Manufacturer: Taza
Cocoa Content: 70%
Location: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B
Today's chocolate tasting is something a little different. We have Taza 70% Chocolate Mexicano "puck" on the tasting block today. This is a disc of stone-ground Dominican dark chocolate. The chocolate is a deep reddish-brown in color. It has a firm, slightly crumbly snap to it with lots of small crystals visible along the snap line. The nose has cocoa with notes of plum and black currant.
The palate leads off with a liqueur note. It then moves to s fruity acidity with hints of plum, nectarine and some citrus. There is a fudgy undertone of brownie batter, Chewing the Tazo 70% disc brings forward notes of marshmallow and sour cherries. The texture is very course with a gritty texture and lots of crunchy crystals. The finish has stone fruit that fades to toffee, caramel and finally a bitter espresso note that takes some time to fade in.
As far as snacking chocolate goes, the Taza Chocolate Mexicano disc is a totally different experience from a textural standpoint. It is very coarse and almost crunchy with the smount of crystals present. The flavor is really nice, with a bright fruitiness and a nice cocoa richness. While I don't think I will be snacking on this again, I really can't wait to try this in a hot chocolate.
Showing posts with label Dominican Republic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dominican Republic. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Amano Dos Rios 70% Dark Chocolate
Keywords:
Amano,
Dark Chocolate,
Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: Amano
Cocoa Content:70%
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A
Up for tasting today is the Dos Rios, a 70% dark chocolate bar of Dominican origin by American chocolate maker Amano. The chocolate bar is mahogany in color with a reddish-orange tint. Snapping off a piece of the bar releases a distinctive citrus aroma that is the first hint that there is something unique with this chocolate. The palate first detects this distinct citrus character (reminiscent of Earl Grey tea), which is followed by woody notes and clove. The Dos Rios has a moderate, balanced acidity which leads to notes of bing cherry and pomegranate. Undertones of caramel and black pepper play a complimentary role as well.
Chewing the Amano Dos Rios bar brings forward notes of orange peel, vanilla and sweet cherries. The Dos Rios has a thick, creamy mouthfeel with just the faintest amount of grittiness. The finish is dominated by fruit with a touch of bitter and roasted notes, akin to peach cobbler chased with a shot of espresso. The powerful citrus note seems to linger forever on the palate as the finish fades.
Amano has a real standout chocolate here with their Dos Rios dark chocolate bar. The distinct citrus note is supported by a nice woody spice. Amano has really nailed the level of acidity on this one as well. Any more and the fruit would be overpowering; any less and it would be flat. I've had other chocolates with notably distinct flavors, but none have had the balance and complexity that the Dos Rios has. The flavors here are just crying out to have Granny Smith apple slices dipped in it. Too bad this bar won't last long enough for me to try that out...
Cocoa Content:70%
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A
Up for tasting today is the Dos Rios, a 70% dark chocolate bar of Dominican origin by American chocolate maker Amano. The chocolate bar is mahogany in color with a reddish-orange tint. Snapping off a piece of the bar releases a distinctive citrus aroma that is the first hint that there is something unique with this chocolate. The palate first detects this distinct citrus character (reminiscent of Earl Grey tea), which is followed by woody notes and clove. The Dos Rios has a moderate, balanced acidity which leads to notes of bing cherry and pomegranate. Undertones of caramel and black pepper play a complimentary role as well.
Chewing the Amano Dos Rios bar brings forward notes of orange peel, vanilla and sweet cherries. The Dos Rios has a thick, creamy mouthfeel with just the faintest amount of grittiness. The finish is dominated by fruit with a touch of bitter and roasted notes, akin to peach cobbler chased with a shot of espresso. The powerful citrus note seems to linger forever on the palate as the finish fades.
Amano has a real standout chocolate here with their Dos Rios dark chocolate bar. The distinct citrus note is supported by a nice woody spice. Amano has really nailed the level of acidity on this one as well. Any more and the fruit would be overpowering; any less and it would be flat. I've had other chocolates with notably distinct flavors, but none have had the balance and complexity that the Dos Rios has. The flavors here are just crying out to have Granny Smith apple slices dipped in it. Too bad this bar won't last long enough for me to try that out...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Dagoba Conacado (73% Cocoa)
Keywords:
Dagoba,
Dark Chocolate,
Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: Dagoba
Cocoa Content: 73%
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B+
Today's tasting is the Conacado 73% cocoa dark chocolate bar from Dagoba. Dagoba is part of Hershey's Artisan Confection brand, joining Sharffen Berger and Joseph Schmidt in 2006. The Conacado bar breaks with a crisp snap revealing crimson/ruby streaks over the deep mahogany colored bar.
On the palate the Conacado bar has a rich chocolate/cocoa note up front. Acidity builds to a moderate level with flavors of blackberries and oranges. Faint flavors of hazelnut and black pepper sit in the background with a light roasted note. Chewing the Dagoba Conacado opens up notes of vanilla, strawberry, marshmallow and lemonade. The Conacado has a creamy, thick texture that coats the tongue well. The finish has black pepper and roasted notes with a acid note that fades leaving a faint bitter note and spice.
The Dagoba Conacado doesn't have the biggest diversity of complex flavors here. Despite that, this is a very enjoyable bar that is a good dark chocolate for snacking.
Cocoa Content: 73%
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B+
Today's tasting is the Conacado 73% cocoa dark chocolate bar from Dagoba. Dagoba is part of Hershey's Artisan Confection brand, joining Sharffen Berger and Joseph Schmidt in 2006. The Conacado bar breaks with a crisp snap revealing crimson/ruby streaks over the deep mahogany colored bar.
On the palate the Conacado bar has a rich chocolate/cocoa note up front. Acidity builds to a moderate level with flavors of blackberries and oranges. Faint flavors of hazelnut and black pepper sit in the background with a light roasted note. Chewing the Dagoba Conacado opens up notes of vanilla, strawberry, marshmallow and lemonade. The Conacado has a creamy, thick texture that coats the tongue well. The finish has black pepper and roasted notes with a acid note that fades leaving a faint bitter note and spice.
The Dagoba Conacado doesn't have the biggest diversity of complex flavors here. Despite that, this is a very enjoyable bar that is a good dark chocolate for snacking.
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