Kim's Chocolates Cachet Costa Rica 71% cocoa

An easy-to-approach chocolate. Slight bitterness that supports the main flavor. There's a faint undertone that reminds me of waffles, but the main flavor is basic dark chocolate. Aftertaste is clean. 7.3

www.kimchoc.be

Rogue Chocolatier Hispaniola (Dominican Republic) 70% cocoa

This bar has exciting taste -- it will wake you up and get you going. There's a hint of pepper, some cherry, some citrus. Smooth finish with a clean aftertaste that matches the main flavors. Well done! 8.3

Rogue Chocolatier Sambirano (Madagascar) 70% cocoa

A lively chocolate, rich in citrus flavor and other tastes. The label suggests "rum raisin" and "toast" -- I can taste the former, though the latter eludes me. The bar has the right balance of bitterness -- supportive of the flavor mix, not predominant. There's a very nice aftertaste, with the citrus notes carrying the strongest part. 8.5

www.roguechocolatier.com

Godiva Extra Dark Santo Domingo 85% Cacao

This bar confronts you with a chalky texture on first taste. Not heavily bitter, but certainly bitter enough. Beyond these reactions, this chocolate does not have other dimensions present. Complex? Spicy? Berry? I'm not getting it. 5

Droste Superior Extra Dark 75% cocoa

Slightly bitter, about the right amount. No noticeable side flavors -- possibly a faint nutty note. A A respectable bar of dark chocolate, not an outstanding one. 6.8

The bar is pleasingly better than the 72% cocoa Droste Pastilles that I tasted in an earlier post.

A sweet time in San Francisco this Saturday, March 20th

This Saturday is the fourth annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon at Fort Mason. Details from the event organizers can be found at: http://www.sfchocolatesalon.com/

Last year I posted my impressions from the event, which you can find at:
http://chococheck.blogspot.com/2009/05/in-march-i-attended-san-francisco.html

I hope to make it this year too -- see you there!

Trader Joe's the dark Chocolate Lover's Cocolate Bar 85% cacao

You had better like dark chocolate with this bar. It's an in-your-face high cocoa chocolate, with attention getting bitterness that reminds me of chewing a coffee bean. There is some cherry flavor buried deep within, but you will need to be patient to get it. Nicely made, but more robust than I prefer. 6