Stonegrindz Ecuador Esmeraldas 70% cacao

On first tasting the fruity profile of this chocolate is evident, reminiscent of plum with a slight hint of raisin. The label suggests jasmine as a flavor note, and I do recognize this floral aspect, though it is quite subtle. The aftertaste is sweet and smooth with a gradual tail off. 9.7

www.stonegrindz.com 

The label sports a Bronze award from the 2019 International Chocolate Awards, World. This is quite appropriate for this well made, flavorful bar. I have had experience with "stone ground" bars in the past and I do not prefer the rough texture of those bars, so I was initially put off by the name of this bar's maker, "Stonegrindz." However Jack at Chocolate Covered assured me that this was not a stone ground bar, and indeed it is not.

Goodnow Farms Costa Rica Coto Brus 73% cacao

This bar has a bright burst of flavor with the first taste. The flavor is fruity, echoing raspberry and plum. The bitterness is low to mild, though the aftertastes ends with a bitter tinge. The overall experience is excellent.  9.6

Sirene Mexico Soconusco 73% cacao

This is a robust, bold flavored bar, with a big earthy and roasted taste profile. The roasted aspect tends towards charcoal and the earthiness borders on dirt. Bitterness is high and the aftertaste is long. The texture of the bar is slightly grainy as it melts.  7.2

www.sirenechocolate.com

The label includes a note which explains that the grainy texture is due to a hot roast used to make this chocolate.

The bar also has a nice mold design.

Cacaosuyo Peru Cuzco 70% cacao

This bar makes a strong entrance, with bracing cacao flavor, edging towards nuttiness. The aftertaste is lightly bitter and lingering.  9.0

www.cacaosuyo.com

This is the first bar from Cacaosuyo I have tasted. The wrapping is nicely done, with notes about the Incas and the importance of cacao to them.

Palette de Bine Trinidad Le Réunion 70% cacao

This bar is very flavorful, having cherry flavor with a jammy texture. The bar is quite thin, contributing to the dissolve which brings out the flavors. Aftertaste is short but sweet. 9.1

Escazú Venezuela Trincheras 70% cacao

This bar has a stark and bitter initial taste. The profile is roasted, with coffee and charcoal notes. The aftertaste is length and dry. 7.2

Escazú Venezuela Piaroa 73% cacao

This bar has a dark cherry flavor with a slight tang reminiscent of spice cake.  It is fairly dry in the mouth, which usually results from a high cacao content, though this bar is mild at 73%. Aftertaste is lengthy and echoes the spicy element. 8.0