Chocolate has put me to the test lately: slow distributors, fast selling stocks, last-second changes… I almost had it all! But most important is, all pieces are finally joined together. I think the booklet and detail sheets will make it all in all a nice package and look really nice. And on top of it all, I believe it’s a nice selection of chocolate bars to introduce you to a new level of Cacao appreciation.
From the plethora of bars on display at The Salon du Chocolat in Paris, I’ve made a modest selection that takes you on an imaginary tour of the cacao growing belt:
Michel Cluizel takes us to the Sambirano valley in Madagascar and to the Dominican Republic, where we experience an entirely different character from the same brand. Francois Pralus leads the way to Brazil and demonstrates – together with AMMA Chocolates – how similar beans can be mastered in different ways. Finally, Bonnat takes us back to the heart of fine cacao: his Venezuelan masterpieces from the mythical Chuao cacao beans.
I hope this selection pushes you forth into the exploration of real, original chocolate. Whether you’re in for trying different regions, different percentages or different ways of production – that’s entirely up to you. As long as you’re having fun, you can discover anything you want in a great chocolate bar.
With the sampler I hope your fine origin discoveries will only make you hungry for more!… 
As one of the buyers noted “The mere looks of the sampler are already so impressive that sharing is definitely not an option”
It took me one bite to fall in love with it: the François Pralus Brésil bar. Dark, smoky and complex. Just like my favourite Islay whiskies. I should try this bar with a nice Ardbeg or Laphroaig.
This is my top 3:
1. François Pralus Brésil
2. Michel Cluizel Los Anconès
3. Bonnat Chuao
Though the extremely fruity Mangaro bar surprised me (I didn’t know chocolate could taste like that), I didn’t feel the urge to have another chunk. A bit too fruity for my likes.
Anyway, tnx for this wonderful chocolate experience!
thanx for sharing this Tom!
Wonderfull how you try to match up and compare with your whisky passion, and watch you discover this new level of chocolate all the way