Thursday, October 31, 2013

Santander Columbia 53% cacao

Sweet. This bar has more sugar in this bar than the 70% cacao bars I mostly taste, and it does come through. There is also a smoky-maple flavor that adds a bitter-sweet aspect. The aftertaste is more sweet than bitter. 7.7

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Ritual Madagascar 2011 75% cacao


Very nice flavor profile. This is a typical Madagascar chocolate. Typical, that it, when the the bar is well made. Bright, fruity flavors (some cherry, some raisin, some citrus), moderate bitterness, clean aftertaste.  Very crisp snap when breaking the bar. 8.4

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Valhrona Venezuela El Pedregal 2012 64% cacao

With a 64% cocoa content, this bar has low bitterness and a gentle profile. There is some nutmeg flavor, but cocoa is the dominant theme. Clean, but short, aftertaste. 7.9

Monday, October 7, 2013

Alce Nero Costa Rica 71% cacao

Noticeable bitterness on initial taste, but the aftertaste is easy and clean. Honey flavor is underlying the cocoa. 7.1

Just noticed that I also reviewed this bar in 2011. I rated it a bit higher than I do now, and I mention orange notes that I'm not tasting now.