Today's chocolate is an unusual Venezuelan. The Michel Cluizel folks have prepared an number of lines that are single plantation chocolates. This offering comes from a single plantation in the valley of Barlovento to the east of Caracas. It is a 66% cocoa mass and comes in a 100g bar in a handsome package.

I often use the Venezuelan chocolates as the finisher when I conduct tastings. I liken it to the perfect middle C of chocolate, smooth and perfectly balanced. It offers an excellent taste to contrast other chocolates against. This offering was quite unusual in that it was very distinct with a number of strong notes. It showed a strong spice flavor up front very like a warm gingerbread. A mild vanilla followed with a very strong lingering dark berry after tone. I very much enjoyed the surprise of the unusual flavors.