Ivory Coast 68% Dark Chocolate making kit

I get it.  I write these reviews extolling this or that rugged tobacco, lingering aged hop bitterness and notes of turtle shell and you ask yourself 1) what is the Alchemist imbibing 2) how you can get some and/or 3) is there is a perfect recipe for getting those flavors.

The aroma – chocolate, dark spice (pepper?) and a really rare floral component. Are you ready for this one – chamomile and a hint of lilac.  Perfume.  That part of the spider chart is nearly always really low to non-existent.  Here it is quite clear.  There is virtually no astringency which is quite a surprise. There are also soft pumpkin pie spices in there. Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and mace floating and twirling together. The acid balance is right on – not really fruity (but flowery from the chamomile), but it is there nonetheless.

I can't promise you that you'll get the flavors I've described but I can hand you a recipe and kit where I found this particular bean sings.

In this case, the Ivory Coast really shows off its flavors at 68%.  

Everything is pre-roasted, winnowed, portioned, and measured. No weighing. No prep. Just pour it into your melanger and let the magic happen. By the next day, you’ll have fresh craft chocolate.

Ivory Coast 68% Dark Chocolate making kit

Flavor Notes from Ivory Coast - RFA - 2025

The aroma – very clear chocolate with mid and high notes of soft vanilla  The astringency is quite low, especially for a Forastero, which is a wonderful surprise. I was struck immediately with a flavor that was a tad nutty, putting me in mind of toasted almonds.  What comes next is a soft comforting leather note and the associated slight balance of acid that is really spot on.  There is a molasses sweetness that is strong but not cloying.  The vanilla note in the nose comes through in the taste which highlights the flavor many of us have come to associate with chocolate and the natural sweetness.  The chocolate absolutely shines at 75% dark and would have no reserations taking the percentage both higher and lower (all the way to a rich milk chocolate).  I've not mentioned bitterness as mainly because it is working so great in its supporting role of giving balance and body without distracting. 

At the end of the day this is the chocolate you probably grew up with in the best way.  It is why you love chocolate.

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Certifications

Rain Forest Alliance

What's Included:

This kit includes all the materials you need for making a batch of untempered chocolate, already portioned out.  You won't need to roast, winnow or even weigh anything. All you have to do is toss the supplied ingredients in your Melanger and in the next day or so you will have chocolate ready to temper or store (or other uses as you see fit).

What's Required:

A Melanger is 100% required to refine the ingredients to smooth modern chocolate. This is not optional.

What's Recommended

• Basics: We assume you have basic cooking equipment and utensils and a basic home oven.
• For Tempering: We can't recommend using Silk enough. Makes it dead simple and reliable to get a modern shine and snap finish on your chocolate. Please know, we are only able to ship Silk in the cooler months.
• Molds: We suggest our chocolate molds for tempering to make sure you have enough. Many People enjoy our Professional Grade 2oz Bar Mold.

Care & Storage

To preserve its freshness and rich flavor, always store chocolate making ingredients in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. They benefit from stable, moderate conditions and should be kept sealed when not in use.