Chapter Twenty-Four: Marou Tien Giang 70% Single Origin Bar

This week's bar comes by way of a charming gent who made it his mission to gift us chocolate brands that we had yet to review. The Marou Tien Giang Dark Chocolate bar is our first tasting from Vietnam. The highlights of this bar are the high cacao content of 70% as well as the single origin. By what we could glean from the packaging and website, it is a fair trade and organic bar, although not certified. We were impressed to learn that the cacao is grown in a co-op and we hope that the company goes on to take the next steps to certify their product as fair trade.

Tasting No. :22

Marou Tien Giang 70% Single Origin Dark Chocolate

Initial Impressions:

This bar is a rich brown in comparison to the base bar which is more reddish brown. The aroma was spicy and earthy while the comprehensive flavor of the bar was light and fresh. The bite and snap of this bar were both firm. While we were tasting this bar, we were reminded of the TCHO bar we reviewed which was deep and fudgy in the backs of our mouths and throats. The tasting experience of this bar was completely different with its flavor explosion happening in the front of our mouths and upper taste regions. Yes, we laughed too when we re-read that last part, but remember chocolate tasting can be a sensual experience.
 

Flavor Profile:

Initial – floral

Middle – earthy, smoky, anise, cinnamon 

After – nutty, earthy, fudgy

Texture:

This bar was slightly gritty and then smooth, melting easily over our tongues.

Overall:
We both enjoyed this bar and think that it would make a lovely gift. The price point is affordable while the packaging and quality of the bar remain uncompromised. It is an impressive and unusual brand, which we believe would resonate as a thoughtful and indulgent treat.  We chose different drinks for our tasting; Gaby had a mug of hot English tea with milk and honey while Laura had a full-bodied red wine - both paired deliciously.

Rating: 8 /10

(Our utmost apologies for the not-so-perfect chocolate bar in this photo, we simply couldn't resist a nibble before the photo!)

*Notes:

Available at Central Market

Price range under $10

Next week we'll be trying another gift; this one brought to us all the way from France! Join us.


For now savor: “When we don't have the words chocolate can speak volumes." - Joan Bauer