Southbend Chocolate Company Dark Chocolate

Strong caramel flavors backed by cocoa. Not very bitter. 6.9

The label does not indicate a cocoa content percentage, but lists its ingredients as "Semi-Sweet Chocolate." Then in parenthesis describes Semi-Sweet Chocolate as "Sugar, Chocolate Processed with Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Milkfat, Soy Letchin, Vanillin - an Artificial Flavor, Natural Flavors." So it is clear that the cocoa percentage is likely less than 50%, as the order that ingredients are listed (Sugar is first) is by largest amount. Milkfat? Well, I would only expect that in milk chocolate. Vanillin? Artificial anything is not what I am looking for in my chocolate. "Processed with Alkali"? I don't like the sound of that!

The bar tastes fine for what it seeks to achieve, but I deducted points for the artificial flavoring.

My friend Jim brought this bar back from his trip to Indiana.  Thanks, Jim!

www.sbchocolate.com

Benoit Nihant Venezeula Chuao 74% cacao

Robust cocoa flavor. Faint spiciness, with a cinnamon hint. Warm and memorable aftertaste. 8.1

I tasted this bar while watching Chocolat. So very appropriate!

Dandelion Domincan Republic San Francisco de Macoris 70% cacao

This bar is earthy and bitter. The taste experience is bracing, not mellow. There is some nutmeg flavor to go along with the earthiness. The bitterness leads into the aftertaste, which a long lasting. 7.6

High Attitude Chocolate "Solo" 70% cocoa

This bar has a similar surface discoloration as I noticed with High Attitude Chocolate "Solo" 60% cocoa, which I reviewed our years ago. So I conclude that this is standard for this product (Best By date is 10/15). The packaging has changed from that earlier bar, and it now is a paper pouch (no foil).

The chocolate is good and respectable. There is a maple note behind the cocoa taste. No chalkiness with this bar, and the aftertaste is clean. 7.3

maryjanesoutpost.org

Delfi Bali Garuda Dark Chocolate

I did not know what to expect from this box of dark chocolate from Indonesia. It is fairly bitter and has a coarse texture. There's a taste of caramel that can be noticed that persists through to the aftertaste. 6.9

My colleague Farhana brought these back with her after her recent trip. Thanks, Farhana!