Nuance Chocolate Company - Buttermilk Spice 45% Cacao (bar) - May 6, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Nuance Chocolate Company
Buttermilk Spice 45% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Nuance Chocolate, online order 

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Warm Spices Theme Week.

Today's Buttermilk Spice 45% Cacao bar (Batch ID: 39323) was made by Nuance Chocolate Company (Fort Collins, CO), and was a member of the company's "Flavored Milk Series".

Aroma and flavor notes included: chai- and pumpkin-pie spiced chocolate milkshake. 

The spices were fully integrated into today's 45% cacao chocolate so there was no spice grit (thank you). Said spices were present enough to fully enjoy.* A bit of vanilla added upbeat and soothing warmth.

Texture: smooth and creamy with a satisfying melt.

I enjoyed the rich, smooth texture and flavor; the spices; and the skillful inclusion of buttermilk in this bar. 

Ingredients: "cacao, cane sugar, buttermilk solids, cocoa butter, spices, sunflower lecithin, vanilla beans."

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

* I love cinnamon and warm spice blends; I heavily-spice chocolates and other desserts and ice creams if left to my own devices. Today's chocolate was in the spice Goldilocks zone -- enough to be enjoyable and not overwhelming--it was just right for almost everyone.

ORA Cacao - Vibrant Vitality - Cacao, Maca, Ashwaghanda, Turmeric, Black Pepper (blend) - May 5, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

ORA Cacao
"Vibrant Vitality" - Cacao, Maca, Ashwaghanda, Turmeric, Black Pepper (blend)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total package
Calories: 170.4 calories in 1 package 
Cost: $ N/A - gift from family member (thank you Megan!)
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a family member

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

Today's "Vibrant Vitality" 100% Cacao from Family Farms; Red, Black, and Yellow Maca from Peru; with Ashwaghanda; Turmeric; and Black Pepper" blend was from ORA Cacao (Graton, CA). 

The company is committed to sustainably sourced cacao and ingredients and to sharing ceremonial cacao (and practices) with others.

Aroma notes included: mild, authentic cocoa, faint and balanced woodsy mushroom; faint, diffuse herb/spice; and very faint caramel popcorn (likely from maca).

Texture: smooth (not gritty) even when small disc-shaped pieces were tasted before making into a beverage. (These chocolate pieces can also be eaten by themselves if desired. The resealable package (single-serving pouch) would allow this to be a nice, portable snack/gentle energy boost over the course of a day.)

Flavor notes: subtle, balanced cocoa, with faint woodsy (forest), herb and spice notes.

I really liked the short list of quality ingredients, the use of organic ingredients; and the fact that this blend was not sweetened with sugar. The flavors were well-balanced with no "off" or overly strong/sharp herbal or earthy root notes. I also appreciated the inclusion of the following information: "28 mg Caffeine & 100 mg Theobromine per serving"

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*, Maca Powder*, Ashwaghanda*, Cacao Butter*, Turmeric*, Black Pepper*. (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a facility that processes tree nuts (Almond, Cashew, Coconut) 

Intrigue Chocolate Co. - Nutmeg + Chili 60% Cacao (bar) - May 4, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
Nutmeg + Chili 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar

Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Warm Spices Week.

Today's Nutmeg + Chili 60% Cacao (bar) (Batch #000000091324) was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA).* 

The cacao used to make this bar was from Ecuador (Single Estate: Muisne Canton, Esmeraldas Province; Type: Ecuadorian Nacional hybrids**; Year: 2023)

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, warm spice (nutmeg), and spicy (hot, habanero) chili. There were also some pleasing, very faint and diffuse fruit (berry + stone fruit jam) and nut (almond butter) notes. (Note: there were no jam or almond ingredients in this chocolate.)

Texture: smooth, with a relatively buttery melt. (No spice or chili grit -- thank you!).

I enjoyed the lively flavors as well as the subtle complexities in this relatively sweet (60%) bar; the short list of quality ingredients; and the origin information. The sweetness added a brightness to the spice flavors. The habanero did pack a punch. Those sensitive to hot, spicy flavors may not love the hot pepper heat; but the "burn" receded relatively quickly.

Maker's tasting notes: "Inspired by our chef's first batch of chocolate truffles - the flavor inspiration that started it all back in 2001 - this bar packs a lot of complexity and some sweet heat...Try pairing it with full-bodied wines, beers, coffees, and teas..."

Ingredients:  Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, nutmeg, vanilla bean, habanero chili.

Allergen-related information: (No information on package.)

*Note: the company is planning to relocate to Chisholm, MN.  

**Ecuadorian Nacional hybrids: EET-95, EET-96, EET-103 

Hapa Chocolat - "Cherry on Top" Dominican Republic, Flavors By Design: Chili, Cherry, Raspberry (bar) - May 3, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Hapa Chocolat 
"Cherry on Top" Dominican Republic Flavors By Design: Chili, Cherry, Raspberry (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.11 oz. (31.5 g.) / 2.22 oz. (63 g.) in total bar
Calories: 169 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Hapa Chocolat, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate & Warm Spices Theme Week.

Today's "Cherry on Top" Dominican Republic Flavors By Design: Chili, Cherry, Raspberry (bar) (Batch #06) was created by Hapa Chocolat, LLC (Los Gatos, CA)* using cacao grown on a bird sanctuary (El Arroyazo) in the Dominican Republic, plus three flavors that either mirrored or complemented naturally occurring cacao flavors.

