Chocolarder Peru, Cuencas 72% cacao

The primary taste of this bar has a molasses aspect, slightly roasted. Next in line is a buttery texture with some caramel notes. The aftertaste is clean, gradually diminishing. 9.0

www.chocolarder.com

Beyond Good Madagascar 70% cacao

There is a rough texture to this bar, though it diminishes after a time. The primary flavor is cherry, though there is a hint of synthetic taste mixed in. The aftertaste is clean and has average duration. 6.8

I have previously review a Beyond Good bar of Madagascar origin, and I notice that I mentioned a synthetic taste in that bar as well: Beyond Good Madagascar 80% cacao I notice that the previous label was fairly subtle and clean, whereas this bar has huge lettering, contrasting colors, and graphics showing the location of the origin and manufacture. Clearly they decided to amp up their shelf impact.

I appreciate their goal to work closely with local farmers and manufacture their chocolate close to the source, but the results are not yet at the level of more highly rated bars I have tasted.

Likklemore Jamaica 70% cacao

This colorful bar has a slightly chalky texture, but that does not distract from the flavor. There is a buttery aspect which leans towards caramel, and it has a balsamic note giving it a flavor boost. The aftertaste lingers, due perhaps to the rough texture. 7.8

www.likklemorechocolate.com

Ingredients: Cocao nibs, cane sugar, cocoa butter. All-natural colors derived from plants, fruits & vegetables.

The ingredient reference of colors is due to the decorative surface of the bar. It does not appear to alter or interfere with the taste of the chocolate, but does add a festive touch.

 

Rózsavölgyi Csokoládé Peru 100% cacao

I do not review 100% cacao bars, but I purchased this bar by mistake. Chocolate without any sugar to balance the taste is generally chalky and extremely bitter.  However this bar has almost no chalkiness and quite tolerable bitterness. Of course the aftertaste persists quite long, and side flavors are almost completely missing. Peruvian cacao often has fruit notes and there are some hiding behind the dominating cacao taste, but they cannot fully emerge. There will be no rating for this bar, but well done, Rózsavölgyi Csokoládé!