Description
TASTING NOTES
The beans from Guatemala’s Polochic Valley have a natural flavour profile of deep red fruit and caramel. Fresco Chocolate has then made two batches – the only difference being the length of roast. This Light Roast bar (shorter roast) builds on the red berry foundation with light hints of strawberries and crackers. The Dark Roast, on the other hand, has notes of blackcurrant and fig. See for yourself here.
ABOUT THE MAKER
Based among the beautiful inlets and mountains between Seattle and Vancouver, Fresco Chocolate aims to apply the scientific method to chocolate making. Rob Anderson, a computer scientist from Southern California, founded the business in 2010 after a series of inspirational visits to the legendary Scharffen Berger chocolate factory in Berkeley. His experiments change one variable at a time: origin, cocoa percentage, roast time, conche time. Many craft makers do the same before picking their favourite combination and sticking with it. But not Rob. Rob is unique in releasing many variations, so you can see for yourself the profound impact such subtle changes can have on the final flavour.
THE BEANS
The beans in this bar were grown in Guatemala’s Polochic Valley, an area of outstanding beauty that has been ransacked in recent years to make way for monocultures of sugar cane and palm oil. Though farmers in the valley have been growing cocoa for many years, their beans were only exported for the first time in 2016. By supporting their agriculture, you can help them hold onto their livelihood in the face of increasingly destructive agribusinesses.
Zoe D. –
Strong aroma of jam and berries.
Distinct flavours of strawberry jam, red fruits, caramel and a hint of cream. Sweet with a clear flavour wave. Delicious!
To appreciate all of the flavours within this bar, I think it is best consumed on it’s own. However, pairing it with Zotter 70/30 dark style milk accentuated the jam flavours and made it seem “lighter”. Paired with Solstice Ecuador, the dark fruits and caramel become more prominent.
Steven F. –
Bought this bar to compare with the dark roast
This is lovely chocolate, clean and fine tasting
It’ll have you sucking the chocolate trying to place the many flavours
This light roast has a hint of delicate sweetness
Ben S. –
This is a beautiful, balanced bar that releases gentle flavours gradually.