Solstice Venezuela Canoabo 70% cacao

Sharp and bitter, this bar has interesting flavors. The sharpness appears to come from a citrus flavor thread. The bitterness is all cacao. Fairly robust aftertaste with some small amount of chalkiness.  7.5

I have been recovering from a cold, and am sensitive that my condition may affect how the bar tastes to me. So take my rating and comments with a grain of salt. I'll look for an oppotrunity to taste this bar again in the future.

Solstice Uganda Bundibugyo 70% cacao

This bar has an upright profile. Strong but gentle. The label mentions "blackberry and fig" flavors. I taste the former but not the latter. The finish is clean and carries the flavor with it. 8.9

Solstice Bolivia Palos Blancos 70% cacao

A panoply of flavors immediately present themselves when tasting this bar. Maple and cherry are most notable, but the mix is engaging. No bitterness, and the aftertaste is short and sweet. 9.

I purchased this bar during a trip to Berkely at Chocolatier Blue. I also purchase three other Solstice bars, which I will be reviewing in future posts.

solticechocolate.com

Trader Joes Ecuador 65% cacao

This bar has the same granular texture that I have noticed with stoned ground chocolates, though this is not described as "stone ground". The cocoa flavor is very robust, overarching any side flavors that may be present. 6.7

Thomas Haas Intense 79% cocoa

Intense indeed! This bar attacks the mouth with cocoa and bitterness. The aftertaste echoes with the incursion, with the cocoa diminishing and the bitterness persisting. There is no chalkiness, and the side-flavors lean to the nutty and earthy side. 7.9

Thomas Haas Wild 67% cocoa

This is a gentle bar, with a rich palette of flavors: raisin, cherry, orange, and more. The aftertaste is warm and carries the flavors along. 9.2