How to Taste a Single-Origin 70% Bar Like a Pro

Quick answer

To taste a single-origin 70% bar like a pro, follow a structured method: use all your senses, let the chocolate melt slowly, and note the flavors that evolve. Start with a clean palate and a quiet environment.

Step-by-step tasting method

1. Prepare your palate: Rinse your mouth with water and wait a few minutes. Avoid coffee, strong tea, or spicy food for at least an hour before tasting. A neutral palate lets you pick up subtle notes. If you've just brushed your teeth, wait 30 minutes—toothpaste can distort flavors.
2. Look at the bar: Examine the surface for gloss and even color. A well-tempered bar should be shiny and smooth. Notice any bloom (white spots) which can indicate temperature changes, though it won't ruin the taste. A dull surface isn't a flaw—just a sign the bar was stored warm. It's still fine to taste.
3. Listen to the snap: Break off a small piece. A crisp snap indicates good tempering and a firm texture. If it bends or crumbles, the bar may be softer due to warmer storage or a higher cocoa butter content. A soft snap doesn't mean lower quality, but it does affect mouthfeel.
4. Smell the aroma: Hold the piece near your nose and inhale gently. Try to identify initial scents: fruity, nutty, floral, or earthy. For Camino Verde, you might detect a hint of caramel or walnut. Smell is half the taste—take your time here. If you can't name a scent, just describe it as sweet or roasty.
5. Let it melt on your tongue: Place the piece on your tongue and let it melt slowly without chewing. Move it around to coat your palate. Notice the first flavors, then how they change as it melts. For a 70% bar, expect a balance of sweetness and cocoa intensity. Chewing releases different flavors, but melting gives you the full profile. If you must chew, do it after the initial melt.
6. Note the finish: After swallowing, pay attention to the aftertaste. How long does it last? Is it bitter, fruity, or creamy? A long, pleasant finish is often a sign of high-quality beans. Compare the finish to other bars you've tried—this is where origin differences become most obvious.

Product to try

• Chef's Chocolate 70% Camino Verde, Ecuador 2023 Harvest: The 2023 Harvest tasting notes are walnut brownie, caramel, and cream. These notes give you a concrete flavor target when you taste, helping you recognize the fudgey, nutty character that makes this Ecuador origin special.