Callebaut – Grenade – 60%

Cost: $1 for 10g

Comparative cost: $10 per 100g

Origin: Grenade

Rating: 3 out of 5

Buy again: Probably not - this is good, not great.

Sight

This is a small, slim sized snack bar offering a nice little taste but not much more at 10g each.  The chocolate is very attractive and declares its status as an origin chocolate with Origine splashed across the chocolate in rather fancy font.  In contrast, the brand name Callebaut sits rather discreetly to the side.  The chocolate has a lovely richness to its colour with a hint of red and a great sheet.  What is disappointing is the large number of air bubbles throughout.

Smell

But what doesn't disappoint is the aroma.  I opened my wee package and sat it beside me as I was harping on about the visual and the aroma permeated my nostrils with a distinct and strong chocolate smell.  I must admit, I don't know that I find that many chocolates which offer such aroma.  However, the smell is short and somewhat dry - it isn't complex or lingering. 

Snap

Very good snap, clean and clear.

Taste and Texture

The flavour starts off mild and builds slightly, but never to particularly strong highs.  

It starts slowly and the initial flavour is woody with a touch of coffee and even a slight hint of caramel lurking in the background.  But living up to its pedigree as an origin chcoolate, it does perk up throughout the tasting and becomes more floral and lighter in flavour.  Interestingly it ends on a peppery note which would be pleasant within the right context but somehow seems seems contrary to the discreet flavours evidenced so far.

Overall this is a well rounded flavour and never becomes sharp or acidic, with perhaps the exception of the pepper tones.  And it is these tones that linger, as the chocolate does linger nicely and is noticeable for some time afterwards.

The texture is good, it isn't quite as smooth as I would like but it does melt well albeit somewhat slowly and it does tend towards a dry sensation in the mouth. 

Summary

Whilst I would say this is full flavoured and delivers some complexity, it is still a mild chocolate that shy's away from making too much of a statement but instead treads a very safe yet satisfying route.  It won't challenge you but it may please you.  

Would I buy again?  Possibly, this is a good chocolate, but not a great chocolate therefore I might not rush to buy it for my own (self-inflated fussy) consumption, but it may be a great purchase when you wnat to share with those who don't/can't/won't appreciate really good stuff.

http://www.callebaut.com/uken/

23 October 2009
Reviewer: Shari