Solkiki - Maranon Coconut Dark Milk 60% Whisky Nibs - Aug. 17, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Solkiki
Maranon Coconut Dark Milk 60% Whisky Nibs (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 305 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $15.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

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

Today's Maranon 60% Coconut Dark Milk Whisky Nibs (bar) was from Solkiki Chocolatemaker (Dorset, U.K.). The company's founders (Iris and Bob) were early entrants (in 2008) in the new wave of bean-to-bar craft chocolate makers in the U.K.

The cacao used to make this whisky bar was Fortunato No. 4 Maranon cacao (a prized "Pure Nacional" variety from Peru). 

Starward Whisky (Australia) brought a rich, satisfying flavor (deep red wine, oak) into the cacao nibs and the entire bar.

Aroma and flavor notes included: pleasingly aromatic and warm whisky and dark chocolate. The coconut (fresh coconut + caramel) was very subtle (barely detectable) and the unrefined cane sugar added faint, warm brown sugar flavor depth that complemented the whisky and chocolate very nicely.

Texture: relatively smooth dark chocolate populated with a generous field of tiny crunchy (cacao nib) bits.

Not surprisingly, as someone who enjoys dark chocolate and bold, balanced spirits (whiskey) flavors, I really liked this bar. I found it a little addictive. 

I appreciated the makers' thoughtful, short list of quality and organic ingredients. And I liked that the coconut in this coconut milk chocolate was dialed back a little, serving as a successful background contributor vs. being more prominent.

Ingredients: "Organic Fortunato No.4 cacao beans, organic unrefined cane sugar, organic cold-pressed cacao butter, organic coconut, pink salt, Starward Whisky Fortunato No.4 nibs."

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut. "Vegan. May contain traces of soy, nuts, gluten"   

Solkiki - Rum n Raisin 63% Coconut Dark Milk (bar) - Aug. 15, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Solkiki
Rum n Raisin 63% Coconut Dark Milk (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate & Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Rum n Raisin 63% Coconut Dark Milk (bar) was from Solkiki Chocolatemaker (United Kingdom).

Cacao source: Gran Nativo Blanco cacao beans from Piura, North Peru. The rum was Diplomatico Reserva Rum, was from the Diplomatico Distillery (in Venezuela).

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet coconut milk chocolate embedded with slightly boozy, plump raisins. 

Texture: smooth, very slightly chalky (likely due to slightly bloomed chocolate*).

Ingredients: "Organic Gran Nativo Cacao Beans, Organic Unrefined Cane Sugar, Organic Undeodoriesed Cacao Butter, Organic Coconut, Organic Raisins, Diplomatico Reserva Rum"

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut. "Vegan. May contain traces of soy, nuts, gluten"  

*This coconut chocolate bar wasn't expired. But, sadly, somewhere in the shipping/storage process before it reached me, this bar likely became slightly "bloomed"--where a slightly white-ish coloration appears and the texture is somewhat affected as ingredients/cacao butter move from a tempered to a less stable configuration.

Lucid Chocolatier Port 68% Dark Chocolate with Tawny Port (bar) - Aug. 11, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Lucid Chocolatier
Port 68% Dark Chocolate with Tawny Port (bar)
Good +++ - Very Good
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 273 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $29.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate & Spirits Theme Week.

Today's "Port 68% Dark Chocolate infused with 10 year Tawny Port" (bar) was from Lucid Chocolatier (Aotearoa, New Zealand), and was part of the company's "infusion collection."

Aroma and flavor notes included: very smooth-tasting and satisfying dark chocolate (with hints of chocolate-y dark ganache); rich, mellow red and purple fruits (plump, well-rounded and ripe sweet plums and red grapes) soaked in port wine; and a slight very light but attractive and balanced bitterness--enough to give it some lovely personality and keep it from being too sweet and shallow.

