Fresco Papua New Guinea 219 and 221 69% cacao

Fresco Chocolate is a chocolate lover's friend. They produce bars with varying manufacturing methods, allowing comparison to discover the combination that you like best. The two bars in this review are both single-origin from Papua New Guinea with 69% cacao. The conche is also the same at "medium" ("balance between aggressive and subdued, mellow"). The variable for these bars is roast, with 219 with a "light" roast ("just enough to soften the cocoa's raw acidic edge") and 221 with a "dark" roast ("full bodied, bold, intense, new flavor notes can develop while others may be subdued").

Fresco Papua New Guinea 219 69% cacao

Flavorful, with bright cherry and distinct citrus notes. Very little bitterness, smooth and clean the whole way. Very pleasant when melted on the tongue and chewing does not improve the experience. 9.2

Fresco Papua New Guinea 221 69% cacao

VERY different experience with this bar. Very smoky, with increased bitterness. No citrus flavor, and the cherry flavor has devolved into a pruny, raisin dimension. The bitterness lasts into the aftertaste. The bar would be best with whisky, straight. 8.2