You are seeing it here first! I got my hands on a pre-release version of a new chocolate collection from Cup of Luxury Coffee and David Bacco Chocolatier.
Chocolate and Coffee... Together.
But I don’t mean "drink a cup of coffee and eat your square of chocolate" together. Nothing wrong with that pairing, but I prefer the crunchy, roasted bits of coffee bean encased in a rich dark chocolate bar togetherness.
I am comparing the organic 70% cacao Umbra coffee chocolate bar and the organic 70% cacao Black Label coffee chocolate bar.
Let’s Start With The Aroma...
The aroma is absolutely incredible for both these chocolates. I don’t believe I’ve ever had such strong, rich, complex aromas wafting from a chocolate bar before.
Most often I can smell and identify a couple of flavors at best, and the aroma is always pleasant but weak. Not so with these chocolates!
Breathe deep, and you can easily identify many bold and distinct aromas. There’s an initial burst of strongly roasted coffee quickly followed by a deep cocoa with earthy, woody, and tobacco notes. A hint of vanilla lingers at the end.
And that’s just the Umbra bar! The Black Label bar is even more intense in the roasted coffee and cocoa aroma notes.
I could sniff this chocolate all day!
However, the chocolate is begging to be tasted. I wonder if it will live up to the aroma’s reputation?
How Does The Flavor Compare?
First, the snap and visual appeal. It is crisp, and the chocolate presents with a nice sheen and dark color.
Next, the mouth-feel. The texture is smooth yet crunchy (roasted bits of coffee bean permeate the bar, yay!) and the chocolate melts slowly.
Yes, slowly. Slowly delivering all the flavor the aroma promises.
The Umbra leads with strong coffee, cocoa and an unexpected sweetness for dark chocolate. Next, there is a more pronounced chocolate with a bit of nuttiness mixed in. That is followed by more coffee with hints of vanilla and honey coming off the end. Nice aftertaste.
The Black Label starts off very strong with roasted coffee and intense cocoa. If there is a sweetness, it is much more subtle than the Umbra and it rests in the background.
Next to come is the nutty, honey flavors, and I detect a small note of cream here. The big finish is perfect, with a rush of toast and coffee and chocolate.
I will have to declare the Black Label as my favorite of the two because of the intensity it brings. Still, with either one there is no doubt whatsoever that you just experienced chocolate and coffee at its finest!
Bryn worked for nearly 10 years in a research and product development for Ambrosia Chocolate Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Now she develops all of the CUO lessons and coaches the members of the Primal Chocolate Club.