What a tasty bar. It's been my experience that you only arrive at lovely flavors like this via thoughtful sourcing of a short list of single origin ingredients. Three ingredients in this case. Cacao origin: Maranon, Cajamarca, Peru.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Plum, Nuts, Sultana" 

Ingredients: Cacao Mass*, Cane Sugar*, Port. (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Contains Sulfites. May Contain: Milk, Wheat, Gluten, Tree Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecan, Macadamia, Pistachio)" 

Qantu - 75% Quebecois Single Malt Whisky Infused Dark Chocolate (bar) - Aug. 10, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Qantu
75% Quebecois Single Malt Whisky Infused Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $25.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate & Spirits Theme Week.

Today's 75% Quebecois Single Malt Whisky Infused Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Qantu Cacao et Chocolat Inc. (Montreal, QC, Canada).

Aroma and flavor notes included: balanced and flavorful dark chocolate with caramel and butterscotch, very light wood (oak), and warm (Scotch) whisky that lingered into a long, pleasing finish.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate

I loved the maker's choices of single origin (La Mar, Ayacucho, Peru) cacao, local Mirabel single malt whisky (from Cote Des Saints Distillerie in Quebec). The finished bar with such wonderful flavor depth was made with only four, high-quality ingredients. 

This chocolate bar would be a great gift for a craft chocolate and whisky/whiskey fan. 

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Spice, oak, and peach"

Ingredients: "Cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, whisky"

Allergen-related information: May contain milk, nuts 

Vixen Chocolate - The Heart Flight (3 dark chocolate hearts: Desert (Peru), Forest (Uganda), and Island (Vanuatu)) - July 28, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Vixen Chocolate
The Heart Flight
Desert - Sechura Desert Peru - 73% Dark - Good ++
Forest - Semuliki Forest Uganda - 73% Dark - Good ++
Island - Malekula Island Vanuatu 72% Dark - Good ++ 
Weight: .0.77 oz. (22 g.) in total tin of 3 hearts 
Calories: 119 calories (estimate) for 3 hearts
Cost: $22.00 for 1 tin of 3 hearts
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Fire & Passion Theme Week, part of a month long series of chocolates with tie-ins to the elements: earth, water and fire.

Today's The Heart Flight was created by Vixen Chocolate (Portland, OR). Vixen infuses the message of boldness and passion into their chocolates.* Their packaging is artful and memorable. (Today's black and magenta metal tin could be re-purposed to hold jewelry or other keepsakes.)

This 3-piece flight included three, faceted (gem-cut) chocolate hearts, wrapped in different colored foils (pink, green and blue, respectively) and made using cacao from three different countries: Peru, Uganda and Vanuatu. Each represented a different elemental landscape: desert, forest & island: "3 hearts + 3 origins + ONE bold tasting of place."

Desert Heart - Sechura Desert, Peru 73%

This chocolate was both balanced and bold with nuanced flavors. Chocolate-y with diffuse fruits (dried fruits, citrus). The texture: smooth, relatively creamy, satisfying dark chocolate.

Forest Heart - Semuliki Forest, Uganda 73%

Chocolate-y, relatively sweet/bright, with very faint, well-managed earth notes. The texture: smooth, relatively creamy, satisfying chocolate.

Island - Vanuatu Malekula 72%

Also, chocolate-y with a subtle lushness (sweet green; hidden fruit)--an experience I associate with a single origin/terroir chocolates. Texture: smooth, creamy. (Origin notes: "Grown on the remote island of Malekula, where volcanic soil meets ocean breeze...")

All three were well-managed and executed, and were smooth and sweet, but some individual origin notes were allowed to peek through (thank you).

Ingredients: cacao, cane sugar*, cacao butter* 417 Hz, 528 Hz, 852 Hz, LOVE. (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: (None found on small, 3-piece tin)

*And Vixen also infuses their chocolates with different sound frequencies.

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..."

Xocolatl - "Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 12, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl
"Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #22 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week(s). 

Today's "Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). The company collaborated with at least two local companies for these flavor inclusions, e.g. orange-infused olive olive from Streppaggio, and smoked nibs from Pine Street Market, an artisan meat market with a smoker.).

