Intrigue Chocolate - Juniper Berry & Black Lime 68% Dark (bar) - Aug. 4, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Juniper Berry & Black Lime 68% Dark (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 194 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Juniper Berry & Black Lime 68% Dark (bar) was created by Intrigue Chocolate (Seattle, WA).*

Aroma notes for today's bar included: dark chocolate; herbal berry (smooth, rich juniper, faint blueberry); and just the right amount of bright tart-sweet citrus (lime).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with small flecks of what I presumed was with tiny pieces of finely ground juniper berry or freeze-dried lime particles (or both perhaps).

I liked the balanced, well-executed blend of flavors in this 68% dark chocolate. The juniper berries were just right; adding intriguing herbal/berry flavor -- but not too strong. I could say the same for the authentic-tasting black lime. I wouldn't change anything about it.

Thank you to the makers for this unique and tasty bar.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Pungent juniper berry balanced by soft blueberry and vanilla notes, contrasted with the darkly mysterious aromatic juiciness of black lime."

Maker's description: "The scent of pine all around, packed earth under foot, sky reflected on an alpine lake, and air scrubbed clean by a surprise shower. This moment is too beautiful for trail mix...Juniper Berry and Black Lime is a late summer loop on a high-elevation Cascade trail." (Couldn't have said it better.)

Ingredients: "Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural vanilla flavoring), juniper berry, black lime"

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility with milk, soy and nuts"

*The company, previously based in Seattle, WA recently relocated to Chisholm, MN.

Fossa Chocolate - Yuzu Sea Salt 54% Dark Milk Tanzania (bar) - June 13, 2025

 Chocolate of the Day

Fossa Chocolate
Yuzu Sea Salt 54% Dark Milk Tanzania (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Citrus Theme Week; and Day #2 of Chocolate and Tanzania Theme Week.

Today's Yuzu Sea Salt 54% Dark Milk Tanzania (bar) was made by Fossa Chocolate (Singapore).

Aroma notes included: creamy chocolate, chocolate and citrus cookie and very faint tea and caramel.

Texture: smooth, creamy (almost silky) dark milk chocolate accented by strips of candied yuzu peel.

Flavor notes included: satisfying, sophisticated and balanced dark milk chocolate (with cream, very faint caramel, nut and cookie); tart-sweet fruity and authentic-tasting candied yuzu peel; and tiny pulses of sea salt. 

The slightly stronger elements of the yuzu citrus fruit (peel) were presented in a subtle, sweet and very well-balanced way and complemented the chocolate nicely.

I liked the authentic yuzu citrus fruit flavor and the sprinkle of sea salt -- both of these elements balanced out the rich, buttery sweetness of the milk chocolate.

Maker's tasting notes: "Creamy, biscuity chocolate with refreshing citrusy aroma"

Ingredients: "Cacao, cane sugar, cocoa butter, milk powder, yuzu peel (yuzu peel, sugar, vitamin c), sea salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains milk. "Produced in a facility that processes nuts & dairy."

Kessho - Yuzu Dark Milk 56% Cacao Kokoa Kamili Tanzania (bar) - June 14, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Kessho 
Yuzu Dark Milk 56% Cacao Kokoa Kamili Tanzania (bar)

Good ++

Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order 

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Citrus Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate and Tanzania Theme Week.

Today's Yuzu Dark Milk 56% Cacao Kokoa Kamili Tanzania (bar) from Kessho, LLC was handcrafted in Austin, TX.

Aroma notes included: dark milk chocolate (cream, nuts) and faint citrus. (Note: there were no nut ingredients.)

The texture was smooth and creamy; and the yuzu peel powder was fully integrated into cacao mass.

Flavor notes included: creamy dark milk chocolate (very faint caramel); very faint, diffuse stone fruit; and balanced bitter and tart notes. 

This was a satisfying and balanced dark milk chocolate with very subtle fruit and citrus.

Maker's flavor profile (tasting notes): "Red fruit, berries, plums, citrus"

Ingredients: "Whole cacao beans, sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, yuzu peel powder"

Allergen-related information: Contains milk. Made in a facility that also processes tree nuts, wheat, sesame and eggs.

Elements Truffles - Orange Crunch Dark Chocolate (bar) - June 11, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Elements Truffles
Orange Crunch Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .9 oz. (25 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar (part of a 4-pk. order)
Purchased from: Amazon, online order 

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

Today's Orange Crunch Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar) was from Elements Truffles (Union City, NJ).

The cacao used to make this chocolate was "Fair trade cacao ethically sourced from Ecuador."

