Comments on: Dark Chocolate Taste Test

By: Margarida

Margarida — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:45:25 +0000

I eat a small piece of Cote d’Or (86%) everyday. I have a bar sitting by my desk and each day I take a small square. Here’s to a healthy heart. :)

By: Kath Lockett

Kath Lockett — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 06:24:00 +0000

Cote d’Or is definitely a winner – in both our books. Actually, a ‘blind tasting’ party would be fun, regardless of how knowledgeable the tasters are.

By: Ashleigh

Ashleigh — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:52:17 +0000

Here are a few more subjective thoughts and recollections:

- The “Luxury Dark Chocolate” was the Kinnertons: http://www.chocablog.com/reviews/kinnerton-luxury-dark-chocolate/

- There are significant differences in the amount on vanilla used by different makers. One really stood out, I’m pretty sure it was the Schwarze Herren (which for those of you in Europe I can really recommend, it’s apparently very readily available). The amount of vanilla is one of those things that can be really hard to spot until you try a few side-by-side.

- There is an astonishing range of bitter / tannic / mouth-gripping, particularly between the 70% and above darks, so it came as a huge surprise to find just how good the Cote D’Or was. It was comparable to a nice 70%, or even one of the silky smooth 50%’s. And I don’t think my palate was completely ruined to be making that comparison.

- The new Cadbury Old Gold 70% is a nice, inoffensive chokky that will not set everybody on fire with excitement, nor will it offend. If you want to put out something that pretty much everybody could enjoy, this has a lot going for it. My oldest son was cursing me the other day: “You have ruined me! I don’t like milk chocolate any more! I’d some more of that Old Gold! Ruined, I am, and it’s all YOUR fault!”

- Comparing a chilli and a ceyenne side-by-side was very interesting. The chilli can be a bit on the powerful side, a bit too “smack in the chops”. The cayenne is milder, and I found it more enjoyable. For those who like the chilli, up to a point, and then get put off by it, seek out a cayenne and give that go.

By: Christine

Christine — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:13:08 +0000

Ashleigh’s ‘strip yer mouth’ description is very apt! I’ve avoided 85%+ after trying Lindt’s version but this one sounds much better. Will have to give it a go…

By: per

per — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:39:31 +0000

… oh, I’m so glad to see Cote d’Or get the love.

… one of my favorites.

By: Ashleigh

Ashleigh — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:29:00 +0000

Go for it.

Its plenty of fun, but harder work than you’d think!

By: Maggie

Maggie — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:41:05 +0000

Blind chocolate tasting? Sounds like good fun. D’you mind if I use the idea for the next chocolate meetup in my area? I’s not copyrighted, is it? ;)