Zotter - Hibiscus + Mint - Dark Chocolate 70% filled with peppermint cream and white chocolate-hibiscus ganache (filled bar) - April 12, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Hibiscus + Mint - Dark Chocolate 70% filled with peppermint cream and white chocolate-hibiscus ganache (filled bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate & Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Hibiscus + Mint - Dark Chocolate 70% filled with peppermint cream and white chocolate-hibiscus ganache (filled bar) was from Zotter was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: aromatic mint (peppermint) coupled with a faint tart-sweet and bright flower (hibiscus) and citrus (sweet lemon).

Texture: thin dark dark coating surrounding a soft, two-layer ganache.

This mint + floral blend was quite unique. Hibiscus (a cacao relative) flowers lean toward citrus, and hibiscus and lemon added a bright tangy citrus element to the peppermint and dark chocolate. Peppermint tends to dominate most chocolates. This blend worked better than I thought it would.

I enjoy and look forward to Zotter's new flavors and latest flavor blends and appreciate their use of organic and fair trade ingredients.

Ingredients: Cane Sugar+*, Cocoa Mass+*, Cocoa Butter+*, Milk, Dry Whole Milk, Dry Skim Milk, Invert Sugar Syrup+, Glucose Syrup+, Almonds+, Dry Sweet Whey, Hibiscus+(1%), Lemon Juice Concentrate+, Dark Brown Cane Sugar+*, Emulsifier: Lecithin (Soy), Vanilla Bean Powder+*, Salt, Mint Oil+(0.01%), Cinnamon+*, Lemon Powder+ (Lemon Juice Concentrate+, Corn Starch+, Sugar+), Rose Petals+ (+ = Organic; * = Fair Traded, Fair Trade Content in Total: 69%

Allergen-related information: "Contains Milk, Almonds, Soy. Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Eggs, Gluten and Sesame."

 

Zotter - Belize 72% + Panama 72% Dark Chocolate (bars) - May 25, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Zotter 
Belize 72% + Panama 72% Dark Chocolate (bars)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total pkg. of 2 bars
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 of each two bars x 2 -- adding up to 1/2 pkg.
Cost: $10.19 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter USA, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's 72% dark duo was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter US LLC (Fort Myers, FL) -- using cacao from two different countries: Belize and Panama.

Both Belize and Panama bars had relatively long conch times: 21 hours and 22 hours respectively.  Belize 72% cacao (bar) was joined by a Panama 72% cacao (bar); i.e. these two were individually wrapped, but wrapped up in the same package. 

Both Belize and Panama bars had relatively long conch times: 21 hours and 22 hours respectively and were relatively subtle in aroma and flavor. (No harsh or spiky notes.)

Belize "vs." Panama comparisons were not directly possible. The attractively packaged dual-origin bars concept was appealing; however, the two bars weren't clearly labeled, so they are identified below only as Bar #1 and Bar #2.

Bar #1

Aroma and flavor notes were very subtle... dark chocolate flavor (dark chocolate torte/tart, ganache, very slightly earthy, ultra-dark brownie). Diffuse, sweet fruit (citrus, raisin, dark ganache). 

The texture was smooth and creamy.

Bar #2

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet green (light green fig jam on freshly baked,fluffy bread); nut (faint cashew); almost floral; light, clean/clean mineral taste; and very faint bitter/earth drinking chocolate/ultra-dark cookie/brownie in the finish.

Texture: light, almost whipped/fluffy melt and mouthfeel.

Both of these Organic 72% dark bars has much in common. They both were made using cacaos "cultivated in the jungles of South America by indigenous farmers." And both chocolates were made with just three ingredients: Organic, Fair Traded Cocoa Mass, Cane Sugar and Cocoa Butter,

I liked: 1.) the gently complex flavor notes; 2.) the short list of thoughtfully sourced single origin and organic ingredients; 3.) the smooth textured chocolates; 4.) and being able to taste these two single origin chocolates side-by-side.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Tree Nuts., Peanuts, Milk, Sesame and Soy."

Zotter - Lime and Passion Fruit Dark Chocolate 70% filled sweet potato, passion fruit, polenta-lime (bar) - Feb. 13, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolate
Lime and Passion Fruit Dark Chocolate 70% filled sweet potato, passion fruit, polenta-lime ganache (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 340 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Lime and Passion Fruit Dark Chocolate 70% filled sweet potato, passion fruit, polenta-lime ganache (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL). 

Aroma notes for this Peruvian-inspired bar included: a sweet, tropical confection/dessert with tart lime and fruit, and subtle dark chocolate.

Texture for this "hand-scooped" (filled) bar was smooth with a few very tiny lime-flavored shreds in the filling, surrounded by a velvety, thin layer of dark chocolate.

Flavor notes included: a very sweet, smooth blend of tart fruits (citrus (limeade, lemon), passion fruit), and a cast of other well blended and complementary flavors--all covered with a thin coating of slightly earthy, silken dark chocolate. 

