Shokomonk Extra Bitter 77% cacao

Rich cocoa flavor, fairly low bitterness and a gentle aftertaste. This is a good, basic bar. 7.2

I picked up this German made bar at a local liquor store. I have seen different bars in other liquor stores as well, so I make it a habit to see what chocolates are carried when I visit one. Dark chocolate goes well with red wines (port in particular) and I also understand some people like it with whiskey.

www.shokomonk.de

Bridge Brands America's Cup Dark Chocolate Drops 55% cocoa

I hope you have been watching the 2013 34th America's Cup campaign taking place here in San Francisco. Yesterday, Oracle Team USA completed a massive comeback from to even the score with Emirates Team New Zealand. On Wednesday, September 25th, those teams will compete in one race that will determine who will hold the America's Cup. I recommend that you tune in at www.americascup.com to catch this race as it happens.

One of the products for sale at the America's Cup store at Pier 27 is this box of dark chocolate drops with America's Cup labeling. The drops are made by Bridge Brands, a San Francisco company that was previously called San Francisco Chocolate Factory. I posted a link to an article on the company's founder in a prior post.

The chocolate drops are average. The packaging is nice and the America's Cup races have been superb. Here's to keeping America's Cup in the USA!

Fresco 217 Venezuela Chuao 70% cacao

While the side flavors are muted with this bar, there are some to notice. Blueberry and caramel are two that I taste. There is some bitterness initially, but the aftertaste is about average for a 70% cacao bar. 7.7

The label indicates that the "roast" is "dark" and the "conche" is "medium." The only other Fresco bar that I have tasted with the same "settings" is the Fresco 210 Jamaica, which I rated very high at 8.9.

Fresco Madagascar 214 74% cocoa

I have tasted two other bars with a Madagascar origin from Fresco. Both were quite tasty, but this one really nails it. On first tasting the bar I experienced a burst of flavor, leading with a sweet raisin and plum. There is no bitterness and the aftertaste is fairly short, but it is sweet.  This bar will certainly go well with any drink or food you may want to enjoy it with. 9.7

The package includes a label indicating that this bar was a "Good Food Awards" winner for 2012. Given my response to the bar, I have to concur! Congratulations, Fresco, for a bar well done.

Potomac Costa Rica Upala 82% cacao

Fairly bitter, but balanced with other flavors, wood, bread, okra. Some chalkiness, with an aftertaste that is active, but short. 6.8

Potomac San Martin Peru 70% cacao

Quite puckery for the cocoa content of this bar. This dominates the taste experience. The flavors that come through are from the pine forest. The aftertaste continues to persist with bitterness. 6.2

I taste bars on their own for my initial impression, but after this first tasting I poured myself some port. This greatly enhanced my enjoyment of the remainder.