Review: Scharffen Berger Las Islas
With as much emphasis as there is on single origin chocolate these days it’s nice to see a product like the one I’m gnawing on tonight: Scharffen Berger’s Las Islas. Rather than highlight a small region or single plantation they’ve created a special Caribbean blend with beans from Trinidad, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
The bar itself is well formed and has a really attractive deep brown color with a little red in it. The aroma is strong and a little sharp with a hint of citrus on a grassy and slightly woody base with a little tobacco thrown in. Keeping with the citrus in the aroma the first touch to the tongue reveals a bright profile. The flavor quickly develops to a bright and fruity mix of orange and berries but it isn’t too sweet. There is something else offsetting the fruit, cutting the sweetness and adding a little astringency, and I can’t put my finger on a flavor. The nearest I can come up with is cider or grapes or wine – something with some tannins. It finishes smooth with the bright fruit fading to a little jam balanced with a nutty undertone. Even after it’s faded there is a lingering hint of fruit that just won’t go away.
Overall it’s a pretty good bar. Not one I’d be in the mood for on a regular basis, but a good bar no less. I’m going to call it an 7.75 out of 10 and something I’m glad I got to try.
Comments
Kat Said:
Wow! this sounds good. I love your descriptions too, I've got to learn more vocabulary about food and chocolates!
Posted by: Kat | February 26, 2007 11:14 PM
matt Said:
first time reading your blog. good review on this chocolate. I just bought it yesterday and after tasting, it's definitely in line with your review. Thanks!
Posted by: matt | March 6, 2007 5:16 PM
William Said:
Thanks matt! I'm something of a novice (what I lack in knowledge I hope I make up for in enthusiasm) so it's always nice to know that I'm not totally off base on what I'm tasting.
Posted by: William | March 6, 2007 8:22 PM
Julie Said:
Your description reminded me of wine tasting.
Chocolate as well as wine can be very complex and create different aromas for our senses.
Very nice, Thank you.
Posted by: Julie | March 8, 2007 5:58 PM
196nikolas@gmail.com Said:
jk4g56fg_196_t_1_n100
Posted by: 196nikolas@gmail.com | May 5, 2007 8:28 AM
imani Said:
Has Scharrfen Berger really been aquired by Hershey?
Posted by: imani | May 7, 2007 9:35 PM
imani Said:
has scharrfenberger really been acquired by hershey???
Posted by: imani | May 7, 2007 9:37 PM
imani Said:
LOL Sorry for the double post!
Posted by: imani | May 7, 2007 9:38 PM
William Said:
Yeppers. Hershey scooped them up back in 2005. They have picked up Scharffen Berger, Joseph Schmidt, and Dagoba. A very Microsoft approach to expansion. It's a quick and effective way to walk into a new market.
Posted by: William | May 7, 2007 11:16 PM
The TriniGourmet Said:
Very interesting. I've never seen this particular brand of bar before. Maybe you would be interested in learning more about Trinidad's cocoa? If so, check out the following article "Cocoa's Sweet Feet"
http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/cocoas-sweet-feet-article/
take care! :)
Posted by: The TriniGourmet | May 24, 2007 7:34 PM
The TriniGourmet Said:
My first comment didn't go through? Just wanted to say that if you're interested in learning more about Trinidad’s cocoa check out the following article “Cocoa’s Sweet Feet”
http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/cocoas-sweet-feet-article/
take care! :)
Posted by: The TriniGourmet | May 24, 2007 7:39 PM