I could almost taste the polenta in the filling; however, the sweet potato was not detectable. (Sweet potato worked/works surprisingly well with/in chocolate items, as a stealth flavor and/or smooth texture enhancer.)

While this sweet cocktail (it did contain a bit of brandy) of a bar was a bit too sweet (for me), I appreciated the lively lime and fruit tartness, balanced a bit by the dark chocolate; the complex blend of Peruvian inspired flavors; and the sheer inventiveness of the makers at Zotter. (They've produced a staggering array of flavors over the years, and have done so using organic and fairtrade ingredients when/where possible.)

Read the ingredients (below) to appreciate what goes into a bar like this.

Ingredients: Cane Sugar+*, Cocoa Butter+*, Cocoa Mass+*, Glucose Syrup+, Verjuice+ - Juice of Green Grapes, Sweet Potatoes+, Dried Passion Fruits+, Lemon Juice+, Milk, Dry Whole Milk, Dry Skim Milk, Dry Skim Milk Yoghurt, Polenta+, Cane Sugar Brandy+, Lime Concentrate+, Caramelized Milk Powder (Dry Skim Milk, Sugar), Butter (Cream), Almonds+, Passion Fruit Concentrate+, Dry Sweet Whey, Lemon Juice Concentrate+, Dark Brown Cane Sugar+*, Lecithin (Soy)+, Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder+*, Cinnamon+*, Lemon Oil+, Chili ("Bird's Eye")+, Rose Petals+, Lemon Powder+ (Lemon Juice Concentrate+, Corn Starch+, Sugar+).  + = Organic (89% Organic); * = Fair Traded, Fair Trade Content in Total: 67%

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Almonds, Soy. Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Eggs and Sesame. 

Zotter - Hemp Bonbon (bar) - Feb. 10, 2025 New

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Zotter
Hemp Bonbon Dark Chocolate 70% filled with hemp cream (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.19 + shipping for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Unique Chocolates Week.

Today's Zotter Hemp Bonbon Dark Chocolate 70% filled with hemp cream (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, botanical (malt, oatstraw, sunflower seed) and vanilla wafer.

Texture: creamy, almost silken dark chocolate coating, with a creamy, layered filling, the thickest layer being slightly green in color (that contained hemp seeds).

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, sweet layered filling with caramelized, very finely ground hemp seeds, praline, and vanilla.

I enjoyed the way that hemp seeds were skillfully used to make this chocolate. The bar may appeal to those who like dark chocolate, to those who favor confections, to those who enjoy novelty chocolates, and even to those who might be curious about hemp -- but don't want any THC. No small feat to satisfy all of these groups. 

Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Hemp Seeds+, Cocoa Butter**, Cocoa Mass**, Rice Drink Powder+ (Rice+, Sunflower Oil+, Salt), Toasted Coconut**, Sunflower Oil+, Coconut Powder+ (Coconut Milk+, Maltodextrin+), Emulsifier: Lecithin [Soy]+, Salt, Lemon Powder+ (Lemon Juice Concentrate+, Corn Starch+, Sugar+), Vanilla Bean Powder+, Emulsifier: Lecithin (Sunflower)+.

 (+ = Organic; * = Fair Traded; Cocoa: 70% Minimum in the Dark Chocolate; and ** = Organic and Fair Trade) 

Allergen-related information: Contains: Soy, Coconut. Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Milk, Sesame, Eggs, Gluten.

 

Zotter Chocolate - Gin & Lemon Dark milk chocolate 60% gin ganache, lemon cream (bar) - Dec. 7, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolate
Gin & Lemon Dark milk chocolate 60% gin ganache, lemon cream (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter US, online order 

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

Today's Gin & Lemon Dark milk chocolate 60% filled with gin ganache, lemon cream (bar) was from Zotter Chocolate US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, spirits (gin) sour-sweet lemon (and almost lime, other citrus), and very faint coconut (there was no coconut) and warm spice.

A thin layer of smooth, 60% dark chocolate surrounded a soft, but substantial, lemony, gin-infused filling that had a range of bright, citrus-like flavors (lemon, tart apple, grapefruit), and very faint vanilla.

The faint juniper note in the gin and the citrus provided an authentic gin cocktail flavor. 

I enjoyed this flavorful, very slightly boozy bar made with 85% Organic ingredients (and several Fairly Traded ingredients as well). It teetered on the edge of too many flavors and spices (star anise, cloves, cardamom), but it worked. 

Those adults I've shared this bar with so far have all given it a thumbs up. (Because of the alcohol in this bar, I only shared this with adults.*)

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass**, Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter**, Dry Whole Milk, Gin*(7%), Invert Sugar Syrup*, Dry Skim Milk, Lemon Juice (2%), Glucose Syrup*, Dry Sweet Whey, Lemon Juice Concentrate*(0.5%), Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder**, Grapefruit Concentrate*, Apple Balsamic Vinegar*, Cinnamon**, Star Anise*, Cloves*, Cardamom* (* = Organic (85% Organic) (** Organic and Fair Traded)

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk. "Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Eggs, Soy, Gluten and Sesame."

