Michel Cluizel Single-Estate Chocolate Bars
Single-Origin Cacao
Just as single malt Scotch is renowned for having been produced at a single distillery, thereby preserving the uniqueness of that particular estate, so too does chocolate have a similar standard. This style of chocolate is produced by Michel Cluizel chocolatiers under the title of “les Crus de Plantation®”, or Single Plantation bars, meaning all of the cocoa beans originated at the same plantation. This is a complex and detailed process that involves an immense amount of work, but for those who care about their craft like the people at Michel Cluizel do, it’s worth it.
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Plantation Mangaro Madagascar 71% Dark Chocolate Bar
Single-Estate Chocolate from Madagascar
The Mangaro plantation was planted on a former jungle of mango trees. The secret of the singular taste of Mangaro Plantation Chocolate is hidden among the roots of the cocoa trees. It lies in the soil, nourished by mangos for centuries, becoming slowly imbibed with their mild, exotic flavor. The plantation was named in memory of this jungle, once known as Mangamaro: “the place where mangoes are plentiful.”
Plantation Mangaro Madagascar 50% Milk Chocolate Bar
Dark Milk Chocolate with Cocoa from Madagascar
The Mangaro plantation was planted on a former jungle of mango trees. The secret of the singular taste of Mangaro Plantation Chocolate is hidden among the roots of the cocoa trees. It lies in the soil, nourished by mangos for centuries, becoming slowly imbibed with their mild, exotic flavour. The plantation was named in memory of this jungle, once known as Mangamaro: “the place where mangoes are plentiful.”
Tasting notes: dark caramel, exotic fruits, raisins, light honey and hints of gingerbread.
Plantation Mokaya Mexico Organic 75% Dark Chocolate Bar
Where Chocolate, or “Kakawa” Originated
The Mokaya Plantation is situated in the Chiapas region, the cradle of cocoa, which extends to the border of Guatemala. Almost 2000 years before this era, the Mokayas, an fishermen indigenous people, were fond of a drink made from cocoa pulp or seeds: the first “chocolate” in the world, called “kakawa”.
Tasting notes: notes of freshness, mild exotic fruits, honey, roasted almonds and hazelnuts, roasted and peppery fine cocoa, vanilla.
Plantation Los Anconès Dominican Republic Organic 73% Dark Chocolate Bar
Certified Organic Chocolate from the Dominican Republic
In the heart of the Caribbean, to the west of San Francisco de Macoris, the Los Anconès Plantation, situated at the centre of the island at a slight altitude, benefits from the abundant warm rains brought by the trade winds. Since 1903, the Rizek family has cultivated cocoa beans, under the protection of the palm trees, using no pesticides.
Tasting notes: liquorice stick and raw cocoa, tangy notes, hints of green olive, aftermelt of raisins and dried apricots.
Plantation Vila Gracinda São Tomé 73% Dark Chocolate Bar
Single-Estate Chocolate from São Tomé
Located in the Gulf of Guinea in Africa, São Tomé is a small island on the equator. Its volcanic soil and equatorial climate are so much suitable for cocoa trees that São Tomé is nicknamed the “chocolate island”. The nearby Atlantic Ocean sprays on the beans from the Vila Gracinda Plantation a hint of iodine.
Tasting notes: roasted, spiced and woody cocoa, grassy notes, aftermelt of tropical and candied fruits.
El Jardín Colombia 75% Dark Chocolate Bar
Single-Estate Chocolate from Colombia
Located in the Finca El Jardín, in the floodplains of the Ariari river, the El Jardín Plantation extends over 20 hectares. It is protected by an exceptionally luxurious environment that gives the cocoa trees their richness. The name of the El Jardín Plantation evokes the Meta region, which overflows with natural “jardin” of breathtaking beauty.
Tasting notes: hints of honey, caramel, mild tangy notes, roasted cocoa, peppery and woody notes, liquorice notes, minty and fresh.
Plantation La Laguna 70% Dark Chocolate Bar
Single-Estate Chocolate from Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Plantation La Laguna is nestled in the mountainous forest of Alta Verapaz, central Guatemala. The Rio Cahabón waterway crosses the 4,800 ha plantation on its way to La Laguna lake. Water, the source of life, irrigates this natural and protected land, where cocoa trees are grown on the mountainsides at between 475 and 600 metres above sea level.
Tasting notes: plum, roasted cocoa, hot buttered apple, liquorice, tangy notes, tropical pepper, refreshing minty notes.
Plantation La Laguna Guatemala 47% Milk Chocolate
With Guatemalan Cacao
Plantation La Laguna is nestled in the mountainous forest of Alta Verapaz, central Guatemala. The Rio Cahabón waterway crosses the 4,800 ha plantation on its way to La Laguna lake. Water, the source of life, irrigates this natural and protected land, where cocoa trees are grown on the mountainsides at between 475 and 600 metres above sea level.
Tasting notes: cappuccino, hot cocoa, hazelnut, toast, buttery caramel, intense cocoa.
Plantation Riachuelo 70% Dark Chocolate Bar
Single-Estate Chocolate from Brazil
Situated in the Bahia region in Brazil, the Riachuelo Plantation benefits from a lush environment, in the heart of the Atlantic Forest close to the ocean. The cocoa trees are cultivated with respect for the surrounding fauna and flora, composed of numerous exotic trees such as the Massaranduba or the Pau d’Arco.
Tasting notes: roasted cocoa beans, dried fruits and nuts, red currant, aftermelt of fruity sweet pepper and raw cocoa.
Plantation Riachuelo Brazil 51% Milk Chocolate Bar
Single-Estate Chocolate from Brazil
Situated in the Bahia region in Brazil, the Riachuelo Plantation benefits from a lush environment, in the heart of the Atlantic Forest close to the ocean. The cocoa trees are cultivated with respect for the surrounding fauna and flora, composed of numerous exotic trees such as the Massaranduba or the Pau d’Arco.
Tasting notes: dairy, creamy, buttery caramel, roasted cocoa, fleeting notes of red berries, spicy cocoa.