Valrhona Ampamakia 64% (Madagascar)

Where have thou been, deerest sweet
twas far too long, since our last meet
Valrhona hence bridgeth the soul
Certainly not a lump of coal

This is my first taste of Valrhona. In working through this bar over the past few days, I've found a very good chocolate bar, with some sophistication to it. All the basics are intact -- consistent color, good snap, smooth appearance and texture. But the greatness is locked in the bar.

For a 64% (min) bar, there is very litle bitter taste to it. The vanilla is strong, but extremely well balanced with the cacao, creating a very edible bar that can be enjoyed on its own, or paired with either sweet or salty. A semi-sweet aftertaste lasts for just a few moments, and ultimately cleans well.

This is a treat - a great bar, and going fast.

At-a-glanceType: Bar
Variety: Dark
Cacao: 64%

Lake Champlain Chocolate: 54% Dark Chocolate

When shall we meet again,
this summer, two thousand ten
maybe never, but we'll remember
the days before September

Here we are on the last unofficial day of summer - and thinking back to relaxed vacation days, Lake Champlain comes to mind. Their chocolates take on a similar personality - relaxed, unassuming and smooth. The 54% in particular is a one that is better known for being an accompaniment than the main course. It will not overpower anything around it, and its hint of sweetness can pair with just about anything, from the simple glass of milk even to an iced tea. Overall, the flavor takes a few moments to show, so enjoy as a great closer after lunch, or as a quick pick-me-up late in the afternoon.

At-a-glance
Type: Bar
Variety: Dark
Cacao: 54%

Lake Champlain makes some great chocolates take a look.

Scharffen Berger 62% SemiSweet

What's in a name?
Sometimes it speaks to tame
Alas we learn the other
half is undercover

I have always loved the Scharffen Berger take on chocolate.
Even their sweet chocolate holds strong and emits not just sweet, but also a smoky robust flavor.
I never, until now, tasted their 62%, semisweet, instead choosing for their 62% dark chocolate mocha.
I was surprised at the strength of this 62%; though labeled semisweet, it is certainly bold enough to satisy those looking for a strong cacao flavor.

Scharffen Berger is remarkably consistent, from first to last bite and across their line.

You can learn more here.
And taste for yourself here.

At-a-glance
Type: Bar
Variety: Dark/Semi-sweet
Cacao: 62%

Green and Black's Dark 70%

Whilst the night fall cometh
thou mouth and stomach
Seek thee a sweet
may it not be discreet

Green and Black's Dark 70% is a treat. A dark that does not overwhelm, which instead invites.
It's bold taste is tempered with a sweet feel of vanilla, the G&B trademark. The 70% certainly opens as a rich dark, but melts smoothly and leaves a sweet taste, making this a very good entry chocolate for those new to darks, and looking for a high quality bar.

Looking for Green and Black's Chocolate? Find where to get yours.

At-a-glance
Type: Bar
Cacao: 70%
Detail: Dark Chocolate Bar

Take a look:

Dan's Chocolate: The Caffeinator

Where art thou, simple pleasure?
You tend my senses as a brilliant treasure.
Hark, Dan has shown the way.
The Caffeinator it is, we say.

I found Dan's Chocolates first in Freeport, ME a few years back. The caffeinator was my first from Dan, and it appeared in bar form. Later, I discovered Dan's Truffles, which are carried at Whole Foods.

The Review:
I've typically enjoyed the Caffeinator after dinner, paired with a simple glass of milk. High Lawn Farms LowFat. The 64% chocolate shell is well balanced, substantial without need for a true bite. Because of the creamy truffle center, the piece plays a bit creamier and less robust as a standard mid60's dark. The ground coffee in the center is not overwhelming, at the risk of being a bit understated when compared to other bars featuring coffee grounds. Put together, this is a fine medium bold chocolate which creates a very smooth experience.

At-a-glance
Type: Truffle
Cacao: 64%
Detail: Dark Chocolate Caffeine Truffle

Want some Dan's Chocolates?