Thread: A Chocolate Thread Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :
 
I am a chocoholic, I suppose. I will eat nearly any type at a pinch, but there are a few that I truly love.
While the higher end commercial chocolate can be good, they tend to lack nuance. They are blends designed for consistency, but this leads to a flat palate.There are chocolates, typically single-source, which have the characteristics, notes if you will, of good wine or beer.
The bean variety, location and processing yields different overtones, undertones and after tastes. Percentage of cocoa also changes the experience. Most commercial dark chocolate is 60% or less. Whilst there are many lovely chocolates at 70-80%.
Yes, much of the good stuff is expensive, but I find smaller amounts are more satisfying than with the homogenous stuff.

Long way to preface Let us speak of chocolate!

My absolute favourite is Chuao by Francois Pralus. It is 75% but smooth. There are fruity notes, but they accentuate, not dominate. The bitterness that there is disappears as it sits on your tongue. Truly a delight. Pralus also make a 100% that I like, but is not for most.
I would also recommend Michel Cluizel, Rogue and Askinosie as providing very nice bars. I will add more if this thread takes off.
So, what do you like and why?
 

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Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
Dark, dark, dark, dark, dark. At least 72%, but best in 80s or 90s.

I generally go for Ghirardelli or Lindt. Usually plain, but G's Sea Salt Soiree is a special treat. L has something similar.

I also like Belgian dark choc that has a somewhat sour flavor.
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Any chocolate except Caramac. That was sweet, sickly, gut-clogging evil.
 

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Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
Good white chocolate = white Lindor is lush! Although Aldis do a very pleasant white chocolate with dried strawberries.
Montezuma Chilli and Lime - the nicest chilli chocolate I've tried.
Hotel Chocolat - Lord P gave me one of their megaslabs for Christmas - caramel, milk and white chocolate with various "bits" on top - not good for my waistline!
 

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Posted by Schroedinger's cat (# 64) on :
 
Love chocolate. Very dark is nice, but quality is important. If it is cheap and full of fat, it is not nice. There needs to be lots of chocolate solids in it to give the true chocolate taste.

I believe, although have not compared, that US chocolate is vile to a European palate.

White chocolate is probably my favorite actually, despite the fact that it is not in fact really chocolate ( lacking the cocoa solids which is why it is white ), but again, it has to be good quality.

I did once have "White hot chocolate" - that is hot chocolate made with white chocolate, not exceptionally hot chocolate. It was basically white chocolate dissolved in hot milk. I don't normally like hot chocolate, but that was delicious.

Flavoured is good, as long as the flavouring is a) right and b) quality. Chilli and orange yes, if done right. Vanilla in white chocolate definitely. Nuts no thank you - why waste all of that space that you could fill with more chocolate?
 

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Posted by Jade Constable (# 17175) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by St. Gwladys:
Good white chocolate = white Lindor is lush! Although Aldis do a very pleasant white chocolate with dried strawberries.
Montezuma Chilli and Lime - the nicest chilli chocolate I've tried.
Hotel Chocolat - Lord P gave me one of their megaslabs for Christmas - caramel, milk and white chocolate with various "bits" on top - not good for my waistline!

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Ritter Sport white chocolate is lovely, a good vanilla taste to it. The one with hazelnuts is my favourite. Aldi do a good copycat version, I imagine Lidl would do too.

I love chocolate with yogurt filling - Lidl does one with strawberry yogurt which is not very sophisticated but is delicious!
 

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Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :
 
It is with chocolate as it is with beer; the cheap, commercial American stuff is not so good, but the craft varieties are terrific.
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
Dark. Leonidas' dark chocolate is the only one I've found so far that has that perfect richness and intense chocolate flavour that I've been looking for, and perfect texture. This is for savouring, bit by exquisite bit, as it slowly melts in your mouth. The filled chocolates are delicious. Their orange-flavoured bar is the best orange chocolate you can find.

