Let me start by saying that I have been trying to find a really good 70% or higher chocolate for over 20 years. I have tried extra dark chocolates from all over the world including Belgium. I think it would be a huge underestimation to say that 85% of them have a burnt, bitter taste with the bitter lingering on the palate long after the chocolate is gone. I truly hate that last part. After such a long history of disappointment I was expecting more of the same but forged ahead in hopes of one day hitting the jackpot,
Well, I did! This is a surprisingly smooth, rich chocolate, much smoother than I've ever had from an over 70% chocolate, with the wonderful dark burst of full bodied chocolate. There is a slight bitterness that you expect from something that is 77% cacao but the bitterness has left your mouth the minute the chocolate does. Isn't that a surprise! You know what I'm talking about. There is no burnt taste and the chocolate is rich. I know I am repeating myself but those of us who love extra dark chocolate do not expect rich nor smooth. Waxy is one of the most common adjectives I associate with extra darks. For those of you who drink red wine this chocolate would be the equivalent to an excellent full bodied cabernet or even a shiraz.
Because of earlier comments about shipping in summer, let me say that I received this on a 100 degree day. The box of bars was packaged with what had been a frozen gel pack then put into an aluminum foil looking bubble pack to keep the heat out. Finally it was placed into a tight regular bubble wrap bag and sent Priority Mail. The chocolate is in perfect condition, just as though I had bought it in a store.
So, in conclusion, I say with great joy that my 20 year search is over. THIS is what I have been looking for for all of these years and I will most definitely be a regular customer.
Cocoa Liquor, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin.