Aroma notes included an intriguing blend of dark chocolate, fresh raspberry; very faint smoked dill salt/salted dill potato chips and light citrus.

Texture: creamy smooth dark chocolate with a little smattering of softly crunchy cacao nibs + authentic raspberry bits (with seeds).

I liked the overall complexity, vibrant and authentic red raspberry notes, and the smooth, creamy-velvety texture and melt. The 60% cacao (Peru) dark chocolate was relatively dark (but smooth).

Maker's tasting notes: "a sweet and smoky dark chocolate bar (with) hints of fruit"

Ingredients: "Cacao, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Raspberry*, Olive Oil (* organic)"

Allergen-related information: Made on equipment that processes soy, wheat, peanuts & tree nuts (almond, hazelnut, pecan).

Chocolate Tree - Nordic Berries Peru 50% Milk (bar) - Nov. 3, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Tree 
Nordic Berries Peru 50% Milk (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 184.45 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week.

Today's Nordic Berries Peru 50% Milk (bar) was from Chocolate Tree (East Lothian, Scotland).

The cacao used to make this bar was from Peru.*

Aroma and flavor notes included: satisfying (and slightly addictive) dark milk chocolate with integrated, authentic, pleasing, mixed berry notes.

Texture: smooth, very creamy texture. (The berries were fully incorporated into the bar, so there were no seed particles or berry pulp pieces.)

I loved the flavor, textures...and the pattern on this bar (interlocking flying birds). 

What I did not care for: This well-executed bar was addictive and it disappeared completely before I could even finish writing this review. Do not open this bar if you're very hungry. 

But, seriously, this was a very nice bar and would be suitable as a gift or for sharing with others. 

It's got enough dark chocolate flavor to satisfy dark fans, but enough smoothness and creaminess to appeal to (dark) milk chocolate fans. It would pair well with high-end desserts/dessert assortment plates. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Berry Bouquet"; Pairing Suggestion: Champagne, Cheesecake.

Ingredients: Organic cocoa butter, organic cocoa beans, organic sugar, organic Milk powder, organic raspberries (4%), organic wild blackberries (3%), organic wild blueberries (3%).

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. 

*Peruvian cacao genetic description: "Colleccion Yoplac Pucallpillo (CYP)"

The Chocolate Conspiracy - Black Lager 75% Cacao Chocolate Bar - Aug. 30, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Chocolate Conspiracy
Black Lager 75% Cacao Chocolate Bar 
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Beer and Hops Theme Week.

Today's Black Lager 75% Cacao Chocolate Bar was made by The Chocolate Conspiracy (Salt Lake City, UT).

This cacao + lager bar was crafted with "organic, unroasted, single-origin cacao beans from the Ucayali region of Peru." And cacao nibs were infused with Baba Black Lager from Uinta Brewing Company (Salt Lake City, UT).

Beer is a general term. What makes a lager a lager? Lagers use a bottom-fermenting yeast and a cold fermentation; whereas ales use a top-fermenting yeast and a warmer fermentation process. Dark-hued "black" lagers are known for their roasted malt flavors and relatively clean, crisp flavors. 

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, dark roasted malt (dark lager) and roasted coffee.

Texture: smooth, almost silky with a rapid, even (and very slightly waxy) melt--a texture I associated with chocolate bars sweetened with honey. It's an interesting and relatively pleasant texture, albeit a bit unique and may, in some cases, enable a longer finish.

The flavor profile for this bar was deep, dark and impressively layered. It was also relatively lower in bitter and hop flavors than what I was expecting. 

This bar was full of mostly harmonious, deep roast-y and slightly bitter flavors--achieved by several steps, most notably soaking cocoa nibs in black lager. It tasted like the cocoa nibs might have been heavily roasted, but this was not the case. The unroasted (raw) Peruvian cacao likely gave it flavor a sweet chocolate roundness, richness and depth.

The raw, unfiltered wildflower honey helped balance the bitter and roasted flavors and added a very subtle, layered sweetness with its own.

