Impact
A palate buster; thoroughbred Olympian in size. Once it hits stride, barely veers off-course, running centerline chocolate. Far from a whirlwind or force that’ll blow you away, but simple (sometimes the hardest to achieve), dependable, & loyal.
Appearance 3.8 / 5
| Color: | auburn brown |
| Surface: | nicks, cuts, & rough edges; blisters on the back |
| Temper: | glassine |
| Snap: | loud, sharp, tight; sanded break wall w some differential color |
Aroma 8.1 / 10
stays big well after it’s out of the wrapper: direct descendent of Domori’s SdL 100 except clearer reds (especially plum) & more cocoa, while the rest of aromatics (notably sweet almond) recess under sugar; rubdown a tangy barnyard
Mouthfeel 13.4 / 15
| Texture: | full-bodied w/out heaviness |
| Melt: | easy |
Flavor 44.3 / 50
red rain comes pouring down in an ode to Peter Gabriel (strawberry / plum / monster raisin) -> blueberry cuts thru, countered by oak-‘n-almond action for expert contrast which deepens & darkens to roasted cocoa -> brown sugar triggers a sweet chocolate bang & locks-in... calm, steady, & strong -> hits cream splattering coffee, licorice, pepper, & tobacco -> chocolate-almond ending
Quality 17.6 / 20
F3 (focused flavor factor): simple linear depth & assertive balance on deep centerline chocolate. Fairly true ferment cycle &, by Domori standards, pretty hot roast (still cooler than almost all the rest).