Hapa Chocolat produces single origin chocolates that thoughtfully amplify the natural flavors of cacao with flavor inclusions. One learns a lot working with different cacao origins; and if added flavors helps convey the story of all the flavors inherent in different varieties of cacao, in different countries, and resulting from different processing techniques (e.g., fermenting, roasting profiles), I'm all for that.

Aroma and flavor notes for today's "Cherry on Top" DR bar included: relatively bold, earthy -- but also well-managed and balanced -- dark chocolate and tart-sweet cherry and red raspberry. 

The dark, relatively earthy (think deep, dark still forest) unroasted cacao dark chocolate base was integrated with its opposites: bright, sunny, sweet dried Morello cherries and freeze-dried raspberries -- and spiced up with chili heat. It was a bracing and lively combination.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with a slight crunchy granularity (finely ground, likely freeze-dried fruit particles) that ended with some tiny, chewy (fruit) bits and some raspberry seed grit.

I enjoyed: the bright, fairly intense cherry (and raspberry) fruit flavors; the well-managed bold dark chocolate; and the short list of organic and authentic-tasting ingredients. 

Maker's notes: "...this is a raw chocolate...without any influence from roasting...earthy notes are exaggerated with a hint of cayenne pepper while dried cherries and raspberries bring out the tart and fruity notes--making this bar well-rounded like a nice glass of merlot."

Ingredients: "Chocolate (organic cacao, cacao butter, organic sugar), Dried Morello Cherries, Freeze Dried Raspberries, Cayenne Pepper"

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

*Note: the company does not have a physical retail store; they sell their chocolates online.

Xocolatl LLC - Wam & Cozy Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves & Cardamom 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl LLC
Warm & Cozy Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves & Cardamom 70% Dark Chocolate (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 Uganda Theme Week, and Day #4 of Chocolate & Warm Spices Theme Week.

Today's Warm & Cozy Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves & Cardamom 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). (See previous post to read about the Uganda part of today--a single origin Uganda 75% Cacao bar from this same chocolate maker.)

Aroma notes included: appealing, slightly woodsy, and very slightly earthy, dark chocolate with subtle, comforting warm spice(s) (cinnamon, ginger).

Texture: pleasing smooth texture and melt with fully integrated spices (no detectable spice grit).

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, and an integrated blend of warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, and even fainter clove).

I enjoyed the balanced, albeit subdued spice flavors in this bar; the choice to create a darker than average (70% vs. 50-60% cacao) spice-flavored chocolate using a high-quality cacao (no sources specifically identified on packaging/label). I also appreciated the short list of ingredients

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

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

  

Xocolatl LLC - Uganda 75% Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl LLC
Uganda 75% Dark Chocolate (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 Uganda Theme Week, and Day #4 of Chocolate & Warm Spices Theme Week.

Today's Uganda 75% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). (See next post for the warm spices half of the day--a spice bar from this same chocolate maker.)

Aroma notes included: chocolate (cocoa, rich hot chocolate), faint almost fruit (cacao pulp, mango), and almost nut (almond).

Texture: pleasing smooth texture and melt.

Flavor notes included: very tasty dark chocolate with rich, smooth and chocolate-y flavor (with glimmers of earth, tropical fruit (mangosteen, very light citrus), very faint floral spice (cardamom) and light nut/seed.

I loved the attractively complex and balanced flavors in this bar; the choice to create a 75% cacao chocolate using a high-quality cacao (from the Semuliki Forest in Uganda, sourced from Latitude Trade); and the very short list of (only three) ingredients

The well-balanced unique and bolder flavors were managed (but not overly managed) and were allowed to dance with each other a bit; in a pleasing, artful way. E.g., there was a very slight bitterness (that you might taste in a certain edible mushroom and nut combination). It felt like it belonged there, rather than taking you out of the tasting experience. This intriguing chocolate had me leaning forward while tasting. Loved the fleeting fruit and spices as well.

Maker's tasting/profile notes: "Robustly dark, bitter nuts, tart orange, cardamom."

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

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

 

Intrigue Chocolate Co. - Cinnamon + Long Pepper 60% Cacao (bar) - May 1, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
Cinnamon + Long Pepper 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar

Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate & Uganda Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate and Spices Week.

Today's Cinnamon + Long Pepper 60% Cacao (bar) was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA).* (This bar was a collaboration with Viscon Cellars (Seattle, WA).

The cacao used to make this bar was "mostly Trinitario and Amelonado" (cacao varieties) from Uganda (Region: Rwenzururu; Semuliki Forest; Harvest year: 2022.)

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate, (chocolate-y); warm spice (cinnamon); faint, diffuse tropical fruit (light citrus, passion fruit) and stone fruit (very faint plum jam); and spicy pepper. The Long Pepper was slightly spicier than black peppercorns found in the U.S.; and had a very faint warm spice (ginger-like) note.

Texture: smooth, with a relatively buttery melt.

I enjoyed the well-executed, balanced flavors, the short list of ingredients, and the sweetness level--that added a slight brightness to the spice flavors. (It was sweet without being overly so.)

Maker's tasting notes: "This chocolate has a soft but highly-complex woodsy spice that complements the aromas of sweet tobacco and ripe plum of Viscon's 2022 Paradigm (100% Malbec) wine. 

Successful chocolate and red wine pairings require skill. Fortunately, this bar was designed by a chef and chocolate maker who possessed that skill.

Ingredients: Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, cassia cinnamon, long pepper.

Allergen-related information: (No information on package.)

*Note: the company is planning to relocate to Chisholm, MN.