Trader Joe's Dark Baton 72% cacao

Very bitter for a 72% cacao bar. The bitterness leads to a metallic tinge in the aftertaste. Caramel is a dominant flavor, with some nuttiness. 6.8

This baton shows why chocolate is predominately sold in bar form. The shape is long and triangular. Biting a piece off of the baton result in a large chunk of chocolate on the tongue. With a bar, the chocolate is evenly distributed on the tongue resulting in a better experience, it seems to me. I suppose the "baton" form is handy if you want to keep some chocolate in your pencil box, or knife drawer, or other thin, long space.

François Pralus Colombia 75% cacao

Rich, dark flavors pop forward directly from this bar. Molasses and brown sugar come to mind. There is also a flavor similar to vanilla in the profile, though this bar is not made with vanilla. The aftertaste is lasting and smooth. 9.0

MilkBoy Extra Dark 85% Cocoa

Quite bitter, but still fairly smooth in taste. Bitterness persists long in the aftertaste. This bar has added vanilla, which influences the flavor significantly. 7.3

www.milkboy.com

Dars Bitter

Basic dark chocolate. The ingredients is a mix that is far from pure cacao -- vegetable oil, emulsifier, artificial flavors. Regarding the latter, there's a vanilla flavor noticeable, which might be artificial experience they are looking to add. 6.8

This is a bar produced in Japan, but purchased in a local San Francisco store.

1choco-1smile.jp

Fran's Chocolate "Fran's Blend" 64% cacao

Fruity and sweet chocolate. The fruit taste is berry (raspberry or strawberry). The texture is slightly grainy, but the finish is clean. 8.0

This bar is another from the Seattle chocolate maker, Fran's. The Bittersweet 74% was reviewed earlier.

The label describes the bar as "fruity & well-balanced," which I agree with.