I've had the Michel Cluizet 100% Infinit, but didn't like it at all - altogether too strong and bitter. However, a friend of mine, who is diabetic, loved it on account of the lack of sugar content.

Mostly I find milk chocolate too lacking in chocolate flavour and over-sugary, though if I'm desperate I'll eat it (and Maltesers and Crunchies are fun). Having said that, Green & Black's milk chocolate is actually quite nice. I'm not a G&B fan otherwise. Their dark chocolate always seems a little bitter and slightly gritty.

I'm pretentious enough to shop from time to time at those little shops where you can buy chocolates from displays piled up on glass shelves, and get a small selection in a bag for consumption on the way home. My favourite fillings include mint, ginger, violet cream, and liqueurs (fresh ones, with brandy or rum, not the others and not when they've gone crystallized)... love those. The cerise emballee with the whole cherry soaked in brandy or kirsch in a dark chocolate coating, is a wonderful thing.
 

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Posted by Winnow (# 5656) on :
 
Since childhood I've always been that weird kid who didn't "like" candy bars (Hershey's) or basically any chocolate candy ... I mean I would eat it, and it was good, but ... eh ... I could take it or leave it.

I had no idea there was anything else. And then, this last year, I've discovered Dark Chocolate!!! Wow! Unbelievably amazingly good stuff!

Yes, probably, American chocolate is inferior to European chocolate, but I doubt I'll ever have any of the Really Good Stuff. I don't remember the brands, but there's one that's sweetened with Stevia, not sugar, and I like it a lot. DH likes one with salt in it, and I do too, and I especially like one with coconut bits, but it's only 47% and I do like the 86-plus percent chocolates better.

My favorite way to eat it is break off a small bit and let it melt in my mouth. DH, on the other hand, likes the "intense rush" and takes a big bite and chews it up and swallows it and goes back for more. I like to savor mine.

We live in Idaho, not the most sophisticated state in the US (tho it makes up for that in many many ways!) and don't have access to the varieties and qualities that you all seem to have access to. Ah well ...
 

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Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
Winnow--

If you have access to a Safeway or a Walgreen's, you might find more variety in chocolate. I usually buy on sale.

Trader Joe's also has a good variety, if you have a store handy.

Good luck!
 

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Posted by Galilit (# 16470) on :
 
Another "yes" to Ritters white
Just looked at their website and two of their new summer flavours are white. The coconut looks amazing (mind you I will buy anything with coconut and just got some shampoo today with coconut and argan )

Tho I do like orange filled eg Lindt and there is a dark sea-salt Lindt that is good too
 

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Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :
 
Ariel,

Try the 100% by Francois Pralus. It is much better than the Cluizel. Less bitter and chalky.

Winnow, try the Internet. There are some who will not ship during summer, but I've ordered worldwide and had the chocolate arrive fine. Ask how they ship.
--------------
For cheap to moderately priced chocolate, European is better. In the expensive, but mixed bean, it is anyone's game. In the single bean, craft chocolates, their are players around the world. but i think the Americans are ahead of the game in technique. exoerimenting with fermenting, conch times, etc.

Beware buying by price. I have had very expensive chocolate that was mediocre. IMO, no multi-bean melange is worth paying much for. Would you pay top price for a rosé?
The single bean chocolates have the most character. This does not guarantee they will be to your taste, everyone is different.
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Orange chocolate is my favourite flavour, so Orange Droste, Terry's Chocolate Orange and Divine Orange are favourites.

For people interested in the history of Chocolate right through to modern specialities, I've been reading this book and finding it very interesting and informative. There are even some delicious recipes at the back.
 

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Posted by Chapelhead (# 21) on :
 
I've never met a chocolate I didn't like.
 

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Posted by ArachnidinElmet (# 17346) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by St. Gwladys:
Montezuma Chilli and Lime - the nicest chilli chocolate I've tried.

