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News > Unleash Your Inner Connoisseur: The Art of Pairing Craft Chocolate
Craft chocolate, or artisan chocolate, refers to high-quality chocolate made by small producers using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. These chocolates are often made from single-origin cocoa beans, which means the beans are sourced from a specific region or plantation and are not mixed with beans from other areas. The flavors of craft chocolate can vary greatly depending on the type of cocoa beans used and the production process.
Pairing craft chocolate with other foods and drinks can enhance the flavors and create a unique and memorable tasting experience. Here are some tips for pairing craft chocolate with different types of food and drink:
Wine: Red wine and dark chocolate are a classic pairing, and for good reason. The tannins in red wine help to cut through the richness of the chocolate, while the chocolate helps to soften the acidity of the wine. Some specific wine and chocolate pairings to try include Cabernet Sauvignon with 70% cocoa dark chocolate, Pinot Noir with a fruity 62% cocoa dark chocolate, and Zinfandel with a spicy 70% cocoa dark chocolate.
Cheese: The creaminess of cheese can balance out the bitterness of craft chocolate, and the chocolate can also help to cut through the richness of the cheese. Some great cheese and chocolate pairings include soft, ripe Brie with a 60% cocoa dark chocolate, sharp Cheddar with a 70% cocoa dark chocolate, and tangy blue cheese with a fruity 62% cocoa dark chocolate.
Beer: The flavors in craft beer can vary greatly, but in general, dark beer goes well with dark chocolate and lighter beer goes well with milk chocolate. Some specific beer and chocolate pairings to try include a stout with a 70% cocoa dark chocolate, a porter with a 60% cocoa dark chocolate, and a Belgian ale with a milk chocolate.
Spirits: The bold flavors of spirits can pair well with the richness of craft chocolate. Some good spirit and chocolate pairings include bourbon with a 70% cocoa dark chocolate, scotch with a 60% cocoa dark chocolate, and brandy with a milk chocolate.
Fruits: The sweetness of fruit can help to balance out the bitterness of craft chocolate, and the chocolate can also help to bring out the flavors of the fruit. Some great fruit and chocolate pairings include raspberries with a 70% cocoa dark chocolate, cherries with a 60% cocoa dark chocolate, and oranges with a milk chocolate.
Spices: The flavors of spices can complement the flavors of craft chocolate and add an extra layer of complexity to the tasting experience. Some spices that go well with chocolate include chili pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom.
In addition to pairing craft chocolate with other foods and drinks, there are also a few general tips to keep in mind when tasting chocolate:
Start with the highest cocoa content: Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or above) will have a stronger flavor and be less sweet, so it’s best to start with these types of chocolates and then work your way down to milkier chocolates.
Taste chocolate at room temperature: Chocolate tastes best when it is at room temperature, as the flavors are more pronounced.
Take small bites: It’s best to take small bites of chocolate and let it melt in your mouth to fully experience the flavors.
Cleanse your palate: Between tastings, it’s a good idea to cleanse your palate with a plain cracker or a sip of water to help reset your taste buds.
Craft chocolate can be a unique and exciting addition to any tasting experience. Why not host a chocolate-tasting party?
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