Thursday, December 3, 2015

Sale: 20% off Fresco

Through December 10th, Fresco is having a 20% off sale sitewide if you purchase at least $50.

Enter SANTA in the "Discount" field during checkout and click the Apply button to receive the 20% discount.

Free shipping for orders of at least $50 for delivery to the United States. International shipping is available.

Monday, November 30, 2015

Sale: 25% off Raaka

Raaka is running a 25% off sitewide Cyber Monday sale today.

Enter CHOCO25 in the "Discount" field during checkout and click the Apply button to receive the 25% discount.

A fantastic deal is to choose a mixed case of a dozen bars of your choice (to receive 25% case discount) and then apply CHOCO25 for additional 25% discount. You get 12 bars for only $52.46!

Free shipping for delivery to the United States with orders over $50 ($5.80 otherwise). International shipping is $20.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Sale: 20% off Taza

Taza is running their annual Cyber Monday sale with 20% off everything in their online store today and tomorrow.

Enter CYBER20 in the "Gift card or discount code" field during checkout and click the Apply button to apply the 20% discount.

Now is the time to take advantage of Taza's best deal of the year. The sale ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, November 30th.

Unfortunately, Taza no longer ships outside the United States. Additional shipping information can be found here.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Review: Ethereal Madagascar

Richard's Rating: 6.0
chocolate makerEthereal
barMadagascar
regionMadagascar
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size64g ~ 2.3oz
cocoa solids80%
added fatcocoa butter
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$7.50
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1431
Fudgesickle
appearancesmooth, scoring, uneven sheen, adhered bits, bubbles
aromaearth (hay), roast (smoke), fruit (raisin, coconut), spice
snapmedium hard
tastefruit (citrus, plum, lime, blueberry), earth, roast (cocoa, smoke), sweet, tannin
meltless smooth
lengthshort
finishsomewhat acidic, somewhat tannin
Mary and Sara Ervin have been crafting hand-made organic chocolate confections and bean to bar chocolate in Woodstock, Illinois, as Ethereal Confections since 2011.

Ethereal's Madagascar chocolate bar was made from all organic ingredients: cacao beans, cane sugar, and cocoa butter. Cocoa solids (cacao beans and cocoa butter) made up 80%, with the remaining 20% being cane sugar.

Inside a thick paper wrap that was sealed with the label, the 2.25 ounce bar came wrapped in pink colored foil . The label also adhered to the foil wrapping along the bottom edge, which made removing the chocolate without breaking the bar a bit challenging. The best before date was September 28, 2017.

The bar was scored into 24 pieces. The chocolate had a smooth surface, with an uneven sheen, some adhered bits, and a few bubbles. The underside was shaped with a thin protruding edge. The chocolate had a medium brown Fudgesickle (PANTONE 19-1431) color.

Madagascar had a medium hard snap. The aroma revealed scents of earth, and hay in particular, a smoky roast, fruit, and spice. The fruit scent included raisin and coconut.

The chocolate tasted primarily of fruit, with flavors of citrus, plum, lime and blueberry. In addition, I tasted earth, a cocoa and smoky roast, and sweetness. Some tannin was also present.

The melt had a less smooth texture, but no graininess. The chocolate flavor lasted about 15 to 20 seconds after the chocolate was gone, giving a short length. The finish was somewhat acidic and somewhat tannin.

Overall, a good chocolate with delicious fruit flavors. For me, the texture needs improvement, but if you enjoy Madagascar interpretations with this flavor profile, give this chocolate a try.

Best Prices Online
$7.50 directly from Ethereal
$7.50 from Chocolate.org
$7.50 from Chocosphere

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Review: Dandelion Butuo, Liberia

Richard's Rating: 6.0
chocolate makerDandelion
barButuo, Liberia
regionLiberia
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
year2014
size56g ~ 2.0oz
cocoa solids70%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$10.00
colormedium-dark brown
appearancesmooth, scoring, imprints
aromaearth, roast, spice
snaphard
tasteearth, roast (smoke, cocoa), fruit (fig), spice (cinnamon), sweet (caramel), bitter
meltsmooth
lengthshort
finishbitter, somewhat acidic, slightly ashy

Best Prices Online
$10.00 directly from Dandelion (sold out)
$13.00 from The Meadow

