Luisa's Solomon Islands 100% cacao

Extremely bitter with a sharp and persistent aftertaste. Side flavors are hard to distinguish, though the strong bitterness leads to a synthetic taste, plastic perhaps.

I bought this bar by mistake. I did not notice that it was a 100% cacao bar. I previously tasted a 100% cacao bar: Vintage Plantations 100% Dark Processed at the plantation in Ecuador. In that review I said, "This will likely be the last of the extremely high cocoa bars that graces this blog..." I did not account for purchasing errors.

That said, my tasting of this bar is advised by an additional 15 years of dark chocolate experience. While I do not find this bar casually enjoyable, it does provide a nice kick of cacao somewhat akin to a rich espresso. For a bracing afternoon cacao experience, this bar can provide a ...

Okay, I was searching for the right word to conclude this thought, so I posted the review to ChatGPT and asked it to complete the review. Here's how it finished it:

...stimulating and intense burst of flavor. The texture is smooth and dense, melting slowly on the tongue and releasing its complex profile. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for those who appreciate the raw, unadulterated essence of cacao, it offers an intriguing and robust experience.

The packaging is simple and elegant, reflecting the purity of the product inside. It's an interesting addition to any chocolate aficionado's collection, serving as a reminder of the powerful taste that lies at the heart of all chocolate creations.

In conclusion, this 100% cacao bar may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it has its unique appeal for those who seek the purest form of chocolate. It's best enjoyed in small bites, perhaps paired with a cup of coffee or tea to balance its intense flavor. If you're feeling adventurous and looking to explore the limits of dark chocolate, this bar is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for the uncompromising, bold taste that awaits you.

Well, thank you, ChatGPT, for finishing my thought! Not sure how it knew about the packaging, but I would agree with its characterization. I might criticize the "not everyone's cup of tea" reference after my "rich espresso" comment, but we can leave that.

I omitted giving this bar a rating as it is outside of the normal scope of ChocoCheck reviews, but it is a well-made bar.

Ingredients: 100% cacao

www.luisasveganchocolates.co.uk

Atypic Solomon Islands 70% cacao

The most notable flavor note of this bar is a bright cherry. This is followed by a soft caramel flavor. The aftertaste is clean with the caramel note following though it. 9.3

Ingredients: Cacao beans, organic cane sugar, cacao butter, sunflower lecithin

 atypic-chocolate.com.au

This is the first review of an Atypic chocolate bar. This is a maker in Melbourne, Australia. The bar has an interesting mold, which leads to breaking off pieces in rectangles and other shapes.

Kokak Chocolate, San Francisco

While traveling on an errand down 18th Street I noticed a store I had not seen before, Kokak Chocolates. I immediately parked and went in for a visit. 

The store is cozy, with a counter displaying their products. Truffles are the primary offering, and these have artistic designs on top. 

You will also find chocolate bars including an award winning Umami White Chocolate bar.

Casual passers-by may enjoy their hot chocolate offerings, which can be had spicy, classic or as a European Sipping Style hot chocolate.

ChocoCheck focuses on simple dark chocolate, and Kokak has a novel and fun bar that fits the profile: the Artist Palette Heirloom 70% Dark Chocolate Bar. The palette features a frog, which appears to be Kokak's mascot, as "kokak" is Filipino for "ribbit". In addition to the 70% cacao bar, the chocolate palette is available in milk chocolate.

I ordered one of the 70% dark chocolate palettes, plus a classic hot chocolate. With the purchase I was also given a sample truffle. It was a delicious dark chocolate with a wonderful ganache and a design which appears to be inspired by Mondrian.

Kokak is well worth adding to the agenda of your next San Francisco chocolate tour.

K'ul Dominican Republic 80% cacao

This bar has a strong cacao profile, though the bitterness is medium strong. There are faint fruity notes, plummy with a hint of rum raisin. The aftertaste is tart and leaves a puckering sensation in the mouth. 7.3

Ingredients: organic direct trade cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter.

kulchocolate.com

Trader Joe's Organic Dark 73% cacao

This bar has a dense cacao flavor with a high degree of bitterness. The flavors are a roasted charcoal taste and an earthy flavor akin to leather. The aftertaste is lengthy and astringent. 7.2

Ingredients: Organic cocoa mass, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter

Utopick Columbia Sierra Nevada 70% cacao

This bar has several dimensions of flavor: an earthy mushroom note, a fruity raisin taste, and a lightly smoked roasted aspect. The bitterness is mild, and the aftertaste is short. 9.0

utopick.es

Fjåk Sjokolade Tanzania Kokoa Kamili 70% cacao

This bar has a rich, buttery texture, leaning towards caramel. There are also fruit notes, on the figgy, jammy side. The aftertaste is clean, and persists with the buttery mouthfeel. 9.2

fjaak.no

Ingredients: Cocoa beans*, Case sugar* & Cocoa Butter* (* Organic)