Chocolate Banquet "Rating" System
How I evaluate chocolates
Nov. 17, 2015
People often ask me "What is your favorite chocolate?" The short answer is: see my favorite chocolates page on this site.
Occasionally, I'm asked how I evaluate chocolates. One kind reader puzzled over my "barely comprehensible rating system."
The answer to this question is a longer, more complicated one. Below I've included aspects of tasting and what might influence a rating.
Time of Day
I usually try to eat my "Chocolate of the Day" in the morning, but may re-taste later in the day. Re-tasting before or after a meal may result in a different experience with certain single origin bars.
Criteria
I consider aroma, taste, texture, flavor, finish—i.e. the standard criteria for most chocolate bars—when I rate each chocolate of the day.
Categories
However, many items I include on ChocolateBanquet.com aren't 100% chocolate bars. Chocolate is part of thousands of bars, truffles, confections and desserts. And it can be found in some savory items (BBQ rubs, mole sauces, chocolate-covered bacon, etc.).
All these items might be carefully crafted by companies, but their individual qualities, aesthetics and expectations generally differ. For example, a piece of flourless chocolate cake and a chocolate protein bar will have different textures and flavors than a pure chocolate artisan bar, and each of these may be designed with a different customer in mind.
Rating "levels"
Most of my "ratings" cluster between Good and Very Good ++. I rarely run across an "ugh" (similar to an "F" letter grade), or even an "OK" (similar to "C-" or "D" letter grades). On the other hand, only a few chocolate items receive a Very Good ++ rating; and almost all of those end up on the favorites page. (An exception might be a truly great white chocolate, which I don't count.) I used to have a "Yum" rating that was higher than a Very Good ++; but I don't use that as much anymore.
Time
My tastes have also evolved; and time affects ratings, after learning more and sampling thousands of chocolates over the years.
Appearance
Appearance can make a difference. I try not to judge too harshly if I think that a marred or "bloomed" look was not the maker's fault. Chocolates that suffer unexpected heat or cold in transit can take on a white filmy look due to fat or sugar bloom. This can affect taste and texture as well. On the other hand, outstanding packaging and design can be very pleasing.
Health and social welfare
Health considerations and product freshness can influence my rankings—for better or worse, as can social conditions. If cacao farmers are treated well (or poorly treated or paid) by a chocolatemaker or company, that can create a bit of an internal conflict.
Other sources of bias: affinity, nostalgia
Liking who made the chocolate or who grew the cacao can sway one's opinion. This is why an occasional blind tasting test is a very good thing to do. Also, fond memories of eating chocolates in very positive circumstances, e.g. while on a great vacation or in a great restaurant, can make a difference. I try to be objective about "nostalgia" chocolates, but memories are memories.
For those who want a matrix, it would probably not fit on this page. That said, I try to include descriptive information that readers might find helpful. I hope this explanation was helpful.
Purchased from: Neo Cocoa table at The Fall Chocolate Salon, San Francisco, CA
For example, I felt grateful to be able to taste and pick up some great holiday chocolates at the Fall Chocolate Salon last Sunday in San Francisco, including today's Toffee Nib Brittle from Neo Cocoa (San Francisco/El Granada, CA).