Monday, November 2, 2015

Review: Bar au Chocolat Sambirano Valley, Madagascar

Richard's Rating: 7.0
chocolate makerBar au Chocolat
barSambirano Valley, Madagascar
regionMadagascar
plantationblend
cacao treesTrinitario
yearunknown
size65g ~ 2.3oz
cocoa solids70%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$12.00
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1431
Fudgesickle
appearancesmooth, scoring, scuffing, adhered bits
aromaroast (cocoa), fruit (citrus, cherry), earth (grass)
snapmedium hard
tastefruit (citrus, grapefruit, cherry), earth (burlap), sweet (caramel), roast (cocoa), sour
meltsmooth
lengthmedium
finishsomewhat tannin, slightly acidic

Best Prices Online
$12.00 directly from Bar au Chocolat

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Review: Ritual Madagascar

Richard's Rating: 7.5
chocolate makerRitual
barMadagascar
regionMadagascar
plantationSomia
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size43g ~ 1.5oz
cocoa solids75%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$6.75
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1431
Fudgesickle
appearancesmooth, scoring, somewhat glossy
aromafruit (citrus, berry), earth
snaphard
tasteearth, fruit (citrus, grapefruit), nut (walnut), roast (tea), sweet (brown sugar), acidic
meltmore smooth
lengthmedium
finishsomewhat acidic, slightly tannin

Best Prices Online
$6.49 from Caputo's
$6.75 directly from Ritual
$7.00 from Chocolopolis
$7.00 from The Meadow

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Review: Bar au Chocolat Duarte Province, Dominican Republic

Richard's Rating: 7.0
chocolate makerBar au Chocolat
barDuarte Province, Dominican Republic
regionDominican Republic
plantationblend
cacao treesTrinitario
yearunknown
size65g ~ 2.3oz
cocoa solids70%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$12.00
colormedium-dark brown
PANTONE 19-1012
Dark Brown
appearancesmooth, scoring, uneven sheen, adhered bits, bubbles
aromaroast (cocoa), fruit (berry, prune, orange), spice, earth (hay)
snapmedium hard
tasteearth, roast (tea), fruit (blackberry, orange, prune, date), sweet, tannin, acidic, sour
meltsmooth
lengthmedium
finishtannin, somewhat acidic

Best Prices Online
$12.00 directly from Bar au Chocolat

Saturday, October 17, 2015

International Chocolate Awards 2015

Today the International Chocolate Awards announced the 2015 world winners.

WORLD WINNERS

Best In Competition
Rogue Porcelana

Dark
GOLD: Rogue Porcelana
GOLD: SOMA Porcelana
SILVER: Bonnat Vale do Juliana
SILVER: Friis-Holm (Bonnat) Chuno 70% Double Turned
SILVER: Friis-Holm (Bonnat) Chuno 70% Triple Turned
SILVER: Marou Tien Giang 70%
SILVER: Pacari Lacumbia 70%
SILVER: Pacari Montubia 70%
SILVER: Pacari Raw 70%
SILVER: SOMA CSB Chama
BRONZE: Amano Chuao
BRONZE: Bonnat Haiti
BRONZE: Dick Taylor Madagascar Sambirano

High Percentage
GOLD: Friis-Holm (Bonnat) La Dalia 85%
SILVER: Friis-Holm (Bonnat) La Dalia 100%

Micro-batch Dark
GOLD: Cacao Hunters Arhuaco 72%
SILVER: Cacao Hunters Arauca 70%
SILVER: Duffy's Honduras Indio Rojo
SILVER: Hummingbird Hispaniola 70%
SILVER: Omnom Madgascar 66%
SILVER: Pump Street Bakery Grenada 70%
BRONZE: Pump Street Bakery Madagascar Criollo 74%

