Aroma notes for this award-winning chocolate included: dark chocolate with very faint, diffuse stone fruit (peach, plum) and spices notes.

Flavor notes also included: relatively complex dark chocolate (very dark brownie), faint earth/loam,  yogurt, and tart-sweet fruit (sweet lemon, nectarine) in the finish. Subsequent bites revealed hints of sweet green and faint tropical fruit and spices (mangosteen, passion fruit, cardamom). 

This Peru bar seemed to get more interesting with every bite. 

The texture was smooth, with an appealing melt. It did have a very faint and fleeting (fruit) astringency toward the finish in the first bite. But, this feeling of "dryness"/faint graininess diminished as I re-tasted the chocolate. 

Back to flavors...There was also a very slight (barely detectable) bitterness that seemed to be just out of range--providing some delicate oomph, but not interfering with the lighter and brighter sweetness.

I really enjoyed the range of subtly complex fruit notes in this well-executed palette pleaser. 

I highly recommend savoring more than just one bite (1/2 bar is good) to get the full "unfolding" effect(s). I was still tasting slightly different flickers of fruit and other goodness even after several bites.

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter,

Allergen-related information: "May contain trace amounts of peanuts and tree nuts." "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free"

*The department of Ucayali is named for the Ucayali River and is located inland in a rainforest area.

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Herbaceous Green Sichuan Pepper Peru 70% Cacao (bar) - July 20, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Herbaceous Green Sichuan Pepper Peru 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Spices Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate and Peru Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Herbaceous Green Sichuan Pepper Peru 70% Cacao (bar) was made by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA), in collaboration with 50Hertz Tingly Foods. 

Aroma notes included: chocolate and uplifting, complex and aromatic spice (aromatic herbal green, very bright citrus-y pepper/spice, mint/menthol, and very faint floral). While it's easy to attribute most of these notes to the green sichuan pepper, the Peruvian cacao used to make this bar also had herbal and flower notes, that may have amplified the overall aroma.

Texture: satisfying smooth, buttery texture, with some bright astringency in the finish.

Flavor notes included: chocolate, and very flavorful spice (peppercorn) and tingling, bright citrus-menthol note(s) that lingered long into the finish. (I can still taste it minutes after tasting; like I just brushed my teeth with a chocolate citrus-pepper and orange mint toothpaste.)

I enjoyed this boldly herbal bar. The green pepper was low on heat, but off the charts in terms of aroma and flavor. (This also speaks to the pepper's quality and freshness.) 

Not many spices (besides ginger and certain hot chili peppers) can stand up to, and even surpass, dark chocolate flavors.

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Dried Green Sichuan Pepper

Allergen-related information: "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free" 

*These small peppercorns are the berries from a tree that is a member of the citrus family. They have a unique tingling, almost temporary numbing quality (like drinking a carbonated drink). 

Both cacao and this pepper are fairly rich in iron and other minerals, have been prized by nobles, and can work well in both sweet or savory dishes.

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Black Urfea Chili Dominican Republic 77% Cacao (bar) - July 19, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Black Urfea Chili Dominican Republic 77% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar (also sold in multi-bar sets/collections)
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Spices Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Black Urfea Chili Dominican Republic 77% Cacao (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA). 

The company handcrafts a variety of single origin chocolate bars--some with unique flavor inclusions  based on collaborations with other fine food providers. (I enjoyed the company's Good Food Award winning Caramelized Onion bar yesterday.) Today's bar contained Urfa chili* from Burlap & Barrel Single Origin Spices.

Aroma notes for this chili spice-infused bar included: dark chocolate, clean mineral, and very faint chili pepper.

The texture was very smooth, with an appealing melt and mouthfeel. (The makers press their own single origin cocoa butter.)

The relatively bold 77% Dominican Republic (Zorzal) cacao chocolate had a very faint, balanced dark earth and slightly bitter flavor that complemented the mild chili taste. 

I enjoyed trying a new (for me) spice blended with chocolate, even though it was a challenge to pin down the subtly complex chili flavors. There was a barely there spicy heat, and very faint, bright (citrus) and clean top notes (a bit similar to grains of paradise, certain peppercorns, cardamom and maybe saffron).

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Black Urfa Chili

Allergen-related information: "May contain trace amounts of peanuts and tree nuts." "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free"

*Black Urfa chili hails from Turkey. Sun-cured (and fermented) Urfa chili pepper flakes are typically ground together with salt and sunflower or olive oil. This chili has been described as having slight smoky, earthy, sweet and acidic notes as well as chocolate, coffee and pepper notes.