Maker's comments: "Infusing cacao nibs with an organic black lager creates flavors of coffee, fruit, and subtle smoke..."

This tasting experience started with a potentially bitter, heavily roasted aroma (that was complex but much more friendly in the taste, and ended with a sweeter, honey-like chocolate/mocha flavor. I appreciated the chance to try this flavorful blend, and the relatively short list of high-quality and organic ingredients. 

Ingredients: "Raw Organic Cacao Beans, Raw Organic Cacao Butter, Raw Unfiltered Honey, Uinta Baba Black Lager"

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, coconut, and pistachios."

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."

Intrigue Chocolate - Peru Ucayali Valley 78% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 24, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Peru Ucayali Valley 78% Cacao (bar) 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Peru Theme Week; Day #1 of Chocolate, Beer & Hops Series.

Today's Peru Ucayali Valley 78% Cacao (bar) (Batch #000000090324) was from Intrigue Chocolate (Chisholm, MN).

Aroma notes for this bar included: cocoa, brown sugar, fruit (sweet fig and green apple) and faint malt.

Texture: relatively smooth stone-ground with a slightly astringent finish. 

Flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate, and fruity stout/beer/malt. While the flavors were rich, they were, at 78% cacao, not eclipsed by the higher cacao content.

I enjoyed the contradictions. The flavors were hearty, almost bold, but it was a well-rounded and balanced boldness. The fruit flavors (apple and plum with brown sugar compote) were rich and nuanced, almost fermented. Balanced, satisfying, stout-like flavors without an excess of acidity or bitterness, with just a little floral (green' apple + floral).

This would be an interesting chocolate to include in a flight of Peruvian chocolates and/or paired with beers/stouts. 

Maker's tasting notes: "This chocolate has flavors of tart green apple, fresh apple blossoms, and stout beer served on nitrous. It has low bitterness and astringency, but full-bodied chocolatiness."

Ingredients: Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: (None listed on label.)

Willie's Cacao - Chulucanas Gold Peruvia Dark Chocolate Single 70% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 23, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Willie's Cacao
Chulucanas Gold Peruvian Dark Chocolate Single 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 280 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: WoldWide Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate & Peru Theme Week. 

Today's Chulucanas Gold Peruvian Dark Chocolate Single 70% Cacao (bar) was from Willie's Cacao Ltd (Uffculme, UK). 

Willie's Cacao specializes in bean-to-bar chocolates that "capture the stunningly individual flavours of the world's great, single estate cacaos."

This 70% chocolate was made from native Criollo cacao beans from the "mountains of the Morropon province in Peru."

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, faint, fleeting black licorice; molasses/brown sugar (raw cane sugar), fruit (green/white grape, raisin, green fig); very faint fig and oat/malt cookie.

Flavor notes for this smooth chocolate included: smooth dark chocolate with pleasing, slight fig/raisin cookie with tiny, delicious upticks in white wine/green grape juice (high-end, sweet dessert wine), and at least one little fleeting floral note.

This dark chocolate was pretty friendly/approachable with well-balanced, low-moderate fruit acidity and bitterness and low earth notes.

I really liked the subtle bouquet of grape and sweet green/brown sugar--and even floral--notes; the short list of (three) ingredients; and the thoughtful sourcing and execution involved in this single origin Peru bar.

Maker's tasting notes: "Notes of Raisins and Plums"

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate: Cocoa mass, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: (None listed that I could see on label adhered on top of packaging.)

Xocolatl - 85% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar) - Aug. 22, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl
85% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

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

Today's 85% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). 

This ultra-dark 85% cacao bar follows the 70% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar). Both these Xocolatl bars were made using Pangoa Peru cacao that was "directly sourced from the Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera, a cooperative of coffee & cacao farmers in Pangoa, Peru." (San Martin de Pangoa is located in the Central Amazon region of Peru.)

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark, dense chocolate with faint, dried fruit; very faint fleeting (not unpleasant) umami (only after first unwrapped); and black licorice.

