Name: Dominican Republic Zorzal Organic Brewing Cacao
Brand: Chocolate Alchemy
SKU: DOM-ZOR-ORG-2025
Price: 11.25 USD
Availability: InStock

brewing cacao and beans with 'Zorzal' branding on a dark background

Brewing Cacao isn’t chocolate, and it doesn’t behave like chocolate — but the bean is the same, and the story starts in the same place. The flavor notes you’ll see below come from the chocolate this origin produces, and they’re a useful window into the personality of the bean itself: its fruit, depth, acidity, and all the little quirks that make it interesting.

Just keep in mind that brewed cacao brings those traits forward differently. So treat the notes below as a compass, not a contract. They point you toward what this origin can offer — the real fun is discovering how it expresses itself when you brew it.

Dominican Republic Zorzal Organic Brewing Cacao

Year in, year out it is incredible how consistent Zorzal is Every year I don't think it can get any better and I've yet to not be surprised when I fall in love with it all over again because it is better than I remembered.

The aroma is fresh cherries with a low and delicate spice note with solid chocolate covering it all. The fist impression of the chocolate is chocolate, pure and simple. Everything about the profile is soft and supple. I bit unlike previous years there are a couple different nuts that jump out at me, Macadamia and pine-nut in particular. The bitterness (paper thin walnut skin) has a perfect counterpoint to the caramel sweetness and as always, the astringency is very low. The acidity is restrained so it is not a bright fruit note but more a deep, basal rumble and lends a great lusciousness. Where last year was cherry, this year is again the year of the cherry. Cherry preserves. Cherry leather. Dried cherries. Candied cherries. Overall it is well rounded and so easy to eat.

If you peruse the archives you will quickly notice that the next two paragraphs I stole from past me. I had all the tasting notes in place and was starting to compose and saw it and it was just too correct to re-write. Don't fix what isn't broken. There you go.

As you eat more you'll notice how supple the the flavor is, putting one in mind of cashews and macadamia nuts. It is more a gestalt impression rather than flavor. Likewise I get impressions of soft base note leather. The caramel sweetness perfectly accentuates but does not overpower the rest of the flavors.

As always the chocolate is strong and bold and alluring. This is clean and has a great clarity of flavor. The mouth feel is unsurprisingly full. It is a great chocolate for beginners and seasoned chocolate makers alike.

Level 1

Light ↓ [■□□□□□□□□□] Dark

New Makers
Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Milk Chocolate
Dark Chocolate

Vegan
Non GMO
Gluten Free

- This Brewing cocoa works well in coffee brewers and actually mixed with coffee. Other brewing cocoas can have a tendency to muddy the flavor of coffee I have found, or worse, clog brewing filters or screens. Your mileage may vary, but I’ve found 1:1 ratio wonderful, and if you are just a little careful, so it does not overflow, even straight can work well.

Your tastes may vary but I recommend starting with the following proportions and times: 4 T/8 oz boiling water Steep 5 minutes Press (assuming you are using a press pot - drip works ok too) Enjoy straight, with milk (or cream) and/or sugar.

You can learn more about brewing cocoa from our [Guide To Brewing Cocoa]

Q: Is brewed cacao just hot chocolate?
A: Nope, it is a totally different animal. Brewing cocoa is best thought of as a cocoa tea. Hot chocolate is thinned down sweetened chocolate and has a full, thick mouthfeel. Brewing cocoa is ground whole cocoa beans extracted with hot or cold water so is more like a tea or coffee.

Q: What is the difference between brewed cacao and cocoa powder?
A: Brewing cocoa is whole, roasted cocoa beans coarsely ground up and ready for brewing. Cocoa powder is what is left over after cocoa nibs are pressed and the cocoa butter is removed.

Q: What does brewed cacao taste like?
A: Oh my, what does a blue sky look like? Brewing cocoa is more like a tea or coffee, instead of hot chocolate.

Q: Can I brew cacao powder like coffee?
A: Generally speaking, yes. Pour over. Check. French press. Check. Coffee maker. Mostly. You need more brewing cocoa than coffee so some machines are too small. Espresso. Sadly not.

We have a video about how to brew brewing cocoa, you should watch it.

Q: Is brewed cacao safe?
A: As safe as tea or coffee and some think more so as it has nearly no caffeine.

Q: What are the benefits of drinking brewed cacao?
A: If you are looking for an alternative for coffee and other caffeinated drinks, Brewed Cacao is the droid you have been looking for in that is it virtually caffeine free (less than decaf green tea).

Q: Which is healthier cocoa or cacao?
A: Neither. They are the same. People will tell you tons of things to make it sound fancy or more complicated but cocoa is in English, and Cacao is generally Spanish.

Likewise: Brewing Cocoa = Brewed Cacao

To preserve its freshness and rich flavor, store your brewing cocoa in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Like most cocoa products, it benefits from stable, moderate conditions and should be kept sealed when not in use.

Dominican Republic Zorzal Organic Brewing Cacao

$ 11.25