* Children can have remarkably sophisticated palettes when it comes to dark chocolates. And I'm often interested in hearing their opinions if I'm sharing chocolate with a family. 

Years ago I was surprised to see that some under 10 years old even liked darker (>70% cacao) chocolates as well. I would still limit the dose to under 1 oz. (28 g.); but there you go. You can't generalize about people, at any age. Everyone has different tastes and preferences. 

 

Zotter Chocolates - Rum Coconut 70% filled bar - Dec. 5, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolates
Rum Coconut 70% filled bar
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.19 + shipping for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order 

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

Today's Rum Coconut 70% filled with coconut ganache and rum cream (bar) was made in Austria by Zotter Chocolates and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Zotter's filled (or "hand-scooped") bars contain ultra-thin layers or fillings, sometimes two or three. In this case there were authentic coconut and rum layers inside a thin coating of 70% dark chocolate. 

Aroma notes for this slightly boozy*, filled bar included: rum, tropical fruit (pineapple, mango, lemon), dark chocolate and subtle coconut. The smooth, dark chocolate became more prominent when I bit into it, and the fruit notes receded.

Texture: mostly smooth and creamy with a few tiny coconut shreds.

I liked the layering of flavors, the use of organic and fair trade ingredients, and the fact that this was an authentic winter warmer, in almost every respect. The rum clearly raised the temperature in my room. Neat trick. 

Maker's description: "A tropical dream..."Brown rum adds...flavor to a rich dark chocolate ganache...accompanied by a light coconut layer made from almond praline, coconut couverture, coconut milk, and a hint of pineapple juice, and crunchy coconut flakes..." The whole treat is then coated with a layer of 70% dark chocolate. 

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass**, Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter**, Rum** (6%), Invert Sugar Syrup*, Toasted Coconut**(4%), Rice Drink Powder (Rice*, Sunflower Oil*, Salt), Coconut Milk* (3%), Coconuts*, Water, Thickener: Guar Gum*), Almonds*, Pineapple Concentrate*, Glucose Syrup*, Coconut Powder* (1%: Coconut Paste*, Coconut Milk*, Coconut Flour*), Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder**, Lemon Powder* (Lemon Juice Concentrate*, Corn Starch*, Sugar*), Emulsifier: Lecithin (Soy)*, Emulsifier: Lecithin (Sunflower)*, Ginger* (* = Organic (100% Organic) (** = Organic and Fair Traded). Fair Trade Content in Total: 83%

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Coconut, Almonds, Soy" "Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Milk, Eggs, Sesame and Gluten." 

*No Chocolate and Spirits Week would be complete without a filled chocolate from Europe that contains a bit of real alcohol. Zotter Chocolates offers organic and fair trade chocolates with a variety of spirits, for those who are looking to upgrade in this category.

Zotter Chocolates - Labooko Colombia Dark Chocolate 80% (bars) - Sept. 18, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolates US LLC
Labooko Colombia Dark Chocolate 80% (bars)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in package of two bars
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: zotterusa.com, online order

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

Today's 80% Colombia Dark Chocolate 80% (bar), from Zotter USA (Fort Myers, FL) was made in Austria. 

Zotter offers a wide range of filled (hand-scooped) chocolate bars as well as a Labooko line of single origin chocolate bars--made with fair trade and organic cacao.

Both feature the colorful illustrations of art director Andreas H. Gratze. Images for the Labooko line are often inspired by real people in cacao growing countries; whereas the images on the filled bar line are more whimsical.

Aroma notes for this two-ingredient bar included: robust dark chocolate (strong cocoa, and faint tart citric green (oxalis)).

Texture: smooth with an even, pleasant melt. 

Flavor notes included: bold dark chocolate (earth, roasted cacao) with medium, balanced acidity. The bitterness level was not too high, despite the relatively bold, earth and roasted notes. 

Zotter uses a roasting method that employs a fine mist of water (to cool the temperature). This helps make the roast "softer" and "brings out the aroma."

I enjoyed tasting more cacao (80%) and less sugar (20%), and the fact that they used brown sugar as well.

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass**, Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter** (** = Organic, Fair Trade)

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured on equipment that processes Tree Nuts, Milk, Soy, Peanuts and Sesame."

Zotter - Strawberry Pistachio 50% Milk Chocolate (bar) - June 5, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Strawberry Pistachio 50% Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++

Weight: 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 390 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order

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

Today's Strawberry Pistachio 50% Milk Chocolate filled strawberry marzipan and pistachio almond praline (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes for this filled fruit and nut milk chocolate bar included: berry (strawberry fruit leather, strawberry jam and nut cookie); chocolate; and very faint vanilla and spice.