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, subtle sweet citrus and slightly savory spice (turmeric) -- e.g. the very faint aroma of pickled peppers/beets and barely detectable earthy, spiced lentils. The chocolate was balanced and smooth in flavor.

Texture: this chocolate was smooth with a creamy (cocoa butter and honey) melt and mouthfeel with occasional softly crunchy/crispy quinoa pieces.

I enjoyed the relatively short list of quality and organic ingredients; the subtlety of the flavors; and the honey (smooth texture and subtle sweetness). Those with a sweet tooth may miss the customary refined sugar; but I was fine without the sugar buzz. 

And I appreciated the addition of turmeric, in the Ayurvedic tradition (for health).* This ground spice imparted a distinct flavor, but wasn't too overwhelming.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Butter, Raw Honey, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Puffed Quinoa, Organic Turmeric Powder, Orange Essential Oil

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that processes nuts

*Turmeric contains curcumin which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. (Curcumin can interfere with certain cellular signaling pathways associated with inflammation, and may inhibit certain inflammatory enzymes.)

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - Dark Milk Chocolate 60% Calamansi (square) - Apr. 1, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate
Dark Milk Chocolate 60% Calamansi (square)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .36 oz. (10 g.) / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) in a total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 60 calories in 2 squares 
Cost: $58.50 - $65.00 for 1 box of 48 pieces
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week.

Today's Dark Milk Chocolate Calamansi 60% Cacao squares were manufactured in Hawaii by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate Inc. (Lahaina, Maui, HI). 

Company founder and CEO Gunar Valkirs set up a farm with the intent to share net profits with the community, and they have done so. They offer chocolates (like this one) made using cacao from Costa Esmeraldas, Ecuador--and chocolates made with Hawaiian cacao.

Today's individually-wrapped chocolates (squares) were part of a attractive, 48-piece assortment box featuring 1/2 Dark Chocolates and 1/2 Dark Milk Chocolates--almost all with different flavor infusions.

There was also a darker sibling (Dark Chocolate 65% Calamansi) square in this assortment. However, because I'd already featured the dark chocolate 65% version (in a Chocolate and Lime themed week), the Dark Milk 60% version appears by itself today.

Aroma notes for this dark milk chocolate included: subtle dark milk chocolate (cream) and citrus (lime).

Texture: smooth and relatively creamy

Flavor notes included: subtle dark milk chocolate and aromatic, sweet lime + lemon natural flavoring. The latter lingered into a long sweet citrus finish (slightly bittersweet lime + lemon candy/soft drink).

Ingredients: "Cacao Beans, Milk, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors."  

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.

Raaka - Winter Citrus Unroasted Dark Chocolate 53% Cacao (bar) - Jan. 3, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka 
Winter Citrus Unroasted Dark Chocolate 53% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .9 oz. (25 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 130 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Raaka, online order

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

Today's organic Winter Citrus Unroasted Dark Chocolate 53% Cacao (bar) was from Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY). 

This bar was made with unroasted, organic, cacao beans from the Semuliki Forest, Uganda. 

Aroma notes included: sweet, smooth chocolate, subtle coconut (milk), and faint citrus (bergamot orange--that flavors Earl Grey tea).

The texture was smooth, creamy, almost silky (from coconut milk + cocoa butter).

Flavor notes included: rich, sweet and creamy dark chocolate; subtle coconut milk; and lovely, floral, citrus (bergamot orange). Unlike some vanilla and floral aromas in bars that recede when you taste the chocolate, both the cacao and bergamot in this Winter Citrus bar blossomed very nicely (and harmoniously) with the first bite.

I felt like I was sipping a cup of Earl Grey tea out on the veranda in spring...an escape from the gray, rainy, cold weather today outside (and the fact I don't have a veranda).

I enjoyed the short list of organic, quality ingredients, the rich yet smooth chocolate, the uplifting citrus (bergamot orange), and the creaminess of the coconut milk. Yes, it was sweet; but it felt appropriately so, i.e. consistent with a cup of sweet tea/hot chocolate.

Note: this Winter Citrus blend is a Limited Batch flavor. So, it may not be available by the time you read this post. (Although I'd argue this would be a lovely chocolate for spring and summer too.)

Maker's tasting notes/description: "Cheery, Creamy, Citrusy. Our take on the holiday orange..." "We make our chocolate with unroasted cacao beans so you can taste the natural, fruity flavor of the cacao."

