Dick Taylor Tanzania Kilombero 65% cacao

This bar has a very different taste profile compared to others I have tasted made with Tanzanian origin cacao. It has a spiciness with a black tea taste, along with smokiness. This leads to an astringent aftertaste that is fairly persistent. 7.2

This review is an example of what I would call a more typical Tanzania cacao taste: Rózsavölgyi Tanzania Mababu 75% cacao  From the note at the end of the review this may be a new rating low for a Tanzania bar.

Baron Hasselhoff's Papua New Guinea Manabu 72% cacao

I previously reviewed this bar at Baron Hasselhoff's Papua New Guinea Manabu 72% cacao where I said that there was a rough texture to the bar similar to raw chocolate. That may have been an issue with the storage or handling of the bar between the manufacture and the consumption. Tasting the bar again I am experiencing a smooth texture, unlike the previous bar.  I stand by my flavor comments from the earlier tasting, but would raise the rating to 9.0.

Óbolo Perú Pangoa 70% cacao

The texture of this bar is grainy, similar to raw chocolate bars I have tasted. The taste profile is tart, slightly sour, which adds brightness to the taste. The aftertaste rings with the tartness and diminishes gradually. 6.9

This bar was previously reviewed in 2019 as well as in 2022, with quite a different experiences and ratings for me. The 2022 review's bar was from the 2021 harvest while this bar was harvested in 2022. Perhaps the stark difference in my taste experience is related to the harvest, but the texture difference is usually related to manufacture or processing/storage factors.

Dandelion Togo Kpalime 70% cacao

The predominant experience of this bar is a smooth, buttery texture and flavor. A subtle hint of orange blossom emerges, followed by mild spiciness with closer attention.  The aftertaste remains smooth and buttery, persisting for a moderate duration. 7.9

Dandelion Indonesia Ransiki 70% cacao

I would not describe this bar as gentle and sweet. It has a spice edge, somewhat peppery with a touch of nutmeg. The aftertaste is lengthy, ringing with the spice.  Well made, but not a profile I like. 6.5

Stonegrindz Peru Ucayali River 70% cacao

I have come to know that cacao from Peru is delicious and flavorful, and this bar supports that impression. The flavors are more buttery than fruity, with a light caramel taste. On the fruit side a touch of fig can be noticed. The aftertaste is clean and brief. 9.5

Monsoon Peru Ucayali 7

There is a buttery texture introducing this bar, followed by a mossy taste. A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors. Aftertaste is short and mild. 8.8

monsoonchocolate.com