Montezuma's - 100% Cocoa Absolute Black with Cocoa Nibs - Feb. 28, 2020

Chocolate of the Day:

Montezuma's

100% Cocoa Solids Absolute Black with Cocoa Nibs

Good +

Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar

Calories: 150 calories in 1/4 bar

Cost: $ missing information

Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Pacific Grove/Monterey, CA

Welcome to Day #10 of Plain Dark Chocolate Theme Week, and Day #1 of 100 percent Chocolate Theme Series.

Sometimes chocolate theme weeks overlap and become akin to nested Russian dolls. In this case 100 percent cacao chocolate bars could be a sub-category under "plain dark chocolate" (meaning there are no added flavor inclusions); but if plain means ordinary, 100 percent cacao bars are usually anything but.

Today's 100% Cocoa Solids Absolute Black with Cocoa Nibs bar was from Montezuma's Chocolates (West Sussex, U.K.).

This bar had a slightly bitter, dark, forbidding chocolate aroma; and a fire-roasted dark flavor—but without the expected bitterness. It was, refreshingly, un-sweet, almost savory. A generous helping of cocoa nibs gave the bar a hearty, authentic cacao flavor and a crunchy texture.

One does need to work with very high-quality cacao for 100% chocolate, as there is nothing else to hide behind. No sugar, nothing else.

It's wonderful to see more 100% (no sugar) bars on the market over time that are actually enjoyable to nibble on. Montezuma's also offers their absolute black bars with flavors also (mint, orange, almond, etc.). 

Montezuma's - Dark Orange Geranium bar - April 9, 2014

Chocolate of the Day: 

Montezuma's Chocolates
Dark Chocolate Orange and Geranium bar
Good - Good +
Weight: .7 oz. (20 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 105 calories (estimate) in 1/5 bar
Cost: $5.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Abe's Market (online order)

Today was Day 2 of Chocolate and Flowers Theme Week.

The Dark Chocolate Orange and Geranium bar from Montezuma's Chocolates (West Sussex, U.K.) was made with organic dark (73% cacao) chocolate. Montezuma's founders (and foundation they set up in 2000) have incorporated "traded fairly" principles into their purchasing (cacao) process, and across their operation (partners, packaging).

The combination of a robust dark chocolate, vanilla, orange oil and geranium oil may sound yummy and straight-forward, but this blend of flavors represents, in my experience, one of the most difficult balancing acts one can attempt, with ample opportunity for things to go wrong.

I believe I've had a milk chocolate bar with rose + geranium before, but never this specific combination with this many strong flavors. I recall the milk in the previous bar acted as a "harmonizing" influence (i.e. it may have neutralized some of the stronger, acidic flavors).

The bitter and acidic notes in this dark chocolate (and possibly the orange oil) in this bar did struggle for dominance a bit; however, it was great to taste floral (geranium) notes coming through. Thank you to Montezuma's for offering chocolates with flower flavors. They're some of my favorites.