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Caramelized Onion Nicaragua 77% Cacao (bar) - July 18, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Caramelized Onion 77% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar -- also available in multi-bar collections (bundles)
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Caramelized Onion 77% Cacao (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA). 

Extra credit to Goodnow Farms for successfully pulling off an onion flavored chocolate. It takes talent, technical skills and care to successfully blend flavors like this. After enjoying several Goodnow Farms bars, I'm happy to try new flavors from these thoughtful bean-to-bar chocolate makers (who even squeeze their own single origin cocoa butter).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, and fresh green, onion.

Texture: smooth and creamy with a very pleasing melt.

Flavor notes included: slightly bitter-sweet 77% dark chocolate and balanced onion (fresh green onion, onion rings). I kept anticipating tasting some salt, but there was none.* 

The "bitter" chocolate (and the fact the onions had been caramelized) made the onion taste relatively sweeter.

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Safrane Globe Onion (Dried)

Allergen-related information: "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free"

*Warning, possible science digression: This fill-in the blank phenomenon, influenced by past food memories is fascinating. Another example: the first time I tried a 100% cacao chocolate (with no sugars of any kind). My brain/senses were temporarily stunned--and stumped as to why there was no sugar. Clearly my body was anticipating sugar. I imagined an immediate neuronal re-wiring.

Perhaps unexpected flavors cause our brains to double-check whether there are any suspicious"off" flavors (a possible warning to make sure we avoid potentially rotten or contaminated foods).

In today's case, virtually all onion dishes contain salt; so no wonder I was feeling the absence of salt. (I resisted the urge to add some; and I was happy I did.) I enjoyed the sweeter onion nuances and the clear(er) contrast with the bitter chocolate.

Goodnow Farms - Zanzibar Black Pepper Chocolate 77% (bar) - July 11, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Zanzibar Black Pepper Chocolate 77% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 330 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $17.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

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

Today's Zanzibar Black Pepper Chocolate 77% (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA). This dark chocolate bar was made using Nicaragua El Carmen cacao and Burlap & Barrel's Zanzibar Black Peppercorns.

Aroma notes for this Limited Release dark bar included: hearty, deep, dark chocolate and authentic black pepper.

Texture: Very smooth and creamy texture (the makers made (pressed) and used their own single origin cocoa butter). There were no detectable pepper pieces ("ground peppercorn grit")--only flavor(s).

Flavor notes included: relatively bold, smooth chocolate-y dark chocolate with faint, diffuse, acidic fruit (ripe earthy berry, plum, persimmon); faint tart-green lemon (oxalis); very faint nut; and authentic black pepper.

I enjoyed the complex aroma and flavor notes in this bar, and the use of 77% single origin Nicaragua cacao (and single origin cocoa butter) as well as the Zanzibar pepper.

Maker's tasting notes: "...an exotic flavor journey: sharp, lemony-pepper tang, mild heat and smooth, earthy dark chocolate."

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Zanzibar Black Pepper

Allergen-related information: "Soy Free, Gluten Free, Vegan"

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Milk Chocolate Cafe Con Leche 63% (bar) - Apr. 27, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Milk Chocolate Cafe Con Leche 63% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $16.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Milk Chocolate Cafe Con Leche 63% Cacao (bar) was crafted by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA). This bar was part of the company's "Maker's Choice" series created to highlight favorite flavor combinations.

For this Cafe Con Leche* dark milk chocolate, the maker(s) paired "directly sourced Boyaca (region) cacao (from Colombia) with Barrington Coffee's single origin Ketiara, grown by a women's cooperative in the Sumatra Highlands."

Very subtle aroma notes for this chocolate included: faint chocolate, as well as very faint lemon balm herb (green tea, oxalis) and dairy milk. 

Luxurious, creamy, milky texture and taste gave way to very creamy, dark chocolate (with milk-buffered dark, roasted earth notes) and mocha flavor, and finished with creamy coffee mocha (with buffered coffee acid and subtle red fruit notes).

The milk balanced sweetness (yet enabled a soft, undulating caramel note). It also melded and mellowed sharper/stronger chocolate and coffee notes, while still allowing for some complexity.

This dark milk chocolate honored the spirit of cafe con leche, and was not too sweet (thank you). The judicious use of sugar allowed more complex chocolate and coffee notes to shine through the rich whole milk (powder)--that had a starring, almost magical, role in this bar. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Imagine drinking a Cafe con Leche* in Central America!"

Ingredients: Single origin cacao beans, organic sugar, single origin cocoa butter, organic whole milk powder, single origin coffee.