Alternative Sweetener Dark
BRONZE: Starchild Wild & Raw


Americas Finalists

Dark
Amano Chuao
Amano Dos Rios 70%
Amano Porcelana 70%
AMAZ Amazonas 67%
Cacaosuyo Piura Select
ChocXO Camino Verde Ecuador 72%
ChocXO Tres Rios Peru 68%
ChocXO Yaguachi 70%
Dick Taylor Dominican Finca Elvesia
Dick Taylor Madagascar Sambirano
Franceschi Canoabo 70% 2015
Franceschi Choroni 70% 2015
Franceschi Ocumare 70% 2015
Franceschi Rio Caribe 60% 2015
Franceschi Sur del Lago 60% 2015
Marou Lam Dong 74%
Marou Tien Giang 70%
Marou Treasure Island 75%
Pacari Esmeraldas 60%
Pacari Lacumbia 70%
Pacari Manabi 65%
Pacari Montubia 70%
Pacari Raw 70%
Pacari Tangara 70%
Ritual Mid Mountain Blend
Rogue Jamaica
Rogue Porcelana
Rogue Tranquilidad
SOMA Porcelana
SOMA CSB Chama
SPAGnVOLA Dominican Republic 70% Single Estate
SPAGnVOLA Dominican Republic 75% Single Estate
SPAGnVOLA Dominican Republic 80% Single Estate
TCHO Bright

High Percentage
Marou Tan Phu Dong 85% (Heart of Darkness)
Palette de Bine Camino Verde Ecuador 85%
Ritual Ecuador 85%

Micro-batch Dark
Brasstown Ecuador 75%
Cacao Hunters Arauca 70%
Cacao Hunters Arhuaco 72%
Cacao Hunters Sierra Nevada 64%
Cacao Hunters Tumaco 70%
Dandelion Oko-Caribe, Dominican Republic
Fresco 224 Dominican Republic 72%
Hummingbird Hispaniola 70%
Hummingbird Reserva Zorzal 70%
Madre Likao Kula Farm, Kona HI
Millcreek Cacao Roasters 70% Pure Dark
Palette de Bine Lam Dong Vietnam 72%
Sirene Guatemala 73%

Rough/Textured Dark
Cacaosuyo Batanero

Alternative Sweetener Dark
Palette de Bine ”Bines à l’érable” San Juan Estate Trinidad 70%
Starchild Wild & Raw


European Finalists


Dark
Åkesson’s 75% Criollo Madagascar Ambolikapiky 75%
Bodrato Ecuador 75%
Bonnat Cacao Real del Xoconuzco
Bonnat Cuba
Bonnat Dark Organic
Bonnat Haiti
Bonnat Maragnan
Bonnat Vale do Juliana
Friis-Holm Barba 70%
Friis-Holm Chuno 70% Double Turned
Friis-Holm Chuno 70% Triple Turned
Friis-Holm Johe 70%
Friis-Holm La Dalia 60%
Friis-Holm La Dalia 70%
Friis-Holm Medagla 70%
Friis-Holm Nicaliso 70%
Friis-Holm Rugoso 70%
Morin Nicaragua Chuno 70%

High Percentage
Åkesson’s 100% Criollo Madagascar Ambolikapiky
Friis-Holm La Dalia 85%
Friis-Holm La Dalia 100%
Hotel Chocolat Honduras, Mayan Red 100%
Naive Madagascar Extra Dark
Rózsavölgyi Trincheras 95
Timo A. Meyer 95% Venezuela

Micro-batch Dark
Ara Chocolat Porcelana 70%
Chocolate Tree Peru Marañón 69%
Duffy’s Honduras Indio Rojo
Duffy’s Nicaragua Chuno
Duffy’s Nicaragua Nicaliso
Guido Castagna Raw Venezuela
Guido Castagna Raw Madagascar
Omnom Madagascar 66%
Pump Street Bakery Grenada 70%
Pump Street Bakery Madagascar Criollo 74%
Rózsavölgyi Porcelana

Rough/Textured Dark
Donna Elvira Modicana 70% Madagascar
Donna Elvira Modicana 70% Peru Piura

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Review: Bar au Chocolat Chiapas Mexico

Richard's Rating: 7.0
chocolate makerBar au Chocolat
barChiapas, Mexico
regionMexico
plantationblend
cacao treesCriollo
yearunknown
size65g ~ 2.3oz
cocoa solids70%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$12.00
colormedium-light brown
PANTONE 19-1431
Fudgesickle
appearancesmooth, scoring, uneven sheen, bubbles, adhered bits
aromaroast (coffee, cocoa), earth, spice
snapmedium hard
tasteroast (cocoa, coffee), earth, fruit (berry, citrus), nut, spice, acidic, sour
meltsmooth
lengthlong
finishacidic, tannin

Best Prices Online
$12.00 directly from Bar au Chocolat

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Ranking: best Mexico single origin chocolate

Here are my personal ranking results from two rounds of tasting four single origin bars made from Mexico cacao. You can see all of our current ranking results on the Chocolate Rankings page.

