Orange/Cardamom
by Kshocolât
Impact
Intriguing & risk-taking without being foolish or trendy: this bar isn’t looking for its 15 minutes of fame. It’s got game & stamina.
Appearance 4.7 / 5
| Color: | deep mahogany/raw umber w/ purple overtones |
| Surface: | soft plate, very clean imprinting: metal mold crispness |
| Temper: | again, clean; good distribution |
| Snap: | sharp high pitch…this one fights back |
Aroma 8.5 / 10
attack of the cardamom w/ lyrical, fragrant cherries & loam backing
Mouthfeel 12.7 / 15
| Texture: | satin start to a chert (silica) / talc middle & granules of spice finish |
| Melt: | very fast & aggressive |
Flavor 43.2 / 50
thick foundry material; lots of cocoa mass cut by less butter than usual; first flurry goes to spice, then orange takes up a pleasant recess; slightly alkalized finish
Quality 18 / 20
A dark northern latitude interpretation. Well constructed, clean, & robust (earthen) without aggression (other than the melt itself). 72% base embellished with the right balance of cardamom + just an echo of orange, via a roast that teaches many a “top seller” bar a lesson.