Allergen-related information: "May contain trace amounts of peanuts and tree nuts."

*Cafe con leche (coffee with milk in English) is similar to a cafe latte or cappuccino. All three beverages are made with strong coffee (espresso) and milk. 

However, the milk in a cafe con leche is steamed (or scalded) rather than frothed. Also, it may contain slightly more (traditionally whole) cow's milk--50% milk and 50% coffee/espresso. Sugar is added to one's liking, and/or may be part of a thin "espuma" (foam) layer on top--made by whipping sugar and espresso.

Goodnow Farms - Special Reserve Dark 100% Cacao (Peru) bar - Feb. 13, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms
Special Reserve Dark Chocolate 100% Cacao (bar)
Good +++ - Very Good
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and 100% Cacao Theme Week, and Day #5 of Chocolate and Peru Theme Week. 

Why are there so many 100% Cacao bars made with Peruvian cacao this week? Peru produces a range of cacao varieties with flavors ranging from the bolder Forastero/Amelonado cacaos to milder, Criollo-like cacaos (with cream and soft fruit notes). Today's subtle and sophisticated bar tasted closer to the latter. 

Today's Special Reserve Dark Chocolate 100% Cacao (bar) was from Goodnow Farms (Sudbury, MA). 

Aroma notes for this bar included: soft citrus (lemon), soft ultra-dark chocolate, and soft green notes. I rarely use the adjective "soft" to describe 100% cacao bars. The notes were present and nicely balanced, but gentler than expected, based on 100% cacao ultra-dark chocolates featured earlier this week. 

This bar broke with a hard snap, and had a uniform, sophisticated buttery melt and mouthfeel.

The flavor was smooth with a balanced bitterness (like a creamy ale), diffuse fruit (citrus, stone fruit) in cream, and very faint roasted mocha cream notes. 

Note: I re-tasted this bar 30 minutes later, and also detected some very, very faint, fleeting earth and umami (sauteed mushrooms in butter with a pinch of alderwood/hickory smoked salt) and very faint creamy green tea latte notes.) Creamy complexity. All good. Those who really slow down and pay attention may enjoy a four-course, five star meal in a bar.

The use of ("fresh-pressed") single origin cocoa butter likely contributed to this chocolate's unified, polished flavor profile. 

The clean, elegant flavor extended into a light, lingering finish that also recalled cream and dairy notes/mouthfeel.

Was this 100% cacao chocolate bar worth $15.00? Yes, it was.

Goodnow Farms maker's tasting notes: "Lemongrass, green grapes and peach"..."The smooth flavor of this award-winning bar will change the way you think about 100% cacao."

Ingredients: Single origin cacao beans, single origin cacao butter (Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free)

Allergen-related information: "May contain trace amounts of peanuts and tree nuts."

 

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Guatemala Asochivite 77% (bar) - Oct. 14, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate

Guatemala Asochivite 77% (bar)

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar

Calories: 165 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Central America Week, featuring chocolates made with cacao from Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Today's Guatemala Asochivite 77% (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA). 

The single origin chocolate makers discovered this "surprisingly bright bean" when they traveled to the Alta Verapaz region of Guatemala. The cacao was "grown and harvested by Q'eqchi Maya farmers."

Aroma notes included: subtle, tart sweet fruit (ripe persimmon, apple) and very faint (almost inferred)* warm spice.

The bar had a creamy melt and texture.

Flavor notes included: sustained, balanced tart sweet fruit, acidic fruit (peach, apple, mango). Sweet and fruit notes were well balanced, like a good cider. Low in bitterness.

This bright fruit session was followed by a gentle wall of more opaque creamy, soft dark chocolate and a fade at the finish--conjuring the image of an autumn fog descending softly onto an apple orchard.

The makers press their own single origin cocoa butter to match it with the cocoa beans from the same origin to help reinforce the aroma and flavor notes of the particular region.

Maker's tasting notes: "green banana and mango"

Ingredients: Single origin cacao beans, organic cane sugar, single origin cacao butter

Allergen related information: "May contain trace amounts of peanuts and tree nuts." "Soy free, vegan, gluten free."

*What do I mean by "almost inferred"? When I detect a "warm spice" note on the heels of a fruit or brown sugar/molasses note, my palette may be triggered into thinking of baked goods, baked apples or warm fruit compote with warm spices (like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger). It's hard to be sure if this warm spice note is truly inherent in the item I'm tasting, or whether my brain is filling in the blanks, and recalling an association with a related flavor memory.