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Yum, I have a mild addiction to this too. The best chilli chocolate I've had comes from a sweet shop in Hawes (North Yorkshire) in the form of cocoa-dusted truffles. There's also the 'Little Chocolate Shop' in nearby Leyburn which has a jasmine tea-flavoured chocolate shaped like a teacup. North Yorkshire is a bit of chocolate lovers paradise, although the Chocolate Museum in York is bit underwhelming.

I'm partial to a good rose-flavoured chocolate. Like turkish delight, but without as much sweetness.

[ 29. May 2013, 22:00: Message edited by: ArachnidinElmet ]
 

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Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on :
 
For my usual inexpensive stuff, I like either a chile chocolate with nibs (Dagoba makes a good one) or a locally made bar made with sea salt and black pepper or coffee. But when I'm getting the Good Stuff from God's Own Chocolate Shop (seriously, the lowest quality stuff they sell is Valrhona. If you have any right to even know this thread exists, your head just exploded), I sometimes spring for Patric 67% Madagascar Sambirano Valley, which, paradoxically, is somehow better and more flavorful than the 75% MSV—I guess it's like adding a drop of water to your Scotch.

Oh, and then there are the odd tins of spiced hot chocolate—half chocolate, half hot water, an extra sprinkle or two of cayenne or some Chimayo chile powder, and I'm happy.

[ 29. May 2013, 22:42: Message edited by: Ariston ]
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Dark, dark chocolate for me! The darker, the better!

When my friends go abroad, they like to gift me with some of their chocolate finds. Good friends! I've had Venezuelan 85% (IIRC) that was to die for.

Last year, when the Hosts were sent chocolate, I got a precious bar of G&B Ginger chocolate. Oh! My! We can't get that in my little town, even though G&B is available. So...if anyone needs a hint for the next time of gifting...that would make me very happy!
 

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Posted by Winnow (# 5656) on :
 
Golden Key ... Thanks for the info! I'm not a "shopper", and only enter a business establishment when I have to, but there is a Walgreen's close-by. No Safeway in Idaho, but I do think Boise's getting a Trader Joe's. But I could be wrong. We do have a new Whole Foods, tho, and of course our local, well-loved, Co-op. I know they both have some good chocolate but I try not to go in there because I'll buy some and we'll eat it. Never fails.
 

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Posted by Leaf (# 14169) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Ariston:
... God's Own Chocolate Shop (seriously, the lowest quality stuff they sell is Valrhona.)

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I pressed my hands to the monitor and wept.

I used to live where I would buy Valrhona (Guanaja) as a matter of course, with the groceries. Not to gorge on, just to nibble now and then. That was also the lowest quality chocolate I'd buy, splurging on artisanal chocolates/single varietals on occasion.

Now I live where the best chocolate available is... well, the French wouldn't use it for spackle.

Treasure your opportunities, young Ariston! Or before you know it, you will become a sad Gollum-like creature like me, travelling with a carry-on full of decent chocolate from somewhere and hissing at my beloved family if they attempt to touch My Preciousss.
 

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Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on :
 
I just checked...they ship to anywhere.

Note to anyone who wants to buy Hosts chocolate: order from these guys and have them handle the shipping.

Oh, you mean that's not the home page? Whoops. Sorry about that. No, not a hint at all, not me. THIS would have been a hint!

[ 30. May 2013, 02:07: Message edited by: Ariston ]
 

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Posted by Winnow (# 5656) on :
 
Golden Key ... Thanks for the info! I'm not a "shopper", and only enter a business establishment when I have to, but there is a Walgreen's close-by. No Safeway in Idaho, but I do think Boise's getting a Trader Joe's. But I could be wrong. We do have a new Whole Foods, tho, and of course our local, well-loved, Co-op. I know they both have some good chocolate but I try not to go in there because I'll buy some and we'll eat it. Never fails.
 

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Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :
 
That is actually a decent site, Ariston. Though they are missing a few key bars in the lines they do carry. Still, quite good.

