Seventy% - Topic: So..I'm brand new....

Hans-Peter Rot on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 21:52:33 +0000

Not only is the Ampamakia dated, but so are the Chuao and Gran Couva bars. Valrhona is treating them like wines, and each year should taste different, just like a wine.

bobvilax2000 on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 20:17:48 +0000

Ah, so the chocolate is just dated for the year's crop that it comes from. The recipe remains the same year after year, then. That's a relief.

Vanilla malt, huh? From my experiences so far, malty bars are lower on my list of chocolate. They're good sometimes, but not everyday. I'll try it, though. My store has been kind of skimpy with Cluizel, though, so hopefully a new shipment wil come soon.

Hans-Peter Rot on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 18:41:47 +0000

Well, chocolate from Madagascar naturally has that citrus bitterness; that's typically the nature of Trintarios beans. Guanaja was surprisingly less fruity than I expected, which imo, is a good thing. I still have to try Ampamakia; I'm debating whether I should order it through http://www.chocosphere.com, along with Gran Couva and Chuao or just get a five-bar bundle. Bob, if you want a lower percentage chocolate that's not too sweet, try Cluizel's Ilha Toma. It has a milky sensation, but it isn't sweet at all. Flavors of vanilla malt dominate, and it's actually quite strong for its lower cocoa content.

Martin Christy on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 18:03:20 +0000

The 2002 is just the first years vintage. Next year will be the 2003. I was just saying that all OUR Ampamakia is gone now. The Chuao and the Gran Couva have been running for some years now, but I know last year that when we went to order the Gran Couva all the UK supply had been assigned already.

I'm not sure if the 2003 is shipping yet, will find out next week.

Don't worry, there will be more, just from a different year's crop.

Martin Christy
Editor
http://www.seventypercent.com

bobvilax2000 on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 17:53:08 +0000

So what's the deal with these Valrhona bars? I didn't realize, either, that the Ampamakia will be gone, so I put off buying a bar. Are they made with extremly rare beans or something? I'm not sure how much I would like it since I find most bars I've had below 70% somewhat sweet. I'll have to try it, though.

Joema on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 15:39:03 +0000

The 40-bar crate I just purchased from Chocosphere is the 2002 vintage. I didn't realize that it is no longer available. So, I will have a supply if anyone wants some....?

Martin Christy on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 15:10:01 +0000

That's true, but I think it is a lot lighter and fruitier too.

Martin Christy
Editor
http://www.seventypercent.com

Hans-Peter Rot on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 15:04:47 +0000

Well, it's sweeter because the cocoa content is slightly lower than Guanaja.

aymbereye on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 14:33:52 +0000

Oh, wow. I didn't know I wouldn't be able to get the Ampamakia any more! I finished it last night! I really like(d)? it, by the way. I was eating a square of the Guanaja and followed it with the Ampamakia and I loved how 'sweet' it tasted, in comparison. Sigh! I guess now I just have to look forward to the 2003!

"Oh, what a noble mind is here o'erthrown..."

Martin Christy on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 11:57:56 +0000

I can fully understand that Joema, Ampamakia really is that good. Was it the 2002 you had? That is all gone now and I'm waiting to see what the 2003 will be like.

Martin Christy
Editor
http://www.seventypercent.com

Joema on So..I'm brand new....

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 04:46:14 +0000

Hi all

I love Valrhona's Ampamakia so much that I just bought a wooden case full from chocoshere.com. Amazing aroma--strawberries and maybe cinnamin. Glorious melt, a slight burn and huge lime/berry tartness that fades into a rich creaminess. Amazing. Have you tried that one yet, ayembereye? REALLY want to try Domori Puertomar and Porcelana, but can't find in US.

Martin Christy on So..I'm brand new....

Sun, 12 Oct 2003 01:48:23 +0000

The Gastronomie is a plain, basic house blend from Valrhona. Good for cooking but compared to some of the better chocolates around now, nothing special. Manjari is fruity floral and still one of my favourites, in another class compared to the Gastronomie. You must try it if you haven't already.

Both are available here by the way, for UK buyers.

Martin Christy
Editor
http://www.seventypercent.com

bobvilax2000 on So..I'm brand new....

Sun, 12 Oct 2003 01:42:45 +0000

Ah, it was hiding from me. I looked earlier, but didn't see it. Sweeeet.

aymbereye on So..I'm brand new....

Sat, 11 Oct 2003 15:02:03 +0000

Try chocosphere.com - they've got it, I think. (along with a ton of other stuff.)

"Oh, what a noble mind is here o'erthrown..."

bobvilax2000 on So..I'm brand new....

Sat, 11 Oct 2003 14:37:56 +0000

I'm slightly confused. The Manjari is a 64% and the Gastronomie is a 61% and 250g according to chocosphere. Do they taste similar? Are they the same chocolate, just different amounts of cocoa butter? I can't find any info on a 200g Manjari.