We were surprised
and delighted to receive 3 chocolate bars to sample for Gaby’s birthday a few
weeks ago. For the next few weeks, we
will be reviewing these. This week, we
have a 73% bar from France. It is a
handmade, artisanal brand from the Southwestern region. The cacao beans were sourced from Ecuador,
Ghana, and New Guinea. Remember, just
because beans aren’t single origin doesn’t mean a chocolate bar’s quality
should be dismissed!
Bovetti Chocolatier, Dark Chocolate with Coconut, 73% (we couldn't find this exact bar on Amazon, but this one with Jasmine flowers looks divine!)
Initial
Impressions:
As you can see in
the photo above, the Bovetti bar is solid and dense looking. It has a rich, earthy smell with notes of
coconut. The color is very dark, not at
all red like the base bar. The snap on
this bar is firmer than the base bar, but still soft. It is a very thick bar of chocolate, at least
25% thicker than the Guittard bar. The underside
of the bar showcases a robust coating of coconut flakes, which stand out in
beautiful, stark contrast to the rich, dark tones of the chocolate.
Flavor
Profile:
Initial – Vanilla, nutty
Middle – Dairy
After – Earthy, coconut
Texture:
The first bite of
this is firm and it quickly begins to melt in your mouth. It then becomes smooth and enveloping, like a
comforting hug. Pleasant bits of coconut add a chewy dimension towards the finish
of the bite, making it a subtle and complimentary addition.
Overall:
The coconut in this
bar harmonizes with the chocolate and is neither overpowering nor absent when
tasting. The chocolate is rich and
indulgent, reminiscent of velvety drinking chocolate. This bar is much more satisfying than our
base bar and supremely comforting. A warning:
you won’t be able to stop after one square of the Bovetti Dark Chocolate with
Coconut bar.
Rating: 8.5/10
*Notes:
Purchased at Central Market
Price range under $10
Stop by next week,
when we review a minimally processed, stone ground, organic bar crafted in Massachusetts!
For now savor: “Like love, chocolate is always a
delight to receive or to give.” – Mary Jane Finsand
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