Marcolini Carre2 Equador Los Rios 78% cacao

Robust, but smooth. Some woody notes. Short aftertaste, with some pucker effect that borders on, but does not cross into, chalkiness. 7.7

Royce Black 63% cocoa

This is a down-the-middle bitter-sweet chocolate bar, smooth cocoa flavor with a clean finish. No side flavors stand out, though the sweetness may have a honey character in its repertoire. 7.1

royceconfectusa.com

This bar was purchased from a friend returning from India while waiting at an airport. We placed it in the chocolate tasting spot near my desk, and it was quickly consumed by the usual suspects.

Kilwins Peru 80% cacao

If you are looking for something sweet, do not buy this bar. You will taste earthy notes in a bitter context, and none of the citrus flavor usually seen in cacao from Peru. Some chalkiness in the astringent aftertaste. 6.8

I purchased this bar from the Kilwins in Annapolis during my Thanksgiving trip east. Last year's review of a Kilwin's single-origin bar can be found at: Kilwins Dominican Republic 80% cacao

Valrhona Venezuela Araguani 72% cacao

Very clean taste, with some nutty undertones. Low bitterness and an aftertaste that keeps the clean profile. 8.4

Mast Brothers Dominican Republic 73% cacao

Fruity, with a cherry/raisin profile, but quite bitter. Some chalkiness in the aftertaste.  7.7

Compare to Mast Brothers Dominican Republic 81% cacao

Perugina Dark Chocolate 51% cacao

A good, but simple, dark chocolate. Cocoa flavor dominates, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. 6.8

Vanini 86% cacao

This bar is very bitter, with a long lasting aftertaste that makes the mouth pucker. Behind the bitter facade is a clean dark chocolate, with few side flavors. A colleague thought she tasted cherries and tannins. 6.7

http://www.vaninicioccolato.it