Dandelion Domincan Republic Zorzal Estate 2018 Harvest 70% cacao

There is a bitter edge to this bar on initial tasting. The flavors are predominatly roasted, with coffee and charcoal elements. This profile softens with time into a toffee taste. The aftertaste is extended. 8.2

This 2018 harvest bar differs significantly from my description of the 2016 harvest bar.  Compare with Dandelion Dominican Republic Zorzal 70% cacao.

Kasama Ecuador Costa Esmeraldas 70% cacao

The taste that stands out initially with this bar is a rich, warm chocolate, with some cherry flavor with a spice cake kick. The aftertaste is moderate with low bitterness. 7.9

Twenty-Four Blackbirds Madagascar Bejofo Estate 75% cacao

This bar has a dense, bitter initial taste. This leads to a caramel flavor with some cooked pudding aspect. The after taste is lengthy and the bitterness carries through. 7.0

Twenty-Four Blackbirds Tanzania Kokoa Kamili 75% cacao

This bar is a dense chocolate, likely due to its higher than average cacao content. After some melting in the mouth, side flavors emerge. A mix of dried cherry and caramel are suggested at this stage. The aftertaste is flat and somewhat bland, leaving some puckeryness. 7.1

www.twentyfourblackbirds.com

Firetree Madagascar Sambirano Valley 84% cacao

The high cacao content of this bar results in a dense composition which is slow to dissolve on tasting. The bitterness is not extreme, but is sufficiently strong to challenge side flavors. Those flavors are faintly fruity with a dominant toasted residue. Aftertaste is lengthy and fairly bitter. 7.0

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, unrefined sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin

www.firetreechocolate.com

White Label Bolivia Tranquilidad 72% cacao

The introductory taste of the bar is a smooth chocolate. The side flavors are hazelnut with a hint of toffee. The aftertaste is gentle and sweet. 9.2

Tasting this bar shortly after the Letterpress Tranquilidad bar allows for a comparison. Both bars have a gentle taste profile, not harsh or bitter. The couple of percent additional cacao in this White Label bar does not change this aspect.

Letterpress Bolivia Tranquilidad 70% cacao

This bar has a creamy, sweet texture. There is a touch of maple in the flavor. The aftertaste is brief and gentle. 9.5

The label explains that Tranquilidad is a "Designated Heirloom Cacao" by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund. It is a quite flavorful bar, and the creamy sweetness provides the tranquility implied by its name.