Askinosie Tenende Tanzania 72% cocoa

Though the initial impression is fairly bitter, this moderates with time. Some dried cherry flavors then assert themselves, with a hint of almond. The aftertaste is not long lasting, with some astringent aspects resulting from the initial bitterness. 7.7

Askinosie Davao Philippines 77% cocoa

Fairly bitter, though nicely balanced with the cocoa. Some faint flavors underlie the cocoa, making this bar full of interest. The flap of the wrapper for this bar has YOU MIGHT TASTE emblazoned on it: "brown sugar, earthy tannins and lavender."  I taste no brown sugar, but the bitterness may be interpreted as "earthy tannins." The lavender flavor is not what I would have noticed, but there may be a subtle element of lavender in the mix. 8.1

Madre Hamakua Hawaii 70% cacao

No real excitement in this bar. Basic cocoa, some bitterness, not much else. Very little aftertaste. 7.1

madrechocolate.com

$12.50 / 1.5 oz.

Once again I must note the cost of this bar, the last of the trio of Hawaiian chocolate bars I purchased recently. It seems that this bar is pricey due to the low volume of cacao from the 50th State, not due to the exquisite taste. Interestingly, the Waialua Estate bar, which was under $10 for a slightly larger bar (2 oz.) gets the best results.

Madre does make up in style what it is missing in taste interest. The bar was shaped in a mold that displayed some cool polynesian images.

Waialua Estate Oahu Hawaii 70% cacao

The taste starts off sweet, but opens into a wide rage of floral and fruit flavors. On the floral side I am reminded of freesia. On the fruit side I taste cherry (rainier, not bing) and kiwi fruit. A very nice mix. Low bitterness, and a comfortable aftertaste. 8.0

www.WaialuaEstate.com

This bar has an "E. Guittard" logo embossed on the bar. The only other indication of Guittard's provenance comes from that company is a mention on the label notes: "This rare, award-winning chocolate is crafted by Guittard Chocolate Company for Dole Hawaii." Smart move by Dole to enlist Guittard in making this bar.

Manoa Hawaiian Crown Estate Hamakua Hawaii 72% cocoa

Significantly bitter and slightly metallic. Hints of coffee and possibly pineapple, though the latter gets lost in the former. 6.9

manoachocolate.com

One significant item to mention about this bar is the price. At $10.50 for a 1.5 oz. bar, it is pricey. I purchased this bar, plus the bars that will be following over the next number of posts, at Cocova in Washington, D.C. (mentioned in a series of posts I made last year). They were hosting a chocolate tour while I was there, apparently a popular activity in tourist havens. While I do not know of any tour that takes San Francisco visitors around to our local chocolate makers, I do know that Tcho and Dandelion make tours available.