Chapter Five: Russian восхищение 100%

This week we’ll introduce you to the bar that was our inspiration for starting bar hopping [chocolate].  As we mentioned in our first post, Laura discovered this bar while living abroad.    It is a Russian brand, восхищение, which translates to "admiration".  We think you’ll definitely admire this bar after giving it a taste.  As always, we’ll be comparing this to our base bar.

Tasting No. : 3
восхищение, Admiration 100%

Initial Impressions:

When separating the squares, the snap is firmer than our base bar and is so firm it’s audible. The color of this bar is much more brown and has no red tones like our base bar.  This bar is earthy and unadulterated in smell, while our base bar smells much sweeter and can be tasted and is noticeable in how even though it’s dry, it’s still a smooth texture. 

Flavor Profile:

Initial – Very mild and earthy

Middle – Strong acidic and spicy tones  

After – Clean finish

Texture:

This bar’s purity definitely can be tasted and is noticeable in how even though it’s dry, it’s still a smooth texture.  

Overall:

Laura: When I first found this bar, I was skeptical that a 100% chocolate bar would taste good, I had taken the occasional nibble on a bar of generic baking chocolate and so I equated this taste with all 100% chocolate.  My friend recommended it so highly that as a dark chocolate snob, I could no longer resist my curiosity.  The bar was unbelievably delicious, the quality was almost palpable and the chocolate taste was practically perfect.  I love love love this bar dipped in a jar of almond or peanut butter.  Mmmmm.

Rating: 9/10

*Notes:

Purchased outside of the U.S., available on Amazon

Price range under $15

Next week, we’ll dive into a bar of handmade, artisanal chocolate from France given to us as a gift!

For now savor: “Reminiscent of childhood memories, luxury, sweetness and sensuality, chocolate is more than just a food -- it is therapy.” – Christelle Le Ru, Passion Chocolat

Chapter Four: Single Origin Ecuador 65%

Welcome back!  This week, we'll be reviewing a single origin bar from Ecuador, which we found at Trader Joe's.  It is a fair trade bar and 65% cacao.  A single origin chocolate bar is made with cocoa beans from only one country or region.  We love trying single origin bars as they really give the taster a chance to experience the unique flavors of a particular area.  These flavors are influenced by the altitude, climate, environment, water, and soil conditions in that part of the world.

Remember, fairly traded chocolate is a responsible way to support farmers by ensuring that the chocolate that you consume has been bought for a fair price.  By choosing to purchase fair trade chocolate, you can honor the cocoa tree growers and support their way of life which in turn leads to more sustainable chocolate.

Tasting No. 2:

Trader Joe’s Single Origin Ecuador, 65% Cacao Dark Chocolate

Initial Impressions:

The color of this bar was a rich, red brown, comparable to the Guittard, Épique, Bittersweet Blend No. 49, 70%, which we'll refer to from now on as our base bar.  If you didn't read our review on this bar, you can refer here.  Unlike our base bar, we noticed that this bar had a firm snap.

Flavor Profile:

Initial – Nutty

Middle – Spicy

After – Left our mouths feeling drier than base bar

  

Overall:

We found this bar to be notably sweeter than our base bar.  It definitely lacked smoothness and its taste was sharp and slightly acidic in comparison.  While we had high hopes for this bar, it was chalky and seemed like a cheap fix rather than a chocolate bar you'd want to enjoy slowly. 

Rating: 6/10

*Notes:

Purchased at Trader Joe’s

Price range under $4

Check out our post next week where we dive into Laura’s all-time favorite Russian chocolate bar! 

For now, savor: “It was like having a box of chocolates shut in the bedroom drawer. Until the box was empty it occupied the mind too much.” – Graham Greene, The Heart of the Matter

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