ETA: Leaf, the French can make good chocolate, but a French company is also responsible for one of the biggest wastes of money I have made. If I remembered their name, I would post a Hell thread about them.

[ 30. May 2013, 03:03: Message edited by: lilBuddha ]
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
The best French chocolate is very, very good, but with a price to match. You have to buy it from one of the specialist chocolateries like Maison du Chocolat or Mère Poulard.

One of my bosses, who is generally a bit of an annoying pain in the butt, buys me a box of confections from one of the above outlets once a year at Christmas. He is summarily pardoned and given carte blanche to be a pain in the butt for a good month afterwards.
 

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Posted by Bob Two-Owls (# 9680) on :
 
I'm another chocophobe, never have really liked the stuff although I will accept a square of Cadburys Fruit & Nut or a Thorntons if I am out walking. The chocolate that I really hate however is Hersheys, just the smell of it makes the bile rise in my throat. Is it made with puke or something?
 

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Posted by Lord Jestocost (# 12909) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Schroedinger's cat:
I believe, although have not compared, that US chocolate is vile to a European palate.

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In that a Hershey bar tastes like vomit? Yes.

The fact that chocolate (new world vegetable) and orange (old world fruit) go so well together is the one convincing argument I can find for creationism.

I second and third all endorsements for Ritter Sport white chocolate with hazelnuts.
 

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Posted by MaggyK (# 17699) on :
 
I rather like Thorntons. They have a shop just on the way out of our local shopping centre, so you have to pass it, and often have a special offer. And after a usually unpleasant shopping experience in the supermarket, who can resist? I know I can't.
 

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Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on :
 
Hershey's is nasty for everyone, even Americans who have spent a bit of time away from it. To keep the milk from spoiling (mostly for greater shelf life and being able to use less fresh/cheaper milk), they add butyric acid to it, which gives it the sour taste. Americans expect this anymore from chocolate, especially milk chocolate—and, I dare suspect that the association between milk chocolate and acid is part of the reason so many Americans won't give even good milks (by which I don't mean Cadbury) a second glance.
 

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Posted by Lord Jestocost (# 12909) on :
 
If you've ever wondered exactly how useless is a chocolate teapot, the research has been done for you.
 

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Posted by rolyn (# 16840) on :
 
Quality dark chocolate is good -- 70 or 80% . If it's any stronger than that I can't claim it's pleasant to eat .
Like most I'm tempted at the sight of white chocolate , always a somewhat disappointing after-taste though .
 

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Posted by Jade Constable (# 17175) on :
 
I often find interesting international chocolate in discount stores (like Home Bargains) and pound shops. I once found a really nice Nestle selection box in a pound shop that I think was Spanish, and all the praline was almond-based instead of hazelnut-based - which makes sense, and it was very nice.

I must point out that I do like dark, sophisticated chocolate - but get as much pleasure from Dairy Milk too!
 

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Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on :
 
Always dark - Valrhona for preference.

For 'chocolates' - Charbonnel & Walker.
 

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Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
Cadbury's Dairy milk is an abomination compared to Galaxy - it's gritty and rough tasting. Thornton's milk chocolate is over rated - even their Continentals pale into significance when compared to the better class of chocolates available in good quality chocolate shops.
(I've probably just offended half the Ship! )
 

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Posted by Garasu (# 17152) on :
 
Can Galaxy even be considered chocolate for the purposes of comparison?
 

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Posted by Jade Constable (# 17175) on :
 
I will happily eat both Galaxy and Dairy Milk - I prefer Galaxy, but can never find the fruit and nut or hazelnut Galaxy bars in the shops, so when out and about and I need a chocolate fix, Dairy Milk it is.
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
I think there's an emotional thing going on as well. In purely objective terms, I agree that Dairy Milk is very bad chocolate compared to the best of what's available in continental Europe.

