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.

Nearynogs Madagascar Sambirano 65% cacao

A burst of fruit flavors greets you on first taste, citrus and cherry notes. The bitterness is low and the through line is clear. 9.2

nearynogs.com

This bar is delicious, and the packaging is attractive, but it has a major flaw. The back label covers the seams which must be parted to open the bar, thereby destroying the label. It would be better to provide a means to open the package without destroying the label.

 

Spinnaker Peru 70% cacao

There is a toffee/caramel taste at first which develops into a roasted, burnt sugar effect. This gives the bar some bitterness, and that echoes in the aftertaste. 7.7

The label suggests that this bar has citrus notes, but I do not taste that.

Luisa's Vanuatu 72% cacao

This bar is quite thick and it takes a little effort to break on of the four segments in half. The initial taste is noticeably bitter and has a slightly chalky texture. The taste has fruit and nut undertones, some cherry and some walnut. The chalkiness continues into the aftertaste. 6.8

www.luisasveganchocolates.co.uk

Ingredients: Cacao-mass, unrefined sugar, cocoa butter

Aruntam Tanzania Kokoa Kamili 72% cacao

There are a mix of flavors which emerge when tasting this bar. A caramel texture appears initially, followed by a faint banana taste. The ending is touched with a sweet orange blossom note.  The aftertaste is brief and smooth. 9.3