Review: Pacari Raw 100%

Richard's Rating: 7.0

chocolate maker Pacari bar Raw 100% region Ecuador plantation (blend) cacao trees (unknown) year 2011 size 50g ~ 1.8oz cocoa solids 100% added fat (none) sweetener (none) emulsifier (none) flavoring (none) other ingredients (none) list price $5.99

color medium-dark brown PANTONE 19-1015 Bracken texture smooth, scoring, scuffing aroma floral, earth (must), cocoa, spice, fruit (berry, citrus), vinegar snap medium hard taste fruit, sour, earth, bitter, acidic, dairy melt smooth length medium finish somewhat sour, slightly acidic

Since 2002, Pacari has been making single origin organic chocolate in Ecuador with cacao obtained directly from local farms. This family-owned chocolate maker pays above-market prices to support sustainable agriculture and social responsibility. In February, Pacari received Demeter certification for biodynamic agriculture (though their packaging does not yet display the label). Pacari makes both raw and roasted chocolate bars. The raw chocolate bars vary in their percentage of cocoa solids: 100%, 85%, and 70%.

Raw 100% was made from cacao beans and nothing else, not even added cocoa butter. The 50 gram bar was scored into 15 pieces. It came enclosed in a plastic pouch inside a paper box. The best before date was 27 October 2013.

The chocolate had a medium-dark brown Bracken (PANTONE 19-1015) color. The surface was smooth, but not glossy. There was some scuffing and some adhered bits of chocolate. The snap was medium hard.

The aroma was a powerful combination of floral, musty earth, cocoa, spice, and fruit. The fruit scent seemed to be berry and citrus. I also noticed vinegar.

Raw 100% tasted primarily of fruit and a strong sourness. I had difficulty identifying any specific fruit flavors, tasting something vaguely tropical at times, as well as suggestions of berry and citrus, but none consistently enough to be sure. Other flavors included earth, bitter, acidic, and dairy.

The melt started somewhat slowly, but was smooth. The length was medium, with the chocolate flavor lasting 35 to 40 seconds after the chocolate was gone. The finish was somewhat sour and slightly acidic, with the somewhat sour aftertaste remaining for a long time.

Overall, Raw 100% was an impressive addition to the 100% category. Despite the poor reputation of raw chocolate taste, I found this as good as its roasted peers. I compared it against the other 100% chocolates we've reviewed, and felt it deserved third place behind Valrhona Manjari Pure Pate and Pralus Le 100%. You can see all of our rankings on the Chocolate Rankings page. For those who like 100% chocolate and aren't put off by a sour taste, I'd recommend trying Pacari Raw 100%.

You can purchase Raw 100% for $5.99 in the U.S. and Canada directly from Pacari or, to perhaps combine the purchase with other brands, for $5.75 from Chocosphere. You can buy Raw 100% for £2.99 in the U.K. and other countries from The Raw Chocolate Shop.