The sweet, soft nougat center had two distinct layers (strawberry marzipan and pistachio-almond praline). I enjoy layered textures and flavors in desserts. Both layers were a pleasant match with the sweet, creamy milk chocolate outer covering. This bar had an upbeat (bright sweet) summer berry flavor and a sweet nutty layer; and the nuts helped balance the sugar(s) a bit.

The sugar level in today's layered bar was high. (I like to taste the chocolate and fruit flavors. And it's harder to do that when sugar is the number one ingredient.) But that didn't stop me from eating the entire fruit and nut milk chocolate confection.

Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Marzipan* (Almonds*, Sugar*, Invert Sugar Syrup*), Cocoa Butter, Almonds, Cocoa Mass, Dry Whole Milk, Pistachios (5%), Strawberries (4%), Strawberry Concentrate (4%), Dried Strawberries (4%), Dry Skim Milk, Dry Sweet Whey, Butter (Cream), Dark Brown Cane Sugar, Lemon Juice, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Lecithin (Soy), Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder, Lemon Powder (Lemon Juice Concentrate, Corn Starch, Sugar), Rose Petals, Cinnamon.

* = Organic (91% Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains: Almonds, Milk, Pistachios, Soy. Manufactured on equipment that processes other tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, sesame and gluten.

Zotter Chocolate - Blueberry + Hazelnut (bar) - June 2, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolate
Blueberry + Hazelnut (bar) 
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Week. Cherries, berries and citrus are heavily represented this week. It's always nice to find a bar with blueberries.

Today's Blueberry + Hazelnut - Blueberry candy bar and hazelnut praline with hazelnut pieces (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Zotter offers an abundant variety of creatively executed and packaged bars -- both filled ("hand-scooped") and single origin ("Labooko" line) chocolate bars.*

Aroma notes for this filled milk chocolate bar included: chocolate; blueberry; and very faint berry cereal milk and vanilla.

Texture: Creamy milk chocolate with a softer milk chocolate filling/center that contained crunchy hazelnut pieces.

Flavor notes included: sweet, slightly tangy blueberry-infused, rich and creamy milk chocolate, and subtle nut (hazelnut). 

The authentic flavors in this high-end, sweet candy bar (including the organic brown sugar) helped make this candy bar more interesting and mildly addicting. I would say that it was too sweet, but I had no trouble eating more than I'd planned. As in other candy bars, nuts helped balance out the sweetness. 

Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter** (24%), Hazelnuts** (21%), Cocoa Mass**, Dry Skim Milk, Dried Blueberries* (14%), Dry Whole Milk, Soy Lecithin*, Lemon Powder* (Lemon Juice Concentrate*, Corn Starch*, Sugar*), Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder*, Cardamom*, Star Anise*. 

(* = Organic; ** = Organic and Fair Traded) Fair Trade Content: 87%

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

*Zotter is one of the only chocolate makers offering dark chocolate single origin bars "sweetened" with just milk, and with NO sugars. (No artificial or other sweeteners.) Not sure why more makers haven't done this. Hats off to the maker for this decision.

Zotter - Cranberry - Dark Chocolate 70% filled with cranberry ganache (bar) - June 1, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolate
Cranberry - Dark Chocolate 70% filled with cranberry ganache
Good ++  
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order

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

Today's Cranberry - Dark Chocolate 70% filled with cranberry ganache (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Zotter offers an abundant variety of bars -- both filled ("hand-scooped") and single origin ("Labooko" line) chocolate bars. Today's organic Cranberry bar was one of the company's first 100% vegan fruit filled bars.

Aroma notes for this 70% filled chocolate bar included: dark chocolate; subtle fruit (red berry); and very faint coconut and vanilla.

Texture: The soft, pink ganache (center) was surrounded by a thin but firm, dark chocolate shell.

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate and a uniform, authentic tasting, tart-sweet cranberry filling. 

Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Mass**, Cocoa Butter**, Cranberries*(17%), Rice Drink Powder* (Rice*, Sunflower Oil*, Salt), Cranberry Concentrate*, Apple Juice*, Invert Sugar Syrup*, Dried Cranberries*, Glucose Syrup*, Coconut Powder* (Coconut Paste*, Coconut Milk*, Coconut Flour*), Lemon Juice Concentrate*, Toasted Coconut**, Lecithin (Soy)*, Salt, Emulsifier: Lecithin (Sunflower)*, Lemon Powder* (Lemon Juice Concentrate*, Corn Starch*, Sugar*), Vanilla Bean Powder** 

(* = Organic; ** = Organic and Fair Traded); "Fair Trade Content in Total: 70%"

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

Zotter Chocolate - Opus 5 - Cuvee 72% Dark Chocolate (2023 Edition) - May 8, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolate
Opus 5 - Cuvee 72% Dark Chocolate (2023 Edition) 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 package of 2 bars
Purchased from: Zotter, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Virtual Caribbean Cruise Week.

