- Beans: nacional, criollo and trinitario
- Cocoa producers: ASOPROTESCO cooperative
- Origin: Esmeraldas province in Ecuador
- Harvest: 2021
- Percentage: 75%
Tasting notes of Tesoro Escondido chocolate by LaFlor
With a beautiful deep brown color, the hue leans slightly towards mahogany. Very cocoa-rich, the nose embodies the archetype of dark chocolate: distinctive and gourmet. Due to the thinness of the bar, the snap is subtle. Nevertheless, the crunchiness is more pronounced. In the mouth, the silkiness gives the first impression which quickly turns into a cocoa blend whose tannins coat the tongue. Then, finely chiseled notes of red fruits, pepper, and juniper form the taste profile. Finally, the finish is characterized by a very cocoa-rich, pleasantly roasted quality. A dark chocolate whose classicism rivals its character and elegance. A feeling probably highlighted by the slender mold of the bar.
The little extra: If you like gins, try pairing this chocolate with a red fruit gin – it seems to be fashionable right now.
A success that comes in many forms
These beans are popular, and the brand has successfully and skillfully appropriated them. Indeed, this Tesoro Escondido by LaFlor comes in a classic 75% dark, but also as a 100% bar. Not to mention that it is also available as couverture chocolate, for gourmands who would like to use it in pastries... Enough to sublimate your cakes, mousses, or even chocolate ice cream and sorbet!
This chocolatier is one of the pioneers of Zurich's bean-to-bar movement. Dark chocolate is a daring gamble in a region where milk chocolate culture predominates. Yet, the success of this very classic dark chocolate clearly illustrates the potential for growth. Today, the brand remains faithful to its commitments and values, while having gained expertise in bean processing. A beautiful story that we can only hope will continue for a long time to come!
Note from the chocolate sommelier, Nicolas
In addition to seeing LaFlor's progress, I am especially delighted to note that they play the transparency and consumer information card. Indeed, each cocoa origin is presented in detail: name of the producers or their cooperative, type of bean, type of trade – for example, direct purchase – or even means of importation – for example, shipment by boat. Only the price paid to the producer is missing for a flawless performance.
PS: The name of this bar, which means Hidden Treasure, recalls another creation with the same name, but made with other beans by Qantu.
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