Ingredients: "organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic coconut milk powder, organic cacao butter, organic vanilla bean, organic bergamot oil"

Allergen-related information: Contains coconut. "Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free" "Certified Organic and Kosher"

Cacao & Cardamom - Citrus Almond Mendiants - Oct. 19, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Cacao & Cardamom 
Citrus Almond Mendiants
Good ++
Weight: 3.71 oz. (100 g.) / 6.67 oz. (189 g.) (estimate) in total bar
Calories: 575 calories (estimate) for 5 pieces
Cost: $15.00 for 1 container + shipping
Purchased from: Cacao & Cardamom, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week; Day #1 of Chocolate and Bolivia Theme Week.

Today's Citrus Almond Mendiants were from Cacao & Cardamom (Houston, TX).  

The cacao in the 68% dark chocolate used to make these attractive, hexagon-shaped and fruit and nut-topped tiles (mendiants) was from Bolivia. 

Aroma and flavor notes included: bittersweet dark chocolate, flavorful and tasty, tart-sweet, candied Iyokan orange citrus peels, and impossibly thin, softly crunchy slivered Marcona almonds.

The Iyokan orange (similar in appearance to a mandarin orange) is a popular variety in Japan. Its appealing, fresh-tasting, sweet tartness made this my favorite item in this classy, three-ingredient confection.

Ingredients: 68% Bolivia Chocolate, Iyokan Citrus, Marcona Almonds

Allergen-related information: Contained nuts (almonds). (No other information was listed on this small container.) 

Amano Artisan Chocolate - Citrus Melange A Trois 63% dark chocolate (bar) - July 5, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Amano Artisan Chocolate
Citrus Melange A Trois 63% dark chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 205 calories in 1 serving (approximately 1/2 bar)
Cost: $10.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Japan Theme Week. Common flavor inclusions this week include Yuzu citrus, sesame seeds, green tea and other umami flavors.

Today's Citrus Melange A Trois 63% cocoa dark chocolate (bar) was made by Amano Chocolate Company (Orem, UT).

Aroma notes for this bar included: chocolate torte with citrus (orange, tangerine, other tart-sweet orange and citrus fruit); and very faint, fleeting botanicals/spices (green pepper/peppery greens, oxalis, citrus-pine, vanilla).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with citrus flavors and an occasional, tiny trophy bit of citrus.

I really enjoyed the blend of dark chocolate and complex (and complementary) micro-bursts of authentic, tart-sweet citrus--including Yuzu fruit from Japan.*

Note: Amano also offers a Japanese Sea Salt and Cocoa Nibs bar.

Maker's tasting notes: "Haunting flavor notes of Yuzu, tangerine, and grapefruit enrich the deep chocolate flavor. Orange pieces provide a layer of juiciness."

Ingredients: Chocolate: Cocoa Beans, Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Vanilla Beans, Yuzu, Tangerine, and Grapefruit, Orange Pieces: Apple Puree, Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Fiber, Pectin, Paprika.

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Soy, Wheat and Milk Products"

*Citrus fruits originated in Asia; but there are a few hybrid citrus varieties, like Yuzu (aka Japanese citron), that are associated with Japan.

Cacao & Cardamom Chocolatier - Triple Citrus Crunch 68% (bar) - July 3, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Cacao & Cardamom
Triple Citrus Crunch 68% (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 271 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Cacao & Cardamom, online order

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

Today's Triple Citrus Crunch 68% (bar) was from Cacao & Cardamom Chocolatier (Houston, TX).

Aroma notes for this elegant-looking bar included: dark chocolate, sweet and aromatic citrus (orange cookie), and faint warm spice (ginger).

Texture: smooth, hearty dark chocolate, slightly chewy bits of ginger and various nuanced citrus flavors/pieces, and lightly crispy-crunchy puffed rice.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate and very nicely nuanced citrus flavors ranging from a peel that was "yellower" than orange and mellow and warm in flavor; another piece that had more of a sweet orange-kumquat-like citrus zing, and a third citrus that was quite rounded/mellow and nice orange.

I really enjoyed this beguiling flavor and visual feast of a bar. I very much appreciated being able to taste the nuanced citrus flavors. (The peels and dried fruit weren't overly sugared or candied.) I also liked the well-executed balance between the flavors and textures: the dark chocolate, three types of Japanese citrus, ginger and puffed rice.