Today's Opus 5 - Cuvee 72% Dark Chocolate (2023 Edition) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

This "island hopping" bar was made using a blend of five cacaos from Madagascar, Sao Tome, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Belize. Zotter describes this cuvee as having "Caribbean flair...and a harmonious, and at the same time incredibly exciting aroma profile." 

Each cacao variety was individually roasted (with their own roast profile), and then combined together, and the chocolate was conched for 20 hours.

Aroma notes for this 72% chocolate included: bittersweet chocolate; faint, fleeting molasses; diffuse fruit (cherry, faint salted lime). 

Texture: smooth texture with a very faint, barely detectable astringency/fruit tannic acidity toward the finish.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (with very, very faint aromatic wood) and  a complex and delicious fruit blend (dark, ripe-sweet berry; sapote; dried tropical fruits; elderberry juice/sangria with a little squeeze of citrus, and warm spice).

Maker's tasting notes: "...The intense fragrance and flavor of speculoos, spices, and citrus fruit take center stage. In the nose, you'll experience especially festive accents of spiced shortbread and almond marzipan, enhanced by strong notes of orange and lime. On the palate, you'll initially perceive a mildly roasted flavor or biscuits, almonds, and cream, which eventually culminates in a spritz citrus fruit aroma (oranges, limes, and grapefruit) with herbal and mildly spicy characteristics. The finish gracefully fades into subtly roast accents and gentle notes of wood.

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass**, Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter** (** = Organic and Fair Trade)

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

Zotter - Labooko Dominican Republic 62% Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 7, 2024 (bonus entry)

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Dominican Republic 62% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Virtual Caribbean Cruise Week. This bar was the second chocolate (bar) featured today--a bonus entry. 

Today's Dominican Republic 62% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter USA LLC (Fort Myers, FL). It was created with cacao from Zorzal* in the Dominican Republic.

Aroma notes for this Fair Traded and Organic bar included: chocolate-y, faint green-white floral (orchid, lily).

The texture was smooth and creamy, almost like thick, creamy, high-end dark chocolate frosting (on a warm day).

Flavor notes included: rich chocolate-y (hot cocoa, chocolate chocolate frosting; smooth, moist, nut brownie); lots of naturally sweet and chocolate-y notes continued into the finish. The true chocolate notes were bold/flavorful enough to keep this 62% bar from tasting over-sugared.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Fragrance profile: nutty caramel; Taste profile: very mild and sweet, chocolatey, with notes of walnut, caramel and pickled cherries"

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass**, Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter** (** = Fair Traded and Organic) Fair Traded, Fair Trade Content in Total = 100%.

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

*Zorzal is a private bird sanctuary and nature reserve that "extends over 412 hectares of land, and 70% of that has been designated to remain wild rainforest. The cacao is grown and harvested directly within this nature reserve. And Zorzal also cooperates with neighboring farmers who are actively included in the project and supply their own cacao....As a result, cacao is an ideal conservation tool: it thrives as a mixed crop and is traditionally well suited to wild harvesting."

Zotter Chocolate - 72% Dark Chocolate Haiti (bar) - April 27, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolate
72% Dark Chocolate Haiti (bar) 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 2 bars 
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar (of 2)
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: zotter, online order

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

Today's 72% Dark Chocolate Haiti (bar) was from Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL). The cacao used to make this chocolate was from PISA*.

Aroma notes included: balanced, complex, deep dark chocolate with subtle earth followed by fruit (tropical fruits: cacao, mangosteen and very faint passion fruit and mango). 

Texture: soft, smooth, rich, substantial with slow, thick creamy chocolate caramel-like melt.

Flavor notes included: a rich bouquet of well-integrated cacao flavors: true chocolate; with light tropical fruits and dried fruit (date, faint fig); and faint, smooth roasted cacao/coffee.

This well-executed chocolate was smooth, with cacao butter-y richness. I really enjoyed the subtle dark complexity--especially the fruit spectrum in the aroma and flavor.

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass**, Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter** (** = Organic (100%, Fair Traded (100%)

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured On Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Milk, Soy and Sesame."

*PISA works with many small cacao growers in Haiti to create high-quality cacao for specialty markets/ smaller-batch chocolate makers--such as Zotter. Almost all the Haiti chocolates featured this week have been made with PISA cacao. 

Zotter - Hazelnut Kiss (bar) - Mar. 16, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Zotter Classic - Hazelnut Kiss (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: zotterusa, online order

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

Today's Zotter Classic Hazelnut Kiss bar was made by Zotter in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US, LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes included: rich roasted nut butter and subtle dark or dark milk chocolate.

This bar had a very appealing smooth, creamy melt and texture. The hazelnuts were completely incorporated into the dark milk chocolate (no nut bits).

