Pacari Ecuadorian Organic 72% cacao

This bar has a lot going on. There are strong citrus notes that remind me of Madagascar chocolates that I like so much. I also taste vanilla and almond flavors. Very low bitterness, and the aftertaste finishes quickly and gently. Exceptional. 9.1

www.pacarichocolate.com

Coppeneur Ocumare Venezuela 72% cocoa

Earthy, chocolate with an edge. Walnut flavors and other nuttiness are strong. Finish is a noticeably bitter. 7.0

This is an expensive bar, and it is packaged to fit the bill. The flap is sealed with wax, and there is a 40 page booklet included inside. The text is in German and English, with pictures of cocoa beans, cocoa plantations and Coppeneur products.

When I opened the bar, I was impressed by the design imprinted on the bar's surface. It is an image of a cocoa bean with the Coppeneur logo. It was almost too pretty to eat. But I overcame that reluctance.

The salesperson at the store where I bought this bar highlighted how rare and sought-out Ocumare cocoa is. I've tried other Ocumare chocolate, and have liked it. See the post for Unique Origin Ocumare Criollo Cocoa which I rated an "8". Also see Amano Ocumare Grand Cru which I rated as "7". Yes, I like Ocumare bars, but I have not been strongly "wowed" by them.


www.coppeneur.de

Askinose Soconusco Mexico 75% cocoa

Fairly bitter, but balanced with rich chocolate flavor. It gets your attention, but does not put you off. Earthy flavors abound. 6.9

I had reviewed another of Askinosie's bars earlier, their San Jose Del Tambo Ecuador bar, and gave it a very high rating. Askinosie is clearly a consistent producer of high quality bars.

askinosie.com

Cowgirl Mild Dark 55% cocoa

Mild is a very good descriptive word for this chocolate -- it's quite mild and fairly sweet. There is no bitterness, and no chalky texture, something I've seen in other chocolates with this percentage of cocoa. I cannot taste significant side flavors -- perhaps a slight hint of almond. 6.1

cowgirlchocolate.com

Cocoa hedge fund

This is an interesting article on a hedge fund that trades in cocoa:

The Economist: Sweet dreams

Theo Organic Madagascar 74% cacao

A brisk Madagascar chocolate with strong fruit flavor. Very little bitterness, and a short, mostly sweet, aftertaste. 7.3

Meet the chocolate factory boss

This article appeared in today's San Francisco Chronicle and is about the owner of a local chocolate company, the San Francisco Chocolate Factory. If you've visited wineries and found some tins of little chocolate discs to pair with wines, those likely were made by this company.

Mike Litton, San Francisco Chocolate Factory