Twenty-Four Blackbirds Tanzania Kokoa Kamili 75% cacao

This bar is a dense chocolate, likely due to its higher than average cacao content. After some melting in the mouth, side flavors emerge. A mix of dried cherry and caramel are suggested at this stage. The aftertaste is flat and somewhat bland, leaving some puckeryness. 7.1

www.twentyfourblackbirds.com

Firetree Madagascar Sambirano Valley 84% cacao

The high cacao content of this bar results in a dense composition which is slow to dissolve on tasting. The bitterness is not extreme, but is sufficiently strong to challenge side flavors. Those flavors are faintly fruity with a dominant toasted residue. Aftertaste is lengthy and fairly bitter. 7.0

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, unrefined sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin

www.firetreechocolate.com

White Label Bolivia Tranquilidad 72% cacao

The introductory taste of the bar is a smooth chocolate. The side flavors are hazelnut with a hint of toffee. The aftertaste is gentle and sweet. 9.2

Tasting this bar shortly after the Letterpress Tranquilidad bar allows for a comparison. Both bars have a gentle taste profile, not harsh or bitter. The couple of percent additional cacao in this White Label bar does not change this aspect.

Letterpress Bolivia Tranquilidad 70% cacao

This bar has a creamy, sweet texture. There is a touch of maple in the flavor. The aftertaste is brief and gentle. 9.5

The label explains that Tranquilidad is a "Designated Heirloom Cacao" by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund. It is a quite flavorful bar, and the creamy sweetness provides the tranquility implied by its name.

57 Chocolate Ghana 73% cacao

The initial taste of this bar is a robust bitterness which leads to a light toast taste and some spice cake nuance. The bitterness results in a lengthy aftertaste, with some of the spiciness staying for the journey. 8.1

www.57chocolategh.com

This bar is made in Ghana. Definitely check out the website for the story of the two sisters who make this chocolate in Ghana. The name 57 Chocolate represents the year of independence of Ghana.

Markham&Fitz India Anamalai 80% cacao

High cacao content leads to robust bitterness, which is very well experienced with this bar. The flavors that push through include smokiness and spice cake. Aftertaste is persistent and astringent. 7.0

The label for this bar has a lot going on: "R&G Really Good & Delicious" "Unlimited Fun" "Experimental Chocolate" On the back: "Live Experimentally" "It's M&F Good" "An exploratory journey into the science of chocolate" Great to see the makers putting some energy into their label!

Letterpress Tanzania Kokoa Kamili 70% cacao

As expected for cacao sourced from Tanzania, this bar is flavorful. It has berry and citrus notes, with a suggestion of butterscotch in the mix. Aftertaste is medium in length and moderate in bitterness. 9.0