I’m an avid reader. I especially like a good book series. I’m always eager to dive into the next book even when I’ve barely finished the one I’m reading.

I have the same relationship with chocolate bars from Indulgence Chocolatiers. After I finish one variety of bar, I’m ready to try the next. Out of the nearly 20 different offerings, I think I’ve only had 5 so far.

Meet my number 5; the Porter. It’s 58% cacao made with espresso, malt, and roasted barley.

The aromas I notice are strong chocolate and coffee. The flavors I taste immediately are roasted coffee, grain, and toast. That’s quickly followed by rich cocoa notes and cooked caramel. It’s absolutely delicious and intense.

My favorite part is the perfect blend of espresso and chocolate flavors. It’s a great combination. I think the malted milk adds a depth of “cooked” flavor and the barley adds to the complexity.

Porter - Good But Not Perfect

For the most part, the texture is nice because there are crunchy pieces in every bite. However, there is something very wrong about it at the same time...

My guess is the roasted barley is responsible for the crunch (this is okay) and for the tiny slivers of unchewable fragments that add an uncomfortable feeling (this is the annoying part). I have to spit these bits out, because they feel like foreign objects in my mouth, and won’t break apart no matter how hard or fast I chew.

Sometimes I find these pieces stuck in my teeth. Many of the fragments taste burnt and bitter. Unfortunately, this takes away some joy from eating this chocolate bar. Hopefully this was an anomaly in this batch. Perhaps I’ll try this bar again and find the annoying bits were part of a bad dream.

Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to try bar number 6!

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Bryn Kirk

Course Facilitator at Chocolate University Online

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.

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