Flavor notes included: sweet dark milk chocolate and faint chocolate nut (hazelnut) spread.

I enjoyed the rich, roasted hazelnut nut butter aroma; and the ground hazelnuts also balanced the relatively sweet chocolate.

Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter**, Cocoa Mass**, Hazelnuts**(13%), Dry Whole Milk, Dry Skim Milk, Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Lecithin (Soy)*, Vanilla Bean Powder*, Salt, Cinnamon**, (*Organic - 87% Organic) (** = Organic, and Fair Trade/Fair Traded)

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

Zotter - Praline Variation - Dark Milk Chocolate 60% filled (almond, hazelnut praline) bar - Mar. 14, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Praline Variation - Dark Milk Chocolate 60% filled with almond, hazelnut praline (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 400 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: zotterusa.com, online order

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

Today's "Praline Variation" (bar)--Dark Milk Chocolate 60% filled with almond and hazelnut praline-- was made in Austria, and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes included: sweet chocolate and nut butter (almonds, hazelnuts).

I liked the slim, flavorful layers in this "hand-scooped," filled bar. Melt-away, creamy dark milk chocolate encased a sweet almond and hazelnut praline center with occasional crunchy sweet crystals.

Flavor notes included: smooth dark milk chocolate and authentic nut praline (almond and hazelnut), with very faint warm spice, green, floral and citrus notes. 

The subtle notes were very thoughtfully cultivated by the maker. Very small quantities of vanilla, cinnamon, rose petal and lemon were added, and enhanced/mirrored naturally occurring cacao notes. Dark brown sugar (vs. refined cane sugar) also added some subtle flavor depth. 

Warning this bar might be slightly addictive. 

Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Mass**, Cocoa Butter**, Almonds (13%), Hazelnuts (12%), Dry Whole Milk, Butter (Cream), Dry Sweet Whey, Dry Skim Milk, Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Lecithin (Soy)*, Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder**, Cinnamon**, Rose Petals*, Lemon Powder* (Lemon Juice Concentrate*, Corn Starch*, Sugar*) (* = Organic; 90% Organic) (**Organic, Fair Trade)

Allergen-related information: Contains: Almonds, Hazelnuts, Milk, Soy. Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Eggs, Sesame and Gluten.

Zotter - "My name is Bunny, Easter Bunny" - 72% Peru Chuncho + 75% Guatemala dark chocolate bars - Aug. 4, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Zotter Chocolates US LLC
"My Name is Bunny, Easter Bunny"
(Set of 2 different dark chocolate bars)

1.) 72% Peru Chuncho
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .615 oz. (17.5 g.) / 1.23 oz. (35 g.) in 1 bar

2.) 75% Guatemala 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .615 oz. (17.5 g.) / 1.23 oz. (35 g.) in 1 bar

Calories: 205 calories in 1/2 of each bar (1/2 package)
Cost: $8.49 (estimate) for 1 set of 2 bars
Purchased from: Zotter US, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate Surprise Theme Week, including chocolates with some exotic or surprising element(s), and/or chocolates that were/are just plain fun.

Today's 72% Peru Chuncho and 75% Guatemala dark chocolate bars were made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers/Cape Coral, FL).

These two dark chocolates were packaged together as a set of 2 bars, providing an opportunity for a side-by-side tasting experience. Both were part of the company's "Labooko" line of pure chocolate bars. (The company also produces a variety of interesting hand-scooped, filled bars and other unique and delightfully surprising confections.) 

Zotter packaging design and illustrations are colorful and fun. Today's James Bond-like, bow-tie clad bunny (leaning on a bar and holding a martini-like cocktail) was no exception.

Below are my tasting notes, followed by Zotter's tasting notes for their two bars.

72% Peru Chuncho (bar)

Aroma notes included: smooth, sweet dark chocolate (chocolate cookie, ganache); faint cracker or savory snack; and faint diffuse fruit (sweet tropical fruit (mango) and sweet, almost floral (vanilla, rose), red berry jam on freshly baked bread).

The texture was smooth and creamy; and flavor notes included: smooth chocolate-y (dark chocolate torte, frosting/fudge), diffuse fruit (tropical (mango), sweet, slightly tart red berry, cherry plum, and watermelon), and barely detectable, spice, clean mineral, floral and salted cracker notes. 

This 72% dark Peru bar with gentle, nuanced complexity had balanced, bright fruit acidity, and was low in bitterness--consistent with Peru Chuncho cacao's reputation.*

Zotter fragrance notes: "fruity and floral, tropical fruit mix, caramelized nuts, salty pretzels"

Zotter taste notes: "sweet and mild, lightly salted crackers, nutty notes, cream, exotic fruit (echoes of mango, banana and watermelon), nutty cracker finish"

75% Guatemala (bar)

Aroma notes for this 75% bar included: bold dark chocolate; tart-sweet, dried fruit (peach, plum, berry, banana); very light bitter/acidic earth (peat); and very faint leather.