Ingredients: 68% Bolivia (Cacao Kernel, Sugar, Cacao Butter), Dried Amantsu (amantsu, beet sugar, millet jelly, ascorbic acid), Dried Iyokan (iyokan, beet sugar, millet jelly, ascorbic acid), Dried Yuzu (Yuzu, beet sugar, millet jelly, ascorbic acid), Rice Puff (rice flour, sugar, barley malt extract salt, rice extract), Dehydrated Orange

Allergen-related information: "Made in a Facility that handles tree nuts"

Butlers Chocolates - Drumshanbo with Sardinian Citrus Gunpowder Irish Gin flavoured Truffles - Sept. 21, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Butlers Chocolates
Drumshanbo with Sardinian Citrus
Gunpowder Irish Gin flavoured Chocolate Truffles
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total box of 8 pieces
Calories: 249 calories in 4 pieces (498 kcals in 100 g.)
Cost: 9.00 Euros or $9.00 (estimated USD) for 1 box
Purchased from: The Loop Dublin Airport (shop), Collinstown (Dublin), Ireland

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Ireland Series.

Today's Dumshanbo with Sardinian Citrus Gunpowder Irish Gin flavoured Chocolate Truffles was from Butlers Chocolates UC (Dublin, Ireland). 

Butlers was founded in 1932 by Marion Bailey-Butler. It subsequently was acquired; and in the 1980s the company name became Butlers Irish Chocolates.

. It subsequently was acquired; and in the 1980s the company name became Butlers Irish Chocolates.

The Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus used to animate these chocolates was "slow distilled at The Shed Distillery--located in the village of Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. Founded in 2014 by PJ Rigney, this producer of gin (including Gunpowder Irish Gin), whiskey and vodka was the first distillery in this area in over 100 years. 

Aroma notes for these filled confections included: sweet milk chocolate and faint citrus (lemon, various other citrus) and spirits (gin, botanicals).

The thick, Butlers Chocolates 32% milk chocolate* outer shell was thick, creamy and sweet. But, things got a lot more flavorful inside, after the first bite.

Botanical inclusions in the gin (that flavored the centers) included the traditional juniper, angelica root, orris root, caraway seed, coriander seed, meadowsweet, cardamom and star anise. But the flavor notes were even more multi-layered and complex, and included citrus (lemon, lemon peel, sweet grapefruit), botanicals (herbal, floral (meadowsweet), gunpowder tea, and balanced juniper in the finish)...and very faint cedar.

The citrus, tea and herbal notes really helped to counter the inherent sweetness of these milk chocolates. 

Ingredients: Sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, Drumshanbo Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus(R) (6.9%), sweetened condensed milk (milk, sugar), invert sugar syrup, glucose syrup, lemon compound (lemon 47%), sugar, nature flavouring, acidity regulator: sodium citrate, anti-oxidant: ascorbic acid), emulsifier: soya lecithin, glycerol, citric acid, natural flavouring. (Milk chocolate contains: 32% cocoa solids minimum, 20% milk solids minimum. White chocolate contains: 26% cocoa solids minimum, 20% milk solids minimum). Alcohol by volume: 3.15%

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. "This product may contain nut traces."

*The cacao origin listed: "West Africa."

Utopick Chocolate - Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao Rare Citrus (bar) - July 30, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Utopick Chocolate SL
Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao Rare Citrus (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 194 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

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

Today's Bean to Bar Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao Rate Citrus (bar) was from Utopick Chocolate SL (Valencia, Spain). 

Aroma notes included: chocolate with light, fleeting fermentation (alcohol), subtly layered citrus (lemon, orange), very faint warm citrus spice and lemony bittersweet herb.

The flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes above, but with richer chocolate-y notes and a slight, balanced tart (sweet sour) bitterness. The small strips of sweetened citron peel on the back of the bar added upticks of lemony flavor.

I enjoyed this sophisticated blend of two relatively bold flavors: citron peel and chocolate. Citron peel, (usually candied) is used in cooking/baking, beverages, cocktails and desserts. It's a popular citrus fruit flavor accent in Europe, but relatively rare to find in the U.S. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Roasted cocoa, orange juice, grandmarnier and vermouth herbs."

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, pure cocoa butter, citron, glucose and dextrose.

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of nuts, egg and milk protein, soya and gluten, due to the presence in our factory."

Fjak Sjokolade - 60% Mork Sjokolade (Dark Chocolate) and Nine Sisters Gin (bar) - May 9, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Fjak Sjokolade
60% Mork Sjokolade (Dark Chocolate) and Nine Sisters Gin (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .935 oz. (26.5 g.) / 1.87 oz. (53 g.) in total bar
Calories: 145 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Gin Theme Week. Almost all the gin-inspired/flavored chocolates featured this week are from outside the U.S. 

Today's 60% Mork Sjokolade (Dark Chocolate) & Nine Sisters Gin (bar) was created by Fjak Sjokolade (by the Hardangerfjord--Hardanger, Norway).

