I picked up a bar of Chococard’s Nica La Dalia, 72% this week, £7.95/80g. Chococard is a Hungarian bean-to-bar maker, founded in 2011 by wife and husband Izabella and Zoltán. The name comes from their first bar, which was designed so a postcard could be put in it.
This is a bar with no demarcations, I love its simplicity. It also means it’s up to you how much you want to break off: a lesson in restraint or indulgence, your choice. The beans are from Nicaragua and this bar is beautifully flavoursome, quite fruity but with a creamy, peppery finish.
Their 76% Colombian Kutunsama, £7.95/80g is only 3% more in cocoa content but, of course, a different bean (Colombia, it’s all in the name). Much earthier and a bit more grownup, this had a finish which was great value – I could still taste it half an hour later (this is a compliment).
By the time I’d tasted those two, it was still only 10.30 in the morning. Eating dark chocolate is a bit like smoking was for me (don’t do it kids), not something I could do first thing.
But I was on a roll. So I then opened a bar of Firetree 73% single-estate from the Philippines Mindanao Island, £3.75/70g (this is amazing value for such a good bar). I have to admit the wrapper attracted me, with its blaze of orange hues.
That and the tasting notes also which promised citrus, honey and caramel. The taste of honey was strong and carried a heavy cocoa content with ease.
These are all lovely bars to see you into autumn and beyond.
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