Valley Isle Peru Piura Blanco 70% cacao

The Unique Blend chocolate bar is an intriguing culinary adventure, blending traditional and unexpected flavors into a harmonious treat. Upon the first bite, you are greeted with a distinctly buttery taste, reminiscent of the creamy richness found in high-quality milk chocolate. This initial creamy sensation sets the stage for the more complex flavors that follow.

As the chocolate melts, a surprising yet delightful note of raisin emerges. The raisin flavor isn't overwhelming; instead, it adds a subtle, sweet depth that complements the buttery base. The most unexpected twist, however, is the hint of mushroom. This earthy component might sound unconventional for a chocolate bar, but it surprisingly works well, adding a savory contrast that balances the sweetness.

The texture of this chocolate bar is as noteworthy as its taste. It's exceptionally smooth, melting effortlessly on the tongue, and leads to a clean, brief aftertaste. This fleeting finish ensures that the bar doesn't overstay its welcome on your palate, leaving you ready for another piece without feeling overwhelmed by richness.

Overall, the Unique Blend chocolate bar is a must-try for those who enjoy culinary surprises. Its blend of buttery, milk-like chocolate, raisin, and mushroom flavors, paired with a smooth texture and brief aftertaste, makes it a standout choice for adventurous chocolate enthusiasts.

9.1

www.valleyislechocolate.com

Moku Chocolate Peru Ucayali River 70% cacao

There is the familiar snap of fruit from Peru cacao on first tasting, cherry and light citrus. With more time, the bar has a clean aftertaste which lingers.  9.3

mokuchocolate.com

Nearynogs Domincan Republic Zorzal 70% cacao

This bar has both earthy and roasted elements. The roasted aspect has some charcoal and a hint of molasses. The earthy part has mushroom notes. The aftertaste is mild and brief. 7.4

The label has a "best before" date of 12/23, however the bar shows no problems. 

This bar uses a very nice mold. It reminds me of plaster moldings I saw during a 2014 trip to Ireland in Belvedere House. This design is quite different from what I saw in Belvedere House, but this mold would certainly look good impressed in plaster.