Aroma notes for this 60% gin-infused bar included: dark chocolate, fresh, authentic green botanicals, gin, and very faint (possibly imagined) crisp cucumber. 

Smooth initial texture and melt with a slight, granular astringency (toward the finish)--that seemed to disappear after warming up/being open for a few hours.

Flavor notes included: rich, dark chocolate (honey, faint diffuse berry, chocolate torte); green botanicals (fennel, other herbs); gin; fleeting cracked pepper; lemon peel; juniper; very faint, fleeting toasted wood (barrel aged cacao); warm spice; and a sweet dark chocolate finish.

The cacao used to make this bean-to-bar chocolate was from Kilombero Valley, Tanzania; and the Nine Sisters Gin was from Feddie Ocean Distillery (Fedje (Island), Norway).

I enjoyed tasting and exploring (with others) this well-executed and thoughtful blend of chocolate and nuanced gin flavors.

Maker's tasting notes: "Aromatic dark chocolate with notes of juniper, pink pepper, liquorice and citrus" "Boozy and bold"

Ingredients: Cocoa beans*, cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, juniper*, lemon peel and gin from Feddie Ocean Distillery. (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: Processes in a facility that handles nuts, dairy and gluten.

Leith Chocolate - Gin & Tonic Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 8, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Leith Chocolate
Gin and Tonic Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 219 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.67 for 1 bar
Purchased from: World Market, Mountain View, CA

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

Today's Gin and Tonic Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Leith Chocolate (South Queensferry, Scotland).

The company sources their chocolate from South America. (The cacao origin of today's bar was Colombia.)

Aroma notes for this 61% Cocoa gin-inspired bar included: dark chocolate, lemon-lime candy, warm floral spice (vanilla), fleeting vanilla and lemon biscuit, and botanicals (juniper). 

This chocolate had a smooth texture, and a relatively rapid melt that led to a softer, loftier/lighter, creamy mouthfeel finish.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, sweet citrus (lemon, lime) and light botanical herbs (juniper and faint, fleeting sweet rosemary) and faint vanilla. 

There was also a very faint, well-balanced citrus peel-like, bitter-sweet note that evoked a splash of tonic water that one would taste in a traditional gin and tonic cocktail.

This dark chocolate was an enjoyable confectionery tribute to a classic gin cocktail.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (cocoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, Non-GMO soy lecithin, natural vanilla extract), juniper oil, lemon oil, lime oil.

Allergen-related information: Made in a factory that handles dairy, peanuts, soy and tree nuts.

Thomas Keller K+M Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Yuzu 70% Cacao (bar) - Mar. 4, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Thomas Keller, K+M Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Yuzu 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .95 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.9 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories:  calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Napa Farms Market, SFO, San Francisco, CA

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Yuzu 70% Cacao "bean-to-bar" chocolate was from K+M Chocolate* and made in Napa, CA.

Yuzu, the highlighted fruit today, originated in Asia/SE Asia, as did virtually all citrus. California (and other "warm" states) in the U.S. (as well as many other countries with a Mediterranean climate) have cultivated citrus for centuries. 

When citrus reached countries with access to cacao from the Americas, centuries ago, it was perhaps inevitable that citrus and citrus peel flavored chocolates should follow. (Earl Grey flavored chocolate anyone?)

Today's chocolate maker(s) reside in Napa, at the heart of wine and food country in Northern California--home of great chefs, and specialty wine and food providers, and where one expects to find great chocolate desserts and confections. Sure enough, we find today's skillfully executed bar (and others) from K+ M Chocolate. 

The peel of "Japanese Yuzu fruit" was infused into the cocoa butter (the "fat" portion of chocolate) before being fully incorporated into the cocoa mass/dark chocolate bar. The result: a very smooth and completely incorporated flavor (vs. trying to mix in whole/dried fruit inclusions later in the process).

Aroma notes included: subtle dark chocolate and faint, aromatic citrus aroma.

This 70% cacao dark chocolate (made with Arriba Nacional cacao from Hacienda Victoria estate in Ecuador) was smooth and uniform texture and mouthfeel. (There was no olive oil in this bar as has been in other K+M bars. Olive oil can create a silky texture, but added fats can also partially obscure flavors.)

Flavor notes included: dark, bold but smooth, chocolate; light, tangy citrus (yuzu, sweet tangerine); and very faint spice (white and black pepper). There was a very faint fruit astringency in the finish. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable and sophisticated, special occasion chocolate. Was it worth $18.25 (USD)? You'll have to be the judge.

