Cadbury Old Gold 70%
As regular Chocablog readers would know, I have not been a fan of Cadbury’s foray into the ridiculous sounding (and tasting) ‘Desserts’ range using their Dairy Milk chocolate, declaring it a disaster and tasting insultingly inedible. In addition, their ‘Eden’ brand - which is deliberately set up to try and capture a share of the posh-end of the choccie spectrum – has also been eagerly tasted but left me similarly under-whelmed. Thirdly, whilst throwing out the ‘Boysenberry Shortcake’ block in disappointment, I always wondered why Cadders weren’t trying to do more with their ‘Old Gold’ dark chocolate varieties.
Well, bless their sweet little cocoa-flavoured hearts, they’re making a start by releasing a 70% cocoa block under the ‘Old Gold’ banner. Well, it’s better than a start really, more like a home-run on their first try.
This 250g slab of paradise is, quite honestly, the best 70% dark chocolate I have ever tasted. It hits the spot in terms of strength of cocoa flavour but does it with a teasing hint of sweetness and a far smoother texture and mouth feel compared to the sometimes grittier versions in other brands. It melts on the tongue quite easily and somehow has a creamier constitution that doesn’t end with the bitterness sucking out all of the moisture from your mouth.
As you can see from the glamorous shot above, it was sampled (actually, a couple of blocks were ‘sampled’) during a house boat holiday on the Murray River, hence the dodgy Arcopal plate resting on the sensible plastic tablecloth, so my expectations weren’t too high. How completely wrong I was. The other guests on board agreed with me, and ranged in ages from eight to forty eight. This wonderful stuff was enjoyed with steaming cups of tea, freshly-brewed coffee, cold glasses of milk and iced coffee. It also coped with being sampled late at night over an ancient version of Trivial Pursuit, with a glass of Aussie cabernet sauvignon which is unusual for red wine and chocolate to pair up without a bit of a tussle with the tastebuds..
Well done, Cadbury, for making such a magnificent block of chocolate that is not only the most delicious, but also rests firmly – and proudly – in the affordable price range. This can be something that can be eaten as often as your taste buds and waistbands will allow. Boy am I looking forward to winter this year!
Posted by Kath on 28 Mar 2008 at 12:03 PM
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Filed in Reviews under australia, cadbury, dark
March 30, 2008 : 5:01pm
Wow, the best? are you nuts? Cadbury of all things?!?!? That is truly shocking. With a recommendation like that, I must try some. I just picked up some 70% MarieBelle, 65% Sharffen Berger Mocha and Nib flavor, 75% limited edition Sharffen Berger, 82% Sharffen Berger and a %70 Vosges Creole Bar with nibs, coffee and chicory. They are all out of this world.
- The Peanut Butter Boy
March 31, 2008 : 12:05am
Yes, Peanut Butter boy, the best. Cadbury = the best, a rare combination I know. No-one was more surprised than I was!
What brand is MarieBelle and Sharffen Berger? I wonder if they’re available here in Australia
March 31, 2008 : 4:59am
Marie Belle is a chocolate shop in NYC but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it in stores. I thought Sharffen Berger was imported to the US but I don’t think it is. Perhaps it is exported? Sharffen Berger is part of a larger brand, Artisinal Creations or something similar. The company has a more expensive and artistic line under a different name.
I don’t think I can get that Cadbury bar here, or at least I’ve never seen it. I’ll keep my eyes out because 70-80% is my favorite range for chocolate.
- The Peanut Butter Boy
April 1, 2008 : 3:35am
I must admit, I’m also shocked by the Cadbury idea! Another couple great brands to try: E. Guittard (I personally use this brand in all of my confections), Coco Rouge (similar to Vosges, in the same city even, but more artisanal), and Valrhona.
Marie Belle chocolates are available through some retailers, you really have to just find them. Perhaps try getting in touch with them and asking for the nearest location? In my experience, Marie Belle chocolates are beautiful and artistic, but just don’t have the quality of the others.
April 1, 2008 : 10:38pm
thanks for the tip guys - I will try and see if I can find them here in South Oz.
Regards
Kath
April 4, 2008 : 12:19am
I think Guttard is a bit sour for my tastes. I hate when i try a good dark chocolate and it has that sour after taste, i like mine a bit smoother. I found one from a smaller company in the Mid-West, it is a breakup block of dark chocolate (60% cocoa i think)…they also have some good 72% chocolates. all from http://www.chocolatechocolate.com