Flavor notes included: deep, very dark (yet still balanced) chocolate; robust cocoa/well-done brownies with embers of tart fruit (cherry + lemon marmalade). Very faint warm spice. Medium-to-long finish.

The brighter flavors in yesterday's 70% version of this dark chocolate reminded me of "a Trinitario-like cacao variety--with relatively bold cocoa, fruit and citrus notes; and less like some Forastero cacao varieties that are more dark and dense (less 3-dimensional, with less complex fruit)."

Today's 85% bar still had the fruity heart of a bold Trinitario cacao, even though it was bolder and denser.

I appreciated the balanced fullness of this ultra-dark chocolate infused with rich, stewed fruit (citrus/lemon marmalade with prune, stone fruit, cherry) flavors--all conjured from just three organic ingredients. 

I really enjoyed comparing yesterdays' sweet 70% sibling (made with cacao from the same Peru co-operative) with today's 85% more somber, less bright, less sunny and less sweet version. Pairing the two was enlightening, and would make a very educational side-by-side pair for a chocolate tasting/class.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Profile: Bright, clean citrus with lively acidity & low sweetness"

Ingredients: Cacao*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter* (* organic)

Allergen-related information: Made on equipment that processes peanuts, soy, wheat & tree nuts (almond, coconut, hazelnut, pecan). Vegan.

 

Xocolatl - 70% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar) - Aug. 21, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl
70% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

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

Today's 70% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). Xocolatl, the company's packaging reminds us, "was the original Aztec word for chocolate."

The cacao used to make this bar was "directly sourced from the Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera, a cooperative of coffee & cacao farmers in Pangoa, Peru." (San Martin de Pangoa is located in the Central Amazon region of Peru.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: confidently complex (smooth but assertive) dark chocolate with tart fruit (cherry, lemon preserves) and medium acidity. Very faint butter, warm spice. Medium-to-long finish.

Speculation: If I had to guess the cacao variety...This dark chocolate reminded me of a Trinitario-like cacao variety--with relatively bold cocoa, fruit and citrus notes; and less like some Forastero cacao varieties that are more dark and dense (less 3-dimensional, with less complex fruit).

I enjoyed this well-executed and thoughtfully sourced dark chocolate. The balanced fullness of the tart and jammy cacao flavors (all made possible from just three organic ingredients) was especially satisfying.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Profile: Fruit preserves, baking spices, complex with a long finish."

Ingredients: Cacao*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter* (* organic)

Allergen-related information: Made on equipment that processes peanuts, soy, wheat & tree nuts (almond, coconut, hazelnut, pecan). Vegan.

Seahorse Chocolate - Peru Cusco 70% (bar) - Aug. 20, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Seahorse Chocolate
Peru Cusco 70% (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 136.4 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar (1 of a $30 pack of 3 bars)
Purchased from: Seahorse Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Peru Theme Week.

Today's Peru Cusco 70% (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by a self-described "merry band of coffee roasting pirates" at Seahorse Chocolate (Bend, OR). The small-batch maker specializes in single origin chocolates.

Aroma notes for today's Peru bar included: dark chocolate (fudge brownie); citrus fruit (tangerine); and barely detectable umami (appealing savory rice dish with soy sauce).

Texture: this relatively thick bar had a smooth texture, with a dense, creamy (almost nut butter chewy) fudge caramel melt. 

Flavor notes included: chocolate-y, fudge-y, with balanced and friendly bright, naturally sweet citrus (ripe, sweet tangerine, tangelo) that lingered slightly in in the beginning aroma and again in the finish with a tiny bit of sweet-tart apricot.

I loved that this flavorful chocolate was crafted with just two ingredients: cacao beans and organic sugar. I enjoyed the dense chocolate-y flavor and the creamy, substantial texture. The citrus note was pleasant as well. This versatile chocolate would be a great treat for all occasions -- from a hike to a fancy dinner

Maker's Tasting Notes/Description: "Reminds us of: Cashew Butter, Mandarin Orange, Best sack lunch ever!..."