Ingredients: Cacao, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, freeze dried yuzu, organic sunflower lecithin

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

*K+M Chocolate is a collaboration between well-known Chef Thomas Keller (chef-owner of the French Laundry restaurant) and Thomas Manni, producer of extra virgin olive oils.

Patricia's Chocolate - The Tea Collection (assortment box) - 1.) Earl Grey Tea - Jan. 26, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Patricia's Chocolate
Earl Grey Tea chocolate
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) (estimate) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total box of 6 pieces
Calories: 78 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $16.50 for 1 box of 6 (different) pieces
Purchased from: Patricia's Chocolate, online order

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

Today I sampled the first flavor in a Tea Collection assortment -- an Earl Grey Tea chocolate -- created by Patricia's Chocolate (Grand Haven, Michigan).

Aroma notes for this attractive, generously-sized, filled chocolate included: dark chocolate (balanced cocoa, very faint earth and oxalis (tart lemon-green herb) and very faint tea.

The dark chocolate outer shell was flavorful (bold but well balanced dark cocoa) and had a "just right" thickness (relatively thin, but thick enough to securely contain a creamy, velvety ganache (filling)--with a very pleasing Earl Grey/Lady Grey* tea infused chocolate taste.

This was a well-crafted, well-balanced tea chocolate. Each element contributed great flavor. The dark chocolate was, happily, more complex than the rather bland dark chocolate(s) that are often used for confections. 

And the tea components (which included some very light floral ingredients) still had a chance to shine. There was also a light, lingering Earl Grey tea finish. The more bold/darker chocolate also helped prevent this chocolate from being too sweet.

Maker's notes: "Our original Earl Grey ganache has blossomed into an exquisite confection with cream suffused with black tea, blue cornflowers, lavender, calendula petals, vanilla, and of course, oil of bergamot."

Ingredients: (Ingredients listed on box, were for all six (different) chocolates. So it was difficult to determine the exact list for each individual chocolate.)

Allergen-related information: Allergen-related information: Ganache fillings contain dairy (heavy cream, unsalted butter). Some flavors may contain traces of nuts. Contact Patricia's Chocolates for more detailed information.

*Lady Grey tea (named after Mary Elizabeth Grey, was introduced (and trademarked) by Twinings Tea in England in the early 1990s). This black tea contains the traditional Earl Grey bergamot (oil) flavor (derived from the aromatic bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia) citrus peel) as well as other lighter citrus (lemon, orange peel) elements. 

The bergamot citrus fruit is a cross between a bitter orange and a lemon. Other similar bergamot oil infused tea blends may also contain citrus peel(s) as well as calendula (pot marigold) flower petals and lavender buds. 

In 2016, Twinings further extended their bergamot-flavored tea portfolio, and began offering new versions of Earl Grey tea (including one with lavender).

Dick Taylor - Microbatch No. 42 - 70% Dark Chocolate Black Currant & Orange (bar) - May 26, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate
Microbatch No. 42 - 70% Dark Chocolate Black Currant and Orange
Good +++ - Very Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Dick Taylor, online order 

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

Today's Microbatch No. 42 - 70% Dark Chocolate Black Currant and Orange bar was created by Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate (Eureka, CA).

Tasting this bar was a refreshing deep dive into the chocolate flavor pool. The opposite of a bland, chocolate and sugar bar. It began with the aroma. This 70% cacao dark chocolate had a rich aroma of dried fruit (prunes, dark berries with faint citrus) notes.

The dark chocolate (tasted slightly darker than 70% cacao and) had rich fruity dark chocolate, sweet-tart, dried dark berry/currant and (balanced, undulating, authentic, fresh orange) citrus tones. 

These notes were amplified by (or at least harmonized with) the naturally occurring cacao flavors in the Madagascar and Belize cacao blend used to make the chocolate. (Madagascar cacao is known for berry and citrus notes.)

The best chocolate and fruit blends I've tasted use fruits that complement naturally occurring cacao notes, high-quality, often single origin cacao beans, and high-end, specialty fruit. The quality of the "...generous sprinkling of tart, chewy black currants from Washington" (and orange essential oil) included in this four-ingredient bar were exceptional. 

The wake-me-up, tart sweet chocolate flavors lingered a bit into a pleasing finish.

If there is a heaven where we're still allowed to experience earthly pleasures (like great chocolate), I'm hoping today's Dick Taylor bar (and other bars from this maker) will be on the menu. (Note: If you like the bolder fruit flavors in this bar, do try the Dick Taylor Black Fig bar as well.)

