Black v Brown from Chocadores

Sarah from Chocadores kindly sent me samples of the Toscano Brown and Toscano Black to review and taste. So without further ado lets get down to some tasting. 


Background: 
Amedei is chocolate manufacturing company based in Pontedera, in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is renowned as being one of the most expensive chocolates in the world. The company was started by brother and sister team Alessio and Cecilia Tessieri who apparently had no previous experience. Wow!


Since 1990, Alessio and Cecilia have devoted and committed themselves to the search of perfect harmonious tastes, becoming reality in the form of a linear balanced bars or a napolitain shape (tablet of chocolate to be served with coffee), and a soft roundness of a praline. They actually named their company in honor of their Grandmother. The entire production process is followed by dedication and artisan skills such as the selection of the seeds of cocoa, personally done by Amedei in the countries of origin to the manufacturing of the chocolate conducted in the laboratory of Pontedera, under the attentive supervision of Cecilia, Amedei’s maitre chocolatier. Their products range from truffles and pralines to their award wining single origin bars. Their mission in life is to make the best chocolate in the world.

The Packaging: As you would expect coming from Italy packaging at Amedei has plenty of style, simplicity and sophistication. They are probably the Maserati of the chocolate world. These particular squares are probably their most simple in terms of design and I suggest a visit to their site to fully appreciate other beautiful designs. Art meets chocolate or should that be the other way round?


The Chocolate: Amedei source the majority of their chocolate from a Venezuelan region called Chuao. Cacao from this region is thought to be some of the best in the world.

Toscano Brown 32% - Strange name? It sounds so much better in Italian. This particular variety is made from chocolate sourced from Madagascar. I hope that's correct as there is nothing on the packaging. So apologies if I've misled you. The aroma coming from this morsel of milk chocolate is light and slightly woody and not especially strong in terms of cocoa. The taste is definitely creamy and rich with very strong caramel and malty overtones.

Toscano Black 70% - As you would expect there is a much stronger aroma from this chocolate. There is a definite aroma of wood, tobacco and a hint of fruit. Like their packaging their flavours are subtle and sophisticated. The flavours might be subtle but the chocolate is excellent in terms of 'snap' and brilliance of appearance.

These unique chocolates have delicate and slightly understated flavours with,  beautiful presentation and an excellent chocolate finish. I found these difficult to score as it's a bit like critiquing the Mona Lisa. Overall I give both these chocolates 8/10. 

To buy this chocolate and view others visit Chocadores today!

Giant Dark Chocolate Buttons - Chocadores

Chocadores again! They kindly sent two samples of their buttons and I have been given the task of tasting these dark offerings from Peru. Hardly a task but you have to big it up! The other half is out and about so it's time to taste some chocolate.


The Packaging: Please note that the picture I've provided does not show the actual amount of buttons in the pack. Just in case there is any confusion. Chocadores provide these giant buttons in 150g packs and also in Kilner jars holding 300g of chocolate. These buttons are described as being a mix of Criollo and Trinitario beans from Peru and interestingly described as, "a Rainforest Alliance product". There is no Rainforest Alliance logo so I can only assume that this item has not been certified just yet, which is slightly confusing. If you want to find out about the Rainforest Alliance click here.

The Chocolate: This is a 64% dark chocolate from Peru and I have to say that I'm absolutely blown away by anything from Peru so my review may be a little bit biased. But I'll try to stay objective at all times. As soon as you open the packet there are very distinct tobacco and woody aromas coming from these delightful buttons. Like wine aged in oak casks there is that distinct flavour that permeates these wines. You either love them or hate them. Well in this instance I love the flavours coming through. An initial fruitiness that comes through is followed by a small hint of liquorice. The chocolate quickly melts on your tongue keeping your palette fluid and there is only slight dryness at the end. The flavour lasts for ages and just goes on and on. Fantastic!

Buttons unbuttoned!

These buttons are delicious and I have no problem awarding them 9/10 for flavour. I think we need some clarity around the Rainforest Alliance claim though. Priced at £3.75 for 150g plus P&P you can still order these delicious buttons, as their last postal deadline is Tuesday 21st December, 3pm. 


To buy click here


Posted by Richard....

Arricua - 72% Dark Noble Chocolate

Well after all the excitement of today's Grand Prix I need some chocolate to calm me down! Chocadores kindly sent me a bar of Arricua produced by Pamaco the famous Swiss chocolate maker. Not knowing anything about this company I did some research and discovered that Pamaco means roughly 'to melt tenderly'. When you think of Switzerland and chocolate you tend to think of Lindt rather than the little known Pamaco. According to several websites their chocolate is renowned especially for their conching process which can last up to 72 hours.


A little history lesson...In 1879 Rudolphe Lindt invented the "conching" machine, which really improved the quality of chocolate. The word conch was apparently derived from the Latin word that describes the machine's shell-like shape. His conching machine consisted of heavy granite rollers which moved backwards and forwards creating heat and subsequently developing flavours. Not only does it develop flavour but also it takes on a smooth quality, due to a reduction in size of the particles.


The Packaging: UK chocolate makers take note of this packaging! This bar is stylish and put together with the type of precision you would expect from a Swiss watch maker. It really helps to set the scene.

The Chocolate: The Arricua is made from a blend of the Criollo and Arriba cocoa beans grown in Ecuador using Pamaco legendary 72 hour long refining process. The cocoa flavour is enhanced by the intense coffee and liquorice notes. The bar itself is attractively presented with the Pamaco logo placed in the middle of the bar. Can anyone tell me why they have three owls depicted on their chocolate? The bar is beautifully tempered and the outside of the chocolate is smooth as glass. For me Pamaco is not about intense flavours. I'm finding it hard to pick out the coffee and liquorice but the smoothness is almost velvety and the flavour is subtle and long lasting. Like a Swiss banker its smooth and well heeled and everybody likes a little luxury once in a while.

This bar of chocolate is addictive as it is not overpowering and certainly does not leave the mouth dry. In terms of price this excellent bar is fairly reasonable when you consider that it is a hefty 125g which is one of the biggest bars I have seen on the market. At £4.75 for 125g this high quality bar is very reasonable when compared to the competition. Based on a 100g the price equates to £3.80.


I give this bar 8/10 for flavour, 9/10 for packaging and 9/10 for price in comparison to similar bars on the market. You also have to remember that this bar is made with Criollo beans.


To buy this bar please click here BUY NOW