gail's single-origin chocolate guide

Experience my recommended flight of single origin solid chocolates and truffles.

tanzania - 75% cacao
Tanzania is intense, smooth and creamy, with a natural fusion of vanilla, coffee and strong banana tones of the terrior. Its raw strength, warmth and the tanginess of slightly wild cacao linger in the senses.

1cashew
Tanzania chocolate is blended with caramelized cashews and topped with a roasted salted cashew. Intense, salty, crunchy, earthy... yum!

2palette d’or
Tanzania chocolate with nothing but pure Wisconsin cream and butter, and an edible fleck of gold leaf.

tanzania - 70% cacao
This Colombian chocolate begins with a delicate aroma then explodes with flavors of coffee, toasted marshmallow and a whisper of rose. A beautiful balance of sweetness/bitterness. Long, lingering finish. Velvety smooth.

3cinnamon/cayenne
In honor of chocolate's early flavorings, I have paired this Colombian chocolate with cinnamon, roasted Ancho chilies, Chipotle and Cayenne pepper. Dusted with cocoa powder.

4raspberry
Fresh raspberry purée blended with my favorite chocolate, Colombian. Just a splash of Chambord added for brightness. Topped with cacao nibs.

ecuador - 65% cacao
This varietal, called Don Homero, from Ecuador has an earthy, floral bouquet of orange blossom and jasmine. Ends with a long, dominant chocolate finish.
RAINFOREST ALLIANCE CERTIFIED

5espresso
An heirloom variety of cacao preserved by Ecuadorian farmers, the Rainforest Alliance, and my friend Pierrick Chouard. Made with espresso and topped with a chocolate espresso bean.

6cognac & ginger
Ginger purée is blended with fine Ecuadorian chocolate and a splash of Cognac. Topped with baby Australian candied ginger.

são tomé - 70% cacao
The island of São Tomé’s volcanic soil imparts a natural intense smokiness. Beginning with a penetrating aroma, the flavor develops into a slight tartness of tamarind trees. It is earthy and smooth with a lasting finish.

7trois poivre
Three-pepper melange steeped in cream, blended with São Tomé chocolate to bring out its fullest flavor. Un: black pepper; Deux: pink peppercorns; Trois: red Syrian pepper.

8Cardamom with Orange Blossom
70% cacao from the volcanic island of Sao Tome, cardamom, a splash of orange flower water, topped with a candied pistachio.