Flavor notes for this creamy 75% dark chocolate included: bold, yet balanced and smooth, cacao notes; deep chocolate (Forastero/Trinitario cacao); diffuse dried fruit (berries, banana, stone fruits); fleeting nut (peanut); fleeting warm spice; very faint, fleeting, balanced earth; and very faint, fleeting savory. 

The cacao itself, judiciously added cocoa butter by the maker, and sophisticated techniques (like fine-mist roasting) yielded creamy texture; balanced, sophisticated layered flavors that were bold but without the "rough edges" that might be more/too intense for some.

Zotter fragrance notes: "intense fruity notes of berries, cherries, banana and peach"

Zotter taste notes: "mild notes of lightly salted lye (sic) roll, sweet spice mix, intense mix of fruit: notes of exotic fruit, berries, cherries, peach, watermelon, mild peppery, fruity finish"

Thank you to Zotter for all that they continue to offer. Today's 3-ingredient, single origin dark chocolate bars (made with organic and fair trade cacao) were well-balanced and smooth, yet had surprisingly subtle complexity. This set would be an enjoyable after meal dessert; well-suited for a high-end chocolate tasting; and appropriate for a sophisticated, James Bond-like, bunny.

---------------

*Peruvian cacao notes:

Many varieties of cacao can be found growing in different cacao-growing regions of Peru, including Criollo, Trinitario, Forastero and Nacional.

Chuncho cacao is prized by chocolate makers for its aroma and flavor characteristics. Bar & Cocoa (an online specialty/high-end chocolate retailer in the U.S.) offers this description:

"Chuncho cacao encompasses around a dozen related cultivars of the Upper Amazon Forastero group, now considered to be native to the Quillabamba Valley of central Peru. They're believed to have been domesticated by the Matchiguenga people, whose members were ancestral inhabitants of the Valley."

 

Zotter - Wild Berries with Vanilla (filled bar) - Jan. 15, 2023

Zotter
Wild Berries with Vanilla (filled) bar
Good +
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.99 (sale) for 1 bar
Purchased from: zotter.com, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Berries and Vanilla Theme Week.

Today's Wild Berries with Vanilla (filled) bar was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

The company offers a wide variety of filled bar (with a range of layered flavors) as well as bean-to-bar, single origin bars (their "Labooko" line), using organic, fair trade ingredients.

Aroma notes for today's sweet, winter warmer filled bar included: sweet red berry (red currant, strawberry) jam, vanilla and chocolate.

A thin chocolate coating enveloped two (fruit and vanilla) soft, internal layers. 

Relatively thin, layered, flavors like this can have an advantage over chocolates where distinct flavors everything thoroughly blended. Each complementary berry fruit flavor was able shine.

The overall flavor was rich in berry jam notes (strawberry, red raspberry and tart currant, and faint blueberry). Rich cocoa (dark milk chocolate) and warm vanilla notes made me feel like I was eating a sweet, complexly sophisticated dessert. 

Speaking of dessert, yes, this bar was very sweet. (Organic, fair traded sugar was the number one ingredient; and it also contained honey and glucose syrup.) A few confection-sized bites made for a fun treat. 

I plan to share the rest of this attractively layered bar with a few people and/or cut it up and display the pieces on a dessert/fruit plate.

Ingredients: Organic, fair traded cane sugar; organic, fair traded cocoa butter; organic, fair traded cocoa mass; dry whole milk; milk; dry skim milk; honey; organic glucose syrup; organic strawberries; organic blue berries; organic dried raspberries; organic almonds; organic cranberry concentrate; organic redcurrant concentrate; organic dried strawberries; organic dried blackcurrants; organic dried blueberries; dry sweet whey; organic dark brown cane sugar; organic soy lecithin; organic vanilla bean powder; salt; organic lemon powder (organic lemon juice concentrate, organic corn starch, organic sugar); organic cinnamon; organic rose petals; (78% organic)

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

Zotter - Currant 'n' Chili (filled bar) - Jan. 14, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Currant 'n' Chili (filled) bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.99 (sale) for 1 bar
Purchased from: zotter.com, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Berries and Vanilla Theme Week.

Today's Currant 'n' Chili (filled) bar was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

The company offers a wide variety of filled chocolate bars with thinly layered creative flavors, as well as single origin chocolate bars.

The relatively complex aroma of today's Currant 'n' Chili bar included: dark chocolate, roasted coffee (there was no actual coffee), slightly savory chili powder and salt, and very faint dried fruit (dark berry) and vanilla.

Soft layers revealed many flavors. The relatively thin, outer envelope of smooth dark chocolate had brownie and very light and balanced earth notes, and contributed a steady taste "center," while a cast of different, complementary, flavors took the stage: rich brown sugar, tart sweet berries (with imagined sweet, tart berry lemonade), very subtle chili blend with warm spice + very faint salt.

