J. D. Gross Madagascar 46%

Having tasted a couple of the Malagasy dark chocolate bars from Madagascar I was compelled to buy this J.D. Gross bar when I saw it in Lidl. Made from the same Sambirano beans as Malagasy use but presented as a high cocoa content milk chocolate, I spotted 10% cream powder in among the ingredients.

Once opened, the chocolate gave off a lovely creamy cocoa aroma, light and yet hinting at hidden depths. It’s milk chocolate, but with a much richer and more complex smell. The same is true for the taste. This chocolate has a depth and intensity that most ‘ordinary’ milk chocolate can’t get close to. Obviously 46% cocoa solids is a huge amount for milk chocolate, but it’s also the choice of Sambirano beans. There is no bitterness at all here, just oodles of lush, creamy cocoa spreading out across the palate . The adddition of cream powder is probably a contributing factor as well – after all, if 1% salt can radically alter the flavour of chocolate, I’m certain 10% cream is going to do a lot for a milk chocolate. Obviously not ‘a glass and a half of full cream milk’ but nevertheless a significant addition.

This bar is further proof that it is possible to get one’s hands on premium quality chocolate at less than premium prices. Of course we’re not talking Master Chocolatier material but this milk chocolate is certainly cut above your average, and at a very reasonable price.

Posted by Simon on 02 Jun 2009 at 11:06 AM | 2 Comments
Filed in Reviews under jd gross, milk, UK