Manufacturer: Hachez
Cocoa Content: 77%
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B

Up for tasting today is the Cocoa D'Arriba Classic bar from German Chocolatier Hachez. This is a 77% dark chocolate bar made from Ecuadorian cocoa. The bar is mahogany brown in color, with highlights of deep clay-red.

The Cocoa D'Arriba has a bitter espresso note that takes the lead. There is a very mild acidity that leads to flavors of cherries and blackberries. Some nutty notes of hazelnut and almond are present along with a bit of woodiness. A distinct pepper spice makes itself known after a bit and starts to build. Chewing the Cocoa D'Arriba bar opens up fruity flavors of cherry and pomegranate as well as some vanilla. The finish has bitter espresso, marshmallow and peppery spice notes.

The Hachez Cocoa D'Arriba dark chocolate bar has an interesting bitter/spicy flavor profile with hints of fruit, but something seems missing to me. The Hachez website does indicate that their chocolate is "processed to neutralize the acidity often found in other cocoa-rich chocolates". A touch more acidity seems like it would enhance the fruitiness and really open up the flavor here. All in all, this is still a good bar that is worth checking out.