However last time I was in the UK I got me a great big packet of Chocolate Buttons and that crappy Cadbury chocolate took me to a very happy place indeed. Because Cadbury is what I was always given as a treat as a child (I grew up near Birmingham, which is where the stuff comes from), and while the quality might not be that good, the nostalgia hit is massive.
 

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Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
I've never really understood the attraction of white chocolate. It doesn't have any of the good stuff, like "natural mellowing agents" (to borrow from a pseudo-ad for ketchup on "Prairie Home Companion"). I can eat maybe a bite or two. But it tastes like overly-sweet frosting that's hardened. (Shudder.)

I also don't understand how people can cope with substituting carob for chocolate. I understand using it when you suddenly can't have chocolate anymore, due to allergies, etc. I've had times like that. (Don't eat chocolate when you're recovering from shingles--the arginine in it makes the virus happy and you more itchy. Experience here.) But, again, carob has a taste vaguely like chocolate, but none of the good stuff.

IME, YMMV.
 

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Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :
 
GOLDEN KEY! Say not that word on the same thread as chocolate!

la vie, I feel the same as you about Cadbury. Though I can only manage it occasionally.
 

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Posted by Leaf (# 14169) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Golden Key:
I've never really understood the attraction of white chocolate. It doesn't have any of the good stuff, like "natural mellowing agents" (to borrow from a pseudo-ad for ketchup on "Prairie Home Companion"). I can eat maybe a bite or two. But it tastes like overly-sweet frosting that's hardened. (Shudder.)

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quote:

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Originally posted by Ariston:
I just checked...they ship to anywhere.

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quote:

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Originally posted by lilBuddha:
GOLDEN KEY! Say not that word on the same thread as chocolate!

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"Ketchup"? "Carob"? "Frosting"?

 

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Posted by Schroedinger's cat (# 64) on :
 
I can understand antipathy towards white chocolate, but it doesn't change my opinion of it. ANY chocolate has to be quality chocolate - cheap stuff of any colour is vile. Quality stuff of any colour I will eat and enjoy.

I think for me it is a bit like coffee. I enjoy coffee, even instant, because I enjoy coffee. Of course, proper brewed coffee is nicer, but I don't get snobby about having to have it, if there is only instant available.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by St. Gwladys:
Cadbury's Dairy milk is an abomination compared to Galaxy - it's gritty and rough tasting ...

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Yea and amen! It's not just me, then.

Sadly, I've never seen Galaxy chocolate over here (we could have Cadbury's by the barrel-load ), so I have to satisfy my cravings when I'm home on holiday.

Maybe that's just as well ...
 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Dairy chocolate is an abomination (and Canada appears to be a dumping ground for unsold American chocolate) but I confess to you all that in my callow youth I had a major addiction to Crispy Crunch In my young adult years I loved Coffee Crisp But I confess the gravest sin of all. I used to snatch Sweet Marie bars out of the lovingly collected Hallowe'en pumpkins of my little children

Nowadays in my dotage, I permit myself a nibble of dark chocolate every now and again.



Follow up H&A chocolate thread readers take note of this.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Golden Key:
Winnow--

If you have access to a Safeway or a Walgreen's, you might find more variety in chocolate. I usually buy on sale.

Trader Joe's also has a good variety, if you have a store handy.

Good luck!

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Idaho has Freddy's, right? Green and Black's is stocked in the health food section (aka the hippie treehugger section) go find 'em, buy one of each, and explore. and then send me some ginger because I don't live near a Freddy's anymore.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Pete I just drove through our corner of Canuckistan and happily pigged out on Smarties and Coffee Crisp. they ain't fancy, but they is loved. (also got the boys some ketchup chips. not so much loved)

in the local tourista shops this year I've come across some bars of "Alaska Gold Rush" chocolate; packaged and distributed in New Jersey, of course. I was skeptical, but tried a white chocolate lemon zest...SO FLIPPIN' GOOD!

otherwise, I'm a fan of dark stuff, not milk. not usually white chocolate, either. will kill for G&B's ginger.
 