Ingredients: "Cocoa Beans, Organic Sugar"

Allergen-related information: (None listed on package)

 

Intrigue Chocolate - Peru Ucayali Valley 60% Cacao (bar) Aug. 19, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Peru Ucayali Valley 60% Cacao (bar) 
Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Peru Ucayali Valley 60% Cacao bar (Batch #000000090424) was made and distributed by Intrigue Chocolate (Chisholm, MN).

The mixed varietal cacao beans from Ucayali River Cacao (that works with 400 farmers) used to make this chocolate were grown in the Ucayali River region (harvested in 2022) in eastern-central Peru. The Ucayali River joins the Maranon River forming a key source of the Amazon River.

Aroma and flavor notes for this Peru bar included: dark chocolate with a seductive complex sweetness that includes mellow, multi-dimensional dried fruit (fig, peach, subtle apricot, honey-ed ripe/dried pear, and cacao pulp); and nut (young/green walnuts in syrup, gently roasted almond/hazelnut).

My favorite foods (and chocolates) are made with three ingredients or less. Fermented cacao seeds (beans) in capable hands can produce outstanding results. 

I loved and appreciated the delicious, well-rounded and thoughtfully executed, aroma and flavors elicited from just cacao, raw cane sugar and cocoa butter in today's bar.

Today's bar also demonstrated why 70% is not necessarily the best choice for every cacao variety and/or chocolate. Just the right amount and type of (less processed) sugar were used to highlight the natural brightness and richness of this 60% cacao banquet of a bar. 

Maker's tasting notes: "This chocolate has notes of ripe pear, white clover flowers, and roasted barley malt. It has low bitterness and astringency, but full-bodied chocolatiness."

Ingredients: Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter.

Allergen-related information: (None listed on packaging.)

Intrigue Chocolate - Peru Maranon River Valley 60% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 18, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Peru Maranon River Valley 60% Cacao (bar) 
Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Peru Theme Week.

Today's Peru Maranon River Valley 60% Cacao (bar) was from Intrigue Chocolate (Chisholm, MN).

This bar was made with a Nacional (variety) cacao (2024 harvest) from northwest Peru. Maranon refers to the original name for the Amazon River--a name still used for the part of the Amazon that transits through Peru.

This rare cacao "was thought to be lost for over 100 years..." By being isolated in a remote area ("the upper upper reaches of a mountain valley"), this beloved-by-many varietal was preserved.

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, fruit (honeyed fig, mulberry), very faint wine/pleasantly fermented fruit (that part faded after opening); and sweet green botanical/nut (walnut).

Texture: smooth, slightly stoneground/astringent feel but with a creamy melt. 

Flavor notes included: very tasty chocolate with a rich, naturally sweet bouquet of flavors that included fresh and dried fruits (fig, mulberry), and sweet nut/sweet green botanical (young/green walnuts in syrup), honey, fig cookie.

I loved the hearty, honey-ed fruit and nut flavors inherent in this chocolate. And I appreciated the successful choice of a 60% cacao + raw cane sugar. Decadent and delicious chocolate made from only three ingredients.

Maker's tasting notes: "...flavors of honey, lightly burnt caramel, macadamia nut (with a lingering nutty astringency), white mulberry, and a jasmine floral note." 

Ingredients: "Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter." 

Allergen-related information: (No allergens listed on label.)

*From what I understand, Spanish explorer, Francisco de Orellana is credited with the name "Las Amazonas," after encountering indigenous women who reminded him of the Amazon women of legend. The Spanish and Portuguese over time continued to use this name. When translated into English, this name became "The Amazon(s) (River)." 

Ranger Chocolate Co. - Salitral Morropan Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 75% - Aug. 17, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate Co.
Salitral Morropon Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 75% 
Good ++
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 348 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Ranger Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Salitral Morropon Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 75% (Batch #4), from Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR), was made from Salitral Criollo cacao beans from Peru.