All four of these chocolates were very good. Note that the qualities of each chocolate differ, and you may prefer the flavor, aroma, or texture of a lower ranked chocolate to that of one ranked higher. Click on a name to see a detailed review of that chocolate bar.

  1. Cacao Sampaka La Joya
  2. Michel Cluizel Mokaya
  3. Cacao Sampaka Xoconusco
  4. Bar au Chocolat Chiapas, Mexico

Friday, October 9, 2015

Review: Michel Cluizel Mokaya

Richard's Rating: 8.0
chocolate makerMichel Cluizel
barMokaya
regionMexico
plantationMokaya
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size70g ~ 2.5oz
cocoa solids66%
added fatcocoa butter
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoringbourbon vanilla
other ingredients(none)
list price€4,15
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1431
Fudgesickle
appearancesmooth, scoring, imprints, uneven sheen, scuffing
aromaroast (cocoa, malt, coffee, tobacco), fruit (berry), earth (grass), spice
snaphard
tasteroast (cocoa, malt), fruit (blackberry, nectarine, citrus), spice (vanilla, pepper), earth, sweet (honey), acidic
meltmore smooth
lengthlong
finishacidic, slightly tannin, slightly sour

Best Prices Online
€4,15 directly from Michel Cluizel
$6.70 at Chocosphere
$6.99 at Caputo's
$6.99 at World Wide Chocolate
£3.95 at Chocolate Trading Co

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Review: Amano Dos Rios

Richard's Rating: 9.0
chocolate makerAmano
barDos Rios
regionDominican Republic
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size56g ~ 2.0oz
cocoa solids70%
added fatcocoa butter
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoringvanilla
other ingredients(none)
list price$6.95
colormedium-dark brown
PANTONE 19-1317
Bitter Chocolate
appearancesmooth, imprints, scoring, scuffing, uneven sheen
aromafruit (bergamot, orange), earl grey, floral (jasmine), roast, dairy
snaphard
tasteearl grey, fruit (tangerine, orange), floral (jasmine), tannin, spice, sweet, nut, roast
meltsmooth
lengthmedium
finishsomewhat tannin, slightly acidic

Prior Reviews
2012 Review

Best Prices Online
$4.95 on sale directly from Amano
$6.99 at Caputo's
$6.99 at Chocolopolis

Friday, October 2, 2015

Northwest Chocolate Festival Awards

The awards were announced tonight for the 2015 Northwest Chocolate Festival. There were three judged categories (Single Origin, Milk Chocolate and Inclusions) and three non-judged awards.

In the judged Single Origin category, the winners were:
  • 1st: Fruition Hispaniola 68% (Dominican Republic)
  • 2nd: Dick Taylor Bolivia Alto Beni 70%
  • 3rd: Amano Guayas 70% (Ecuador)

In the judged Milk Chocolate category, the winner was:
  • Sirene Guatemala

In the judged Inclusions (flavored chocolate) category, the winners were:
  • 1st: Fruition Bourbon Aged Dark Milk 61%
  • 2nd: Amano Red Raspberry
  • 3rd: Fruition Brown Butter Milk 43%

They also gave out non-judged awards:

You can still buy tickets for this weekend online ($30 for full day) or at the door ($20 for afternoon starting at 12:30 p.m.) at Pier 66 (the Bell Harbor Center) in Seattle.

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Event: Seattle Craft Chocolate Week

Craft Chocolate Week is a new series of events coordinated around the huge presence of artisan chocolate makers in Seattle during the Northwest Chocolate Festival. There are five limited attendance events to provide a more intimate and interactive experience than the crowded activities of a typical chocolate festival. Barbie Van Horn of Finding Fine Chocolate has generously given us four promo codes to share with you for discounts at these events.

  • Tue, Sep. 29: Wine and Chocolate Pairing with Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor at Chocolat Vitale. Taste a flight of three French wines from H Wines paired with three bean to bar chocolates. Talk with Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor of Dick Taylor Chocolate. $20 after $10 off promo code vitale.
  • Wed, Sep. 30: New Cacao Origin with David Menkes and Tesla Test Rides at Seattle Tesla. Taste a new origin of cacao and converse with David Menkes of LetterPress. Meet the farm manager who grows this rare cacao. Take a test ride in a Tesla. $25 after $15 off promo code tesla.
  • Mon, Oct 5: Craft Beer and Chocolate Pairing with Clay Gordon at Kakao. Learn how to pair beer and chocolate using the concept of simultaneous contrast with Clay Gordon of The Chocolate Life. $25 after $25 off promo code kakao.
  • Fri, Oct 9: Coffee and Chocolate Pairing with Aaron Barthel of Intrigue Chocolate. Taste pairings of chocolate and coffee, and enjoy Aaron Barthel's French style truffles. $25 after $5 off promo code intrigue.
  • Sat, Oct 10: Understanding Craft Chocolate with Rob Anderson at Chocolat Vitale. Experience chocolate at different stages of production to learn about the steps of chocolate-making with Rob Anderson of Fresco. Taste how origin, roasting, and recipes affect the flavors of chocolate. $25.
You can purchase tickets for each of these events on the Craft Chocolate Week website until they are sold out.

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Review: Lake Champlain Blue Bandana Guatemala 70%

Richard's Rating: 6.5
chocolate makerLake Champlain
barBlue Bandana
70% Guatemala
regionGuatemala
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size65g ~ 2.3oz
cocoa solids70%
added fatcocoa butter
sweetenersugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$8.00
colormedium-dark brown
PANTONE 19-1431
Fudgesickle
appearancesmooth, scoring, imprints, uneven sheen, tiny bubbles
aromaroast (smoke), earth (must, grass), dairy, fruit
snapmedium hard
tasteroast (coffee), fruit (raisin, citrus), earth, acidic, sweet (molasses), tannin
meltsmooth
lengthmedium
finishtannin, somewhat acidic

Best Prices Online
$8.00 directly from Lake Champlain
$9.00 from Chocolopolis

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Review: Ritual Belize

Richard's Rating: 7.0
chocolate makerRitual
barBelize
regionBelize
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size43g ~ 1.5oz
cocoa solids75%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$6.75
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1015
Bracken
appearancesmooth, scoring, uneven sheen
aromaroast (tobacco, cocoa), fruit (prune), earth
snapmedium hard
tasteroast (tobacco), fruit (prune, cherry), sweet (honey), earth, acidic
meltmore smooth
lengthmedium
finishacidic, somewhat tannin, slightly bitter, slightly sour

Best Prices Online
$6.49 from Caputo's
$6.75 directly from Ritual
$7.00 from Chocolopolis
$7.00 from The Meadow

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Review: Tejas Valero

Richard's Rating: 7.5
chocolate makerTejas
barValero
regionBelize
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size56g ~ 2.0oz
cocoa solids70%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoringvanilla
other ingredients(none)
list price$7.00
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1317
Bitter Chocolate
appearancesmooth, scoring, uneven sheen, bubbles
aromaroast (cocoa), spice, earth
snaphard
tastefruit (apricot, cherry), spice (pepper), sweet (honey), earth, roast, acidic, tannin
meltsmooth
lengthmedium
finishsomewhat tannin, slightly acidic

Best Prices Online
$7.00 directly from Tejas

Friday, August 14, 2015

Review: Dandelion Maya Mountain, Belize

Richard's Rating: 6.5
chocolate makerDandelion
barMaya Mountain
regionBelize
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
year2014
size56g ~ 2.0oz
cocoa solids70%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$8.00
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1012
Dark Brown
appearancesmooth, imprints, scoring, scuffing
aromaearth (must), floral, roast (cocoa), sweet (honey), nut
snaphard
tasteearth (straw), fruit (pineapple), sweet (honey), spice (cinnamon), roast (cocoa), acidic
meltsmooth
lengthlong
finishsomewhat acidic

Best Prices Online
$8.00 directly from Dandelion (sold out)
$9.00 from The Meadow

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Zotter Labooko Belize Special 72%

Richard's Rating: 7.0
chocolate makerZotter
barLabooko
Belize Special
regionBelize
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size70g ~ 2.5oz
cocoa solids72%
added fatcocoa butter
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredientssalt
list price€3,50
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1012
Dark Brown
appearancesmooth, textured, imprints, adhered bits
aromaspice (fennel), earth, roast (malt)
snaphard
tastelicorice, roast (cocoa), earth, spice (pepper, fennel), fruit (cherry)
meltmore smooth
lengthmedium
finishslightly bitter

Best Prices Online
€3,50 directly from Zotter
$5.95 from Zotter USA
$7.49 from NewLeaf

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

SOMA Black Science Bachelor's Hall Jamaica

Richard's Rating: 7.5
chocolate makerSOMA
barBlack Science
Bachelor's Hall
regionJamaica
plantationBachelor's Hall
cacao treesTrinitario
year(unknown)
size25g ~ 0.9oz
cocoa solids70%
added fatunknown
sweetenerunknown
emulsifierunknown
flavoringunknown
other ingredientsunknown
list priceN/A
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1317
Bitter Chocolate
appearancescoring, imprints, smooth, adhered bits, bubbles
aromaearth, nut sweet, fruit
snapmedium hard
tastesweet (honey), fruit (raspberry), nut, earth, dairy (butter)
meltsmooth
lengthlong
finishsomewhat tannin, somewhat acidic

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Review: Rogue Jamaica

Richard's Rating: 7.5
chocolate makerRogue
barJamaica
regionJamaica
plantationBachelor's Hall
cacao trees(unknown)
year2014
size60g ~ 2.1oz
cocoa solids75%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$16.00
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1317
Bitter Chocolate
appearanceglossy, smooth, uneven sheen
aromaearth (grass), spice, roast (tobacco, cocoa, smoke)
snaphard
tasteroast (tobacco, cocoa), fruit (tropical), spice, woody, nut, sweet
meltcreamy
lengthlong
finishtannin, slightly sour

Best Prices Online
$16.00 directly from Rogue

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Review: Ritual Balao

Richard's Rating: 6.5
chocolate makerRitual
barBalao
regionEcuador
plantationCamino Verde
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size43g ~ 1.5oz
cocoa solids75%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$6.75
colormedium-dark brown
PANTONE 19-1015
Bracken
appearancesmooth, scoring, uneven sheen
aromaearth (burlap), floral, spice
snapmedium hard
tasteroast (tea, cocoa), earth (burlap), fruit (blackberry), tannin
meltmore smooth
lengthmedium
finishtannin, slightly acidic

Best Prices Online
$6.49 from Caputo's
$6.75 directly from Ritual
$7.00 from Chocolopolis
$7.00 from The Meadow

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Review: Fresco 231 Peru 100%

Richard's Rating: 7.0
chocolate makerFresco
bar231
regionMarañón
Peru
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
year2014
size50g ~ 1.8oz
cocoa solids100%
added fat(none)
sweetener(none)
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$12.00
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1012
Dark Brown
appearancesmooth, scoring, imprints
aromaroast, earth, fruit (prune), nut, floral
snapmedium hard
tasteearth, nut, floral, sour, roast
meltcreamy
lengthlong
finishsomewhat sour, somewhat tannin, slightly acidic

Best Prices Online
$12.00 directly from Fresco

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Review: Domori Il 100% Criollo

Richard's Rating: 8.0
chocolate makerDomori
barIl 100% Criollo
region(unknown)
plantationblend
cacao treesCriollo
yearunknown
size25g ~ 0.9oz
cocoa solids100%
added fat(none)
sweetener(none)
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price€4,00
colormedium brown
appearancesmooth, scoring, imprints, scuffing, uneven sheen
aromaroast (cocoa, coffee), fruit (berry, raisin), spice, earth, sweet
snapmedium hard
tasteroast (coffee, tobacco), nut, peanut, fruit, earth, tannin
meltcreamy
lengthlong
finishtannin, nut, slightly acidic

Prior Reviews
2013 Review

Best Prices Online
€4,00 directly from Domori
£4.10 at Chocolate Trading Co
$6.79 at Chocosphere

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Review: Rogue Porcelana

Richard's Rating: 7.5
chocolate makerRogue
barPorcelana
regionVenezuela
plantationEl Chama
cacao treesCriollo
year2014
size60g ~ 2.1oz
cocoa solids80%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$18.00
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1526
Dark Red Brown
appearanceglossy, smooth, uneven sheen
aromaspice, fruit (nectarine), roast (cocoa), earth (must), dairy
snaphard
tasteearth (must, grass), fruit (peach, cherry), dairy (cream), nut (macadamia), roast (cocoa, malt)
meltcreamy
lengthlong
finishsomewhat acidic, slightly tannin

Best Prices Online
$18.00 directly from Rogue (sold out)
$20.00 at The Meadow
$20.00 at Cocova

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Review: Domori Porcelana

Richard's Rating: 8.5
chocolate makerDomori
barPorcelana
regionVenezuela
plantationblend
cacao treesCriollo
yearunknown
size25g ~ 0.9oz
cocoa solids70%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price€4,00
colormedium brown
PANTONE 19-1012
Dark Brown
appearancesmooth, scoring, imprints, scuffing, adhered bits
aromafruit (strawberry), roast (cocoa), floral, spice, dairy, earth, sweet
snaphard
tasteroast (cocoa, toast), fruit (strawberry, orange), dairy (butter)
meltmore smooth, fudgy
lengthlong
finishtannin, somewhat acidic

Prior Reviews
2010 Review

Best Prices Online
€4,00 directly from Domori
$5.45 at Chocosphere
$5.50 at Caputo's
£3.95 at Chocolate Trading Co

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Review: Amedei Porcelana

Richard's Rating: 9.0
chocolate makerAmedei
barPorcelana
regionVenezuela
plantationblend
cacao treesCriollo
yearunknown
size50g ~ 1.8oz
cocoa solids70%
added fatcocoa butter
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoringvanilla
other ingredients(none)
list price€14,70
colormedium-dark brown
PANTONE 19-1012
Dark Brown
appearancesmooth, scoring, imprints, adhered bits, scuffing
aromaearth (must), floral, fruit (strawberry, raisin), roast (malt), dairy
snapmedium hard
tastenut (almond), earth, spice, roast (cocoa, malt), fruit (strawberry, citrus, raisin), sweet (butterscotch), slightly ashy
meltsmooth
lengthlong
finishsomewhat acidic, somewhat tannin

Prior Reviews
2011 Review
2010 Review

Best Prices Online
$16.50 at World Wide Chocolate
$18.50 at Amedei Store (NYC)
$18.50 at Caputo's
$18.50 at Chocosphere
£8.00 at Chocolate Ocean
€11,25 to €11,99 on Amazon.de
€14,70 at Amedei

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Review: Taza Wicked Dark

Richard's Rating: 6.5
chocolate makerTaza
barWicked Dark
regionDominican Republic
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size85g ~ 3.0oz
cocoa solids95%
added fat(none)
sweetenercane sugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoring(none)
other ingredients(none)
list price$6.50
colormedium-dark brown
PANTONE 19-1012
Dark Brown
appearancesmooth, scoring, text imprints, adhered bits
aromaearth (burlap), roast (smoke, malt), fruit (berry)
snapmedium hard
tasteearth, nut, roast (smoke, cocoa, malt), fruit (blackberry, prune), acidic, bitter, sour
meltgrainy
lengthmedium
finishacidic, slightly sour

You can purchase a slightly smaller version (71 grams or 2.5 ounces) of Wicked Dark online directly from Taza for $5.00, from Chocosphere for $4.95, and from NewLeaf for $5.00.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Review: Hägeland Costa Rica

Richard's Rating: 5.5
chocolate makerHägeland
barCosta Rica
regionCosta Rica
plantationblend
cacao treesunknown
yearunknown
size100g ~ 3.5oz
cocoa solids71%
added fatcocoa butter
sweetenersugar
emulsifier(none)
flavoringvanilla
other ingredients(none)
list priceN/A
colormedium-dark brown
appearancesmooth, scoring
aromaroast (smoke), earth, spice
snaphard
tasteroast (smoke, cocoa), earth, wood, sweet (caramel), hint of fruit, bitter
meltmore smooth
lengthlong
finishtannin, slightly acidic

Friday, May 1, 2015

Academy of Chocolate 2015 Awards

The London Academy of Chocolate released their ridiculously large number of award winners for 2015.

They had two bean to bar dark chocolate categories: under 80% and at least 80%.

GOLD under 80%
Åkesson's Madagascar 75% Criollo
Amano Ocumare 70%
Bar au Chocolat Dominican Republic 70%

SILVER under 80%
Åkesson's Bali 75% Trinitario
Bar au Chocolat Madagascar 70%
Castronovo Colombia Sierra Nevada 72%
Chocolat Madagascar Fine Dark 65%
Chocolat Madagascar Organic Fine Dark 70%
Dick Taylor Madagascar Sambirano
Green & Black's THIN Dark 70%
Hotel Chocolat 70% Saint Lucia Rabot Estate Bord du Lac
Pump Street Bakery Grenada 70% Crayfish Bay Estate
Pump Street Bakery Madagascar Criollo 74% Åkesson's Estate
Red Star Duffy’s Honduras Indio Rojo 72%
SPAGnVOLA Nigeria 70% Oda Cocoa Estate
SPAGnVOLA Dominican Republic 70% Single Estate

BRONZE under 80%
Amano Chuao 70%
Amano Cuyagua 70%
Amano Madagascar 70%
Amano Morobe 70%
Amazona 74% El Shunté (Tiesto)
Amazona 72% Valle del Chanka (Lamas)
AQUIM Q 65%
Chocolate Tree Madagascar Sambirano 72%
Chocolate Tree Peru Marañon 69%
ChocXO Camino Verde Ecuador 72%
ChocXO Guantupi Ecuador 75%
ChocXO Tres Rios Peru 68%
Damson Ecuador 70% Los Rios
Damson Madagascar 70% Åkesson Estate
Dick Taylor Belize Toledo
Dick Taylor Ecuador Camino Verde
Doble & Bignall Raven Johe 72%
Domori Ocumare 77 Criollo 70%
Du Jour Pure 70%
Hotel Chocolat 70% Honduras Mayan Red
Idilio Origins No. 3 Selección Cata Ocumare
Idilio Origins No. 4 Carenero Urrutia Superior
NAÏVE Nicaragua Nicalizo 72%
Omnom Madagascar 66%
Original Beans Papua Kerafat
Original Beans Piura Porcelana
Pacari Esmeraldas 60%
Red Star Duffy’s Nicaragua Chuno 70%
Ritual Mid Mountain Blend
Rococo Organic Dark 65% Artisan Bar
Rozsavolgyi Madagascar Criollo 71% Åkesson Estate
Rozsavolgyi Puerto Cabello 74%
Rozsavolgyi Porcelana 71%
Tobago Cocoa Estate

GOLD at least 80%
Åkesson's Madagascar 100% Criollo

SILVER at least 80%
Papa 80% Peru
Pump Street Bakery Honduras Finca Tres Marias 80%
SPAGnVOLA Dominican Republic 80% Single Estate

BRONZE at least 80%
Bar au Chocolat Trinidad 80%
Baravelli's Madagascan Sambirano 82%
Chocolat Madagascar Fine Dark 85%
Michel Cluizel Noir Infini 99%
Domori Criollo 100% Hacienda San Jose
Hazel Mountain 87% Venezuela Bean Sur del Lago
Szanto Tibor Baracoa Cuba 88% Ocenta y Ocho

Here's a link to the full lists of 2015 Award Winners in all of the categories.

Friday, January 9, 2015

Good Food Awards for Chocolate 2015

The Good Food Awards published their winners for 2015. The following unflavored bars won awards in the chocolate category:

Acalli Chocolate El Platanal, Chulucanas, Peru 70%
Dandelion Butuo, Liberia 70%
Escazú Tumbes, Peru 70%
French Broad Matagalpa, Nicaragua 68%
Nathan Miller Ghana 70%
Patric Madagascar 67%

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Sale: Free Shipping at World Wide Chocolate

World Wide Chocolate is offering free shipping through January 15th with no minimum purchase. If you're interested in buying only a few chocolate bars, or sending a little chocolate to several friends, this is a good time to do so.

Use coupon code FREESHIPPING during checkout.

World Wide Chocolate ships to U.S., APO (military), and FPO (diplomatic) addresses. Please see their shipping policies for additional information.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Sale: 20% off at World Wide Chocolate

World Wide Chocolate is having a nearly storewide sale of 20% off chocolate from all makers other than Amedei (and Valrhona multi-kilogram products) through January 5th.

Use coupon code JAN20 during checkout. No minimum purchase is required.

World Wide Chocolate ships to United States, APO (military), and FPO (diplomatic) addresses. Please see their shipping policies for additional information.