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Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 
Reading this thread makes me realise yet again that I lack any real discrimination when it comes to chocolate in particular (and food in general). I wuz a wartime baby, grew up in the post WW2 rationing period.

Any food is good food. And should be eaten quickly, before anyone else gets at the seconds before you do.

Just send me all the milk chocolate you don't want. I'll make sure it isn't wasted. But slowly - I'm also on the Slimming World diet ...in theory, at least
 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
Pete I just drove through our corner of Canuckistan and happily pigged out on Smarties and Coffee Crisp. they ain't fancy, but they is loved.

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I guess you won't need the Care package I was thinking of sending you then?
 

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Posted by Ronald Binge (# 9002) on :
 
For occasions, and in my case it has to be occasionally as I am tied to my aged parents and get a day off every six weeks or so, it has to be the utterly sublime Hotel Chocolat range. With the former Mrs. Binge I visited their Rabot Estate in St Lucia, while it was under construction and if I had a bottomless pit of money that is where I would wish to spend a fortnight every year.

Their range of pure terroir based chocolates go from the best Milk Chocolate you'll ever eat through to their mighty 100% cocoa bars.

Hotel Chocolat

In terms of everyday chocolate, Cadbury's Dairy Milk is somewhat different in its Republic of Ireland version to the UK one. It has retained the classic eight square rectangle that seems to have disappeared in the UK and the taste seems slightly better to me. It continues to be made in their factory in Dublin for the Irish market.

Here's the Irish Cadbury website: Cadbury Ireland

I think that the Irish beat the British by a margin in our consumption of this stuff!
 

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Posted by Jade Constable (# 17175) on :
 
I believe Irish Dairy Milk has the paper wrappers still, is that right? I miss them for some reason.
 

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Posted by Ronald Binge (# 9002) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Jade Constable:
I believe Irish Dairy Milk has the paper wrappers still, is that right? I miss them for some reason.

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Yup, paper sleeve and foil inner wrapper

 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by PeteC:

quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
Pete I just drove through our corner of Canuckistan and happily pigged out on Smarties and Coffee Crisp. they ain't fancy, but they is loved.

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I guess you won't need the Care package I was thinking of sending you then?

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but but but! I finished it all before I even crossed back over!
 

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Posted by chive (# 208) on :
 
I am definitely not a chocolate snob. If it's chocolate I'll eat it. My two current favourites are the chocolate button which cannot be improved on and the new Cadbury's creation bar which has smarties, jelly beans and popping candy in it. I loves it so much as does everyone I know. This is a bad thing because sometimes it means the shops are sold out
 

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Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Ronald Binge:
In terms of everyday chocolate, Cadbury's Dairy Milk is somewhat different in its Republic of Ireland version to the UK one. It has retained the classic eight square rectangle that seems to have disappeared in the UK and the taste seems slightly better to me.

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quote:

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Originally posted by chive:
I am definitely not a chocolate snob. If it's chocolate I'll eat it. My two current favourites are the chocolate button which cannot be improved on and the new Cadbury's creation bar which has smarties, jelly beans and popping candy in it. I loves it so much as does everyone I know. This is a bad thing because sometimes it means the shops are sold out

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quote:

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Originally posted by Ariel:
And you can get Tiffin bars, which you can't in England.

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quote:

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Originally posted by jedijudy:
...The darker, the better!...

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I'm with you there Judy - at least concerning men

* * * *

Chocolate is EVIL and ADDICTIVE and I'm ALLERGIC to it...

...and I love it but can't eat it!
 

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Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

quote:

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Originally posted by jedijudy:
...The darker, the better!...

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I'm with you there Judy - at least concerning men

* * * *

Chocolate is EVIL and ADDICTIVE and I'm ALLERGIC to it...

...and I love it but can't eat it!

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