World Market Dark Chocolate Revisited
December 13, 2016
From time to time, I give a poor review of a specific chocolate. The reasons can vary, but in the end, it’s because my experience is less than satisfactory.
Sometimes, my taste buds are telling me one thing, while the tasting description offered by the manufacturer tells me something completely different. My expectations are high, the delivery is low.
But I believe in second chances.
On February 21, 2011, I published a review of World Market’s brand 72% Dark Chocolate and called it a disappointment. Here is a brief passage from that blog:
The 72% dark bar had a mild fruity flavor and aroma which were soon masked by a strong coconut flavor. I did not like the coconut flavor in large part because I was not expecting it and also because it morphed into an unpleasant aftertaste. The bar was not very interesting.
Fast forward to present day, where I have an unexpected and unique opportunity to taste and compare the same World Market brand 72% dark chocolate bar. Or is it the same? The packaging has changed, but I have no way of knowing if this means the chocolate bar has changed.
Did This World Market Dark Chocolate Change?
It’s been too long to remember my chocolate experience from 2011, but if I compare what I described in the blog to what I taste now, I can definitely say this bar has improved.
The chocolate is flavorful, with cocoa notes that are pleasant and chocolatey. The texture is smooth, and the finish is soft.
I do not detect any off flavors, and I don’t taste unexpected coconut.
The chocolate is simple, uncomplicated, though I might agree with my past self that is still uninteresting. What I’m wondering is, where are the fruity notes, nutty notes, and/or spicy notes? Chocolate that I would classify as “interesting” would be more complex in its flavor profile.
According to World Market website, the 72% dark is described as having “… characteristic deep earthiness, rich dark intensity, and a hint of smooth sweetness…” In my humble opinion, the earthiness is not there, but it’s a solid representation of a dark chocolate bar within the 68-72% cacao range.
Overall, I’ll give this World Market bar credit for improvement, and I’m glad I gave it a second chance. This bar won’t make my “most memorable” list, but I’m happy to remove it from my “disappointment” list!
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