This bar was made with cacao from the Morropon Province in the Piura Region of northwestern Peru.

Aroma and flavor notes included: subtle dark chocolate, fruit (red raspberry), very faint cream, stone fruit (peach) and earth/tobacco. 

The subtle, creamy cacao and fruit notes became even more luscious when tasting (vs. just smelling this chocolate). The finish was clean and relatively long--with extremely faint oolong tea, clean mineral/tea notes.

Texture: Smooth, creamy, and well-tempered.

I enjoyed the gently complex and creamy taste and texture. I also appreciated the thoughtfully sourced Peruvian cacao; short list of (just two) ingredients; and continuing to consider fair trade: "Always Fair Trade -- or better"

Maker's Tasting Notes: "peanut, graham cracker, raspberry" ..."During our visit to Peru, farmers...shared numerous varieties of cacao...Salitral, a Criollo varietal, was a clear standout for its bold fruit flavors."

Ingredients: "organic cacao, organic sugar"

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that uses gluten, egg, milk, tree nut and sesame ingredients"

 

Ranger Chocolate - Piura Northern Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 74% - Aug. 16, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate Co.
Piura Northern Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 74%
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 349 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Ranger Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Piura Northern Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 74% (Batch #7)--from Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR)--was made using cacao beans grown in the Alto Piura Valley of the Piura Region in northwest Peru.

Piura cacaos include prized heritage Criollos/Criollo variety blends.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate with fruit (red fruit, berry), very subtle earth.

Texture: creamy, smooth, velvety. 

Flavor notes (right after being unwrapped) included: dark chocolate with fruit (red berry, citrus); damp soil; medium fruity acidity; a medium bitterness level (for a Criollo cacao); and fleeting very faint smoke, oolong tea and cookie toward the finish.

I enjoyed the relatively bold and complex flavor profile and the very smooth texture. And I appreciated: the short list of two, organic ingredients, and the company's commitment to thoughtful sourcing ("Always Fair Trade -- or better."). 

Maker's Tasting Notes: "cacao pulp, wine, tobacco, black cherry"

Maker story: "This rare white Criollo cacao produces a well balanced chocolate with a smooth finish."

Ingredients: organic cacao, organic sugar

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that uses gluten, egg, milk and tree nut ingredients."

 

Ranger Chocolate - Piura Blond Chocolate 60% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 15, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate Co.
Piura Blond Chocolate 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.15 oz. (61 g.) in total bar
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Ranger Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Piura Blond Chocolate 60% Cacao (bar), from Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR), was made using cacao beans from northern Peru. 

Piura is a coastal department and region in northwestern Peru. The gentler, more subtle Piura cacaos can be similar to prized heritage Criollo/Criollo blends. I loved the opportunity to try this chocolate on the blond side.*

Aroma notes included: very faint coconut milk chocolate, vanilla and caramel/brown sugar notes. 

This chocolate smelled less acidic and bitter, and more like a sweet confection.

Texture: creamy smooth. (You'd be forgiven if you thought this might be a milk chocolate in a blind blond tasting, due to its buttery mouthfeel.)

Flavor notes included: velvety, warm cocoa, with vanilla, coconut, caramel and barely detectable honeyed chamomile. There was a tiny amount of sea salt added (that I couldn't taste), but it likely helped balance the inherent and layered sweetness of this bar.

I appreciated this incredibly smooth-textured, less acidic and virtually bitter-free chocolate. The lower percent (60% cacao) content made this delicate cacao-based chocolate taste like a very high-end confection with the added brown sugar, vanilla and coconut. 

Ingredients: organic cacao, brown sugar (sugar, molasses), coconut, vanilla bean, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: tree nut (coconut)"

*Blond(e) cacao or chocolate can refer to a caramelized light or white chocolate (with milk), or chocolate made with white-colored beans, making this adjective slightly confusing. Light-colored beans, especially Criollo beans in South American Amazon Basin countries, when cut open, can be white-ish, or pink-ish vs. a darker, purplish variegated hue found in bolder Forastero varieties.