The first we tried was the Ocumare 30% Milk Chocolate Bar. Single Bar Price: $6.95.
This bar was very smooth and rich without being too overpowering. It's got an ever so slight "fruitiness" about it that reminds me of some ripe, juicy fruit.. just a wee bit of spiciness alongside the creamy nature of this bar as well. I enjoyed it very much and would say it was my favorite of all 3 bars.
Second was the Jembrana 30% Milk Chocolate Bar. Single Bar Price: $6.95.
I found this bar to seem much sweeter that the Ocumare bar. It was smooth and rich also but there was a good bit of spice and warmth with this bar where as the Ocumare seemed almost "cool" in comparison. It was a very good, solid and enjoyable chocolate, certainly. It seemed a bit more "typical" to me. Excellent quality.. but it didn't stand out the way the Ocumare did, for me.
Last but not least was the Montanya Limited Edition 70% Dark Chocolate Bar. Single Bar Price: $8.95.
*This* bar really knocked my socks off! I love dark chocolate and this was snappy and cool and dark as the depths of Satan's soul dark. Nutty. Complex. Sharp. This, to me, is what dark chocolate *should* be. I really enjoyed this bar. Immensely. