Maglio Extra Bitter 81% cacao

The jump of percentage of cacao from Maglio's Bitter (60%) to Extra Bitter (81%) is steep, but the actual jump in bitterness is modest. Whereas Bitter had almost no bitterness, the Extra Bitter is bitter, but nicely so. Strong cocoa flavor with a trailing aftertaste that has a component of bitterness. The bar has some small nibs embedded that do not affect the taste. 7.7

Maglio Bitter 60% Cacao

Bitter, this bar is not. It is very mild, relatively speaking, which is not too surprising for a 60% cacao bar. The bar has strong cocoa flavor, and a short aftertaste that is, again, mild. The bar appears to be well made, nicely packaged, and unremarkable. 7.5

Dandelion Venezuela Patanemo 2012 70% cocoa

Rich cocoa flavor with some faint cinnamon notes. Low bitterness and a nice finish. 8.3

Dandelion Venezuela Cumboto 2012 70% cacao

Another excellent bar from Dandelion.There is a burst of flavor on first taste -- citrus, cherry, perhaps even some raisin. This settles down into a clean cocoa experience with these side flavors slowly diminishing. Very little bitterness and the aftertaste has a steep gradient that flattens to a very pleasant remainder. 9.2

Pharmaca Organic Dark Chocolate 78% cacao

If 70% cocoa is healthy, than 78% cocoa is healthier, yes?  

Compared to the Pharmaca Organic Dark Chocolate 70% cacao, this bar moderates the less wonderful aspect of that bar. The cocoa flavor is less dominant, but still strong. Some earthy flavors come through. The metallic undertone is also less, though still noticeable. The astringent aspect is entirely missing, leaving the usual bitterness seen in a rick dark chocolate bar. The aftertaste is fairly clean and well tapered, though bordering on chalkiness. 7.0

Pharmaca Organic Dark Chocolate 70% cacao

The primary cocoa flavor dominates this bar. Slight metallic tone is also felt. Fairly astringent, which informs the bar's fairly light bitter dimension. 6.6 

Pharmaca is an "integrative pharmacy," for which I found this definition: "Relating to a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to medicine that combines conventional treatments with alternative therapies such as homeopathy or naturopathy." I wandered into this pharmacy while visiting Cole Valley, specifically with the goal of seeing what chocolate bars they carried.  I was surprised that they had their own brand label. I take it that they have done this due to the purported health benefits of dark chocolate as an "alternative therapy."

What health benefits? Well, here is one article on this, and I am sure you can find many more if you search the web for "health benefits of dark chocolate." This is an alternative therapy that I can get behind. Stay healthy!