Chapter Three: Base Bar

Finally, the wait is over!  Onward to the chocolate tasting… 

(If you haven’t read our previous post explaining our tasting method, you can find that here)

Our first tasting excursion is a blend from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.  This will be our base bar against which all other bars are compared.  We think it’s a perfect incarnation of quality fair trade chocolate at a very reasonable price. 

Tasting No. 1:

Guittard,Épique, Bittersweet Blend No. 49, 70%

Initial Impressions:

This is a beautiful dark reddish brown bar with a soft snap.

Flavor Profile:

Vanilla

Smoky

Texture:

Smooth

Overall:

We love the smooth consistency of this bar; it has a beautiful bite but is also delicious when savored slowly.  It’s quite satisfying to eat.

Rating: 8/10

*Notes:

Purchased at Central Market

Price range under $5
This bar and brand is one that we would not hesitate to purchase as a gift or recommend to any chocolate lover.

Next week we’ll compare this bar with one we found at Trader Joe’s.  Until then, savor this quote:

"Well folks, it looks like we're up chocolate creek without a popsicle stick." Gingerbread Man, Shrek 2