I enjoyed the layered, complex flavors in this Zotter filled bar. It was almost jammy fruit sweet, but the dark chocolate and chili-salt balanced out the sweetness. Bold, skillfully orchestrated, festive flavors in this creation offered a unique and delightful variation on the chocolate, berry and vanilla blends often found in bars and confections.

Ingredients: Organic, fair traded cane sugar; organic, fair traded cocoa mass; organic, fair traded cocoa butter; organic redcurrant concentrate; milk; organic glucose syrup; dry skim milk, dry whole milk, organic dried blackcurrants; dry sweet whey; organic, fair traded dark brown cane sugar; organic soy lecithin; organic vanilla bean powder; salt; organic chili ("bird's eye"), organic cinnamon. (85% organic)

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

Zotter - Belize Sail Shipped Cacao 72% dark chocolate (bar) - Jan. 6, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Labooko Belize Sail Shipped Cacao 72% dark chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar (of 2)
Cost: $8.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order 

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

Today's Zotter Labooko Belize 72% dark chocolate (bar) was made in Austria using cacao sailed across the Atlantic, and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Zotter offers several single origin bars (Labooko line) as well as a wide variety of organic and fair trade, creatively layered, filled bars with flavor inclusions. (The wrapper design/artwork is powered by Andreas H. Gratze and has helped convey this family-owned company's unique and creative spirit.)

Aroma notes for this bar included: subtle dark chocolate (brownie, dark chocolate cookie), and very faint, fleeting cool green, warm sweet spice and barely there nut.

This well-tempered bar broke with a snap and had a surprisingly creamy melt and mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate with balanced, mixed fruit acidity, and a bit of ripe, sweet blackberries in the finish.

Like the other makers (and Belize bars featured this week), Zotter's 72% dark bar was made using cacao beans from the well-respected co-op and fermentery, Maya Mountain Cacao (MMC), in the Toledo District of southern Belize. The fact that cacao was sail-shipped to its European maker/destination is a nice environmental story. (It took two month to sail the cacao from Belize to Hamburg.) 

This bar was a bit higher in cacao solids (72%) than the other Belize dark chocolates (70%). It was creamier in texture, but tasted slightly darker, and had subtler fruit complexity than the even more tart-sweet, fruit-forward others.* The enjoyable, fluxing fruit from this origin can't be denied.

Maker's description: "...This bar starts with a fruity bouquet along with a hint of olive and cinnamon, then transforms into something entirely different on the tongue: a pleasantly mild taste, caramelized nuts, sweet condensed milk, and a delicate floral note. The finish offers blackberries and a beautiful aftertaste of grape hulls and malt."

Ingredients: Organic, fair traded cocoa mass; organic, fair traded cane sugar; organic, fair traded cocoa butter. 

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

*All these Belize chocolates have been above average; and tasting them in the same week makes it easier to experience the many choices, and sometimes trade-offs, that are made when working with a given cacao origin. 

In today's case, a creamier mouthfeel may have been, in part, the result of the 21-hour conching time and added cocoa butter. While still having some Belize/MMC fruit magic, the milder (less intense) fruit flavor (compared with others) could have been a result of roasting and processing times and/or the higher cacao percentage.

Zotter - Seaweed Caramel Pineapple (bar) - Nov. 3, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter

Seaweed Caramel Pineapple (bar)

Good + - Good ++

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

Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $4.99 (sale) for 1 bar

Purchased from: Zotter, online order

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

Today's Seaweed Caramel Pineapple (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Cape Coral, FL).

Edible seaweeds can be good examples umami flavors. Today was a rare opportunity to taste a chocolate that included seaweed as a flavor inclusion.

Aroma notes for this bar included: cocoa, slightly savory, graham cracker, fresh sweet green, and very faint fleeting sweet fruit (pineapple), and dark chocolate cake.

A thin crispy dark chocolate shell enclosed a soft, substantial, two-layered filling - one layer was ivory colored and one layer was more caramel in color.

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes (above) with fleeting sweet, chewy pineapple fruit bits. The flavors and the sweetness level were well balanced and complementary. The dulse* seaweed flakes offered a satisfying, very soft and subtle, umami flavor presence.

Ingredients: Organic cane sugar, organic cocoa mass, organic cocoa butter, organic almonds, organic pineapple concentrate, organic dried pineapples, organic rice syrup, milk, dry skim milk, caramelized dry milk (dry skim milk powder, sugar), butter (cream), organic dulse seaweed flakes, organic lemon juice concentrate, dry whole milk, organic soy lecithin, organic dark brown cane sugar, salt, dry sweet whey, organic lemon powder (organic lemon juice concentrate, organic corn starch, organic sugar), organic vanilla bean powder, organic rose petals, organic cinnamon.

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

*Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is an edible (red algae) seaweed (think red sea lettuce) that grows on the northern coasts of the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans.