Looks like a good start, but you should have gotten Gran Couva as well [:)] It also looks like you ordered quite a bit of Madagascar chocolate too. You should compare the Ampamakia, Mangaro, Domori’s Sambirano (from the Grandes Cacaos assortment), then Bonnat’s Madagascar 75%, in that order, when you get them. And if you think you left anything out, there’s always the next order [;)]

Tasted a small square each of Amedeis Cru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Madagascar and Jamaica. And my absolute favourite was the Madagascar, so I had to have some more! Gran Couva noted for my next order :-)

By the way, I just had some Amedei Porcelana, how is it compared to the Valrhona I’ve ordered? Didn’t really think it was as good as I had expected. But then again expectations were sky-high, that often leads to disappointment doesn’t it?

Anyway, can’t wait to get the goodies, and thanks for your replies. Still amazed by the helpfull and friendly members here!

Green, that’s why you should not consider all the hype, or lack thereof, around a chocolate. It often affects your expectations and can lead to major disappointment. Just try each chocolate with a neutral frame of mind and base your opinions and judgments on what YOU think and not what everyone else thinks.

The thing with Porcelana is that it’s a pure Criollo and is highly prized because of its delicate flavor, texture, etc. No one ever said it was the best tasting chocolate, but it certainly is an experience worth trying. You should try Domori’s Porcelana; this one, imo, is excellent.

Pralus’s columbia bar is ok, it’s a little too tobacco-y for my tastes (i do really like their madasgar bar tho). Sambirano reminds me of a glass of red wine, and is the first chocolate i’d tried where i went ‘wow – this is really, really different’. Mangaro is ok, but it’s a little ho hum for me.

accepting suggestions for your next order? if so, try these:
from domori – carupano, peperoncino, blend no. 1 and all three from the chateau series (that is minus the chili)
from valrhona – palmira
some el rey and some pralus too.

Oh, that Bonnat Chuao IS good, but if you get that, then make sure to get Amedei’s as well. Amedei’s version, imo, is much better. I have a thread somewhere discussing the four different Chuaos from Amedei, Bonnat, Pralus, and Valrhona.

Sebastian, Pralus Columbia too tobacco-ish? Well, I can understand, especially since Pralus certainly has that tone to all his bars. I just finished off a Jamaica, and it’s really quite good; very woody tone of juniper/cedar, accented by a touch of light rum and a very strong coffee presence at the end. Quite tart throughout length, as well.

Also, if you like tartness, check out Amedei 66%. Its tartness is more tropical/pineapple in nature and lies somewhere in the middle and end of length; however, it has a somewhat one-sided tone of dates and dried fruits, though. It’s still good, especially if you like Pralus Jamaica.

There’s a thread regarding Valrhona’s Porcelana. I kind of had the same experience you did when I first tried Amedei’s Porcelana. I wasn’t particularly impressed, but then again, I knew NOT to taste it with the greatest expectations. I knew it was known for its subtlty and finesse and not complex flavors, but at any rate, I tasted it with a neutral frame of mind. The second tasting really impressed me, however, and the silkiness and gentle flavor of it blew me away. I think this is partly due to the association I have of the first tasting as an induction/acclimation phase where you taste the chocolate, get acquainted with it, then feel more comfortable with it when you taste it again later. Know what I mean? It’s an experience, a journey, a relationship, if you will, that one must feel comfortable with in order to fully appreciate it in all its glory.

However, you need to try Domori’s Porcelana, which, imo, is much better. Don’t get me wrong, though, Amedei’s version is still excellent, but I just prefer Domori’s.

quote:

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Originally posted by green

Well, everybody obviously prefers Domori Porcelana, so I guess I’ll just HAVE to get around to it and order one, (or a couple?) ;)

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Well, as the individualist I am (don’t even have a TV), I really didn’t like it. Tastes blue cheese and meat, like other Domoris.

Brian: “You are all individuals!”
The crowd: “We are all individuals!”
Man in crowd: “I am not!”
(from Life of Brian)

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My name is Polarbear and I am a chocoholic…

Get at least two or three, green. They’re only 25g bars.

Polar, picky are we? [;)]