Sad to say, this small batch (monthly microbatch flavor) chocolate bar is already sold out. I'm hoping it will return soon.

Ingredients: Organic cacao, organic cane sugar, organic black currant, organic orange essential oil.

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that also processes milk, wheat, dairy, tree nuts, and peanuts."

Naive - Citrus Licorice Crunch Specialty Dark Chocolate 67% (bar) - Jan. 8, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Naive
(Mulate UAB)
Citrus Licorice Crunch Specialty Dark Chocolate 67% (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155.6 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 (+ summer shipping) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Citrus/Lemon Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate European Holiday Theme Week--as we virtually tour the EU, via chocolates from makers and chocolatiers in several European countries.

Today's Citrus Licorice Crunch Specialty Dark Chocolate 67% (bar) from Chocolate Naive, produced by Mulate UAB (Vilnius, Lithuania). Chocolate maker and chocolatier Domantas Uzpalis is doing a great job representing artisan chocolates from Lithuania.

The aroma notes for this bar included: slightly earthy herby and citrus notes. The texture was smooth, almost creamy, interspersed with tiny, hard crunchy bits.

Flavor notes included: chocolate (rich, dark milk chocolate and caramel) with authentic, bittersweet licorice spice and mixed citrus (bright fruit and peel. (Note: there was no milk in this chocolate.)

The citrus included a blend of less sweet Lisbon and Eureka lemons*, sweeter (more mandarin orange-like) Meyer lemons, and oranges. 

The results: an integrated, creative, kaleidoscope of three relatively strong flavors--each one capable of capturing (or competing for) the limelight. Happily the ringmaster (chocolate maker) skillfully managed and balanced all three authentic, high-quality flavor elements.

Chocolate Naive tasting notes: "This bar is not for everyone but it leaves no one indifferent. The deep and complex flavors of crunchy licorice combine with multilayered taste of chocolate, while fresh and bright citruses act like a bridge and connects all tempermental aromas into one. Just give it a minute and you will find out for yourself." 

Beverage pairing suggestions: "... gin..." (Also)..."It's characteristic notes contrast well with the complex smoky, firewood and fruity elements of...mescal.")

Ingredients: Specialty cacao*, cane sugar*, pure cacao butter*, licorice extract* (5%), dried lemon* (1%), dried orange* (1%), sea salt. (* wild or all-natural farming) 

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of treenuts, peanuts, wheat or milk."

*Lemons originated in Asia, but by 200 A.D. were already being cultivated in Mediterranean regions. Today there are dozens of varieties of lemon (Citrus limon, citrus x limon), ranging from bitter to sweet, from sour and acidic to mild and floral, from puckery to lightly tangy. Lemons, like cacao, are versatile and can be found in savory and sweet dishes (as well as beverages and sauces) around the globe. 

 

Zotter - In-Fusion Lemon in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) - Jan. 7, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter

In-Fusion Lemon in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)

Good +

Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar

Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $7.99 (free shipping, part of larger order)

Purchased from: Zotterusa.com, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Lemon/Citrus Theme Week--and Day #1 of Chocolate European Holiday Theme Week. Covid-19 may prevent travel, but a virtual trip is possible with a selection of European chocolates.*

Today's In-Fusion Lemon in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) from Zotter Chocolates was made from bean-to-bar in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates USA LLC (Fort Myers, FL). 

The company offers a very wide variety of bars. This Lemon bar is bar of a series of fruit-infused ("In-Fusion") bars. Fruit flavors in this line amplify natural, complex fruit notes already found in chocolate (including citrus, berry, tropical and/or stone fruits). 

The aroma notes for this chocolate included: citrus and tart, lemony, green herb (sorrel, oxalis, sour grass).

Cocoa butter gave this bar "a tender melt." And when combined with milk, these two ingredients yielded a uniform, creamy texture.

Flavor notes included: relatively mild, milky 60% dark chocolate with complex lemon. Smooth, sweet lemon that blossomed into lemonade, and finally resolved into tart, bittersweet lemon. (Freeze-dried powdered lemons were fully incorporated into the chocolate to create a "lemon couverture" that would impart natural lemon aroma and taste.)

Those who enjoy a smooth chocolate experience with bright, shimmering lemon overtones may enjoy this stylish, circle-shaped bar. 

Ingredients: Organic, fair traded cane sugar; organic, fair traded cocoa mass; organic, fair traded cocoa butter; organic lemon powder: 4% (organic lemon juice concentrate, organic corn starch, organic sugar); dry skim milk; organic soy lecithin; organic vanilla bean powder; salt

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy." "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame."

*Thank you also to all the people, and the international chocolate supply chain, that allow us to obtain chocolates from/made in Europe.

Oodaalolly - 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate with Calamansi (bar) - Jan. 2, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Oodaalolly 

70% Cacao Dark Chocolate with Calamansi (bar)

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar

Calories: 228 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Oodaalolly, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Lemon/Citrus Theme Week.

Today's 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate with Calamansi (bar) was crafted using cacao from the Philippines and "Swiss technique." Oodaalolly (El Cerrito, CA) specializes in small batch chocolate(s) made with cacao from the Philippines.

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: sweet, subtly aromatic dark chocolate with faint notes of sweet citrus, very faint vanilla spice tobacco.

The texture and melt were smooth, and relatively creamy for a non-dairy bar.

This well-tempered, three-ingredient chocolate had flavor notes that included: sweet, smooth relatively dark chocolate with tart and tangy citrus and very faint vanilla tobacco notes. The base chocolate was fairly low in acid and bitterness, making the addition of a citrus element more pleasing and part of a well balanced whole.

Maker's tasting notes: "Smooth with a tangy finish"

Ingredients: Cacao beans, unrefined cane sugar, powdered calamansi (calamansi and maltodextrin)

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

*Calamansi (Citrus x microcarpa) is a hybrid citrus fruit cultivated primarily in the Philippines. (It's also found in Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Southern China and East Asia.) The calamansi, also known as calamondin, Philippine lime, or Philippine lemon, may be a cross between a kumquat and a mandarin orange. The fruit (that looks like a small lime) is often used in cooking and in sauces/marinades and preserves.

Zotter - Yuzu Citrus from Japan (milk chocolate bar) - May 27, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
"Yuzu Citrus from Japan" (milk chocolate bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and V, W, X, Y and Z Theme Week, featuring chocolate items with origins and flavor inclusions starting with the letters V, W, X,* Y and/or Z.

Today's "Yuzu Citrus from Japan" (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Cape Coral, FL).

Imports of fresh Yuzu** fruit from Japan, China, Korea and/or other countries of origin, have not been allowed into the U.S., due to concerns about possible agricultural disease/pests. This restriction has relegated tasting this fruit to a rare, exotic experience for most. 

Happily, today's filled (fair trade) chocolate bar from Austria was a celebration of yuzu citrus fruit.

The uniform, bright, citrus-floral aroma and flavor of the sweetened, yuzu fruit layer was surrounded by a thin layer of 50% milk chocolate that had just enough flavor to provide a smooth, rich contrast to the fruit, but not so strong as to out-compete the lovely yuzu.

Very judicious amounts of vanilla and cinnamon were welcome background accents.

Ingredients: Organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic cocoa mass, organic yuzu juice, dry whole milk, organic glucose syrup, dry skim milk, dry sweet whey, organic dark brown cane sugar, organic vanilla bean powder, organic soy lecithin, salt, organic cinnamon.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy...Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, eggs and sesame."

*A tribute to the letter X. Sharp minds may have noticed the lack of chocolate items with origins or flavor inclusions that started with the letter "x." However, mentioning today's xanthic (yellowish) yuzu fruit, gives a xenomaniac like me an opportunity to tell you that the modern Chinese word for yuzu (a Japanese word thought by some to have been "borrowed" from ancient Chinese), is xiāngchéng.

**Yuzu (Citrus junos) is an aromatic (floral) citrus fruit grown in Southeast Asia, that likely originated in China many centuries ago. It is grown in Japan, China, Korea and, more recently, Australia and Europe. A yuzu fruit, about the size of a tangerine, and has been compared to lemon, a sweet-tart lime and even grapefruit (although nowhere near as strong/astringent as the latter in my experience). It has a pleasing, aromatic, tart-sweet flavor. You may have tasted it in marinades and sauces. (Ponzu sauce is often some combination of yuzu juice, soy/tamari sauce, sweet rice wine vinegar, and seaweed/fish flakes.)

One of my favorite descriptions of yuzu fruit appeared in the New Yorker (magazine) in a short Kitchen Notes article last year (Feb. 2020) by Helen Rosner titled "Nothing Compares to Yuzu."  In this piece, Rosner writes: 

"The knobbly-skinned Japanese fruits are among the most exquisite members of the citrus family: more floral than an orange and nearly as tart as a lime, with a scent that is dense and disarming, the Froot-Loops-y honey of a lemon blossom wrapped around an astringent armature of industrial floor cleaner (which is somehow exquisite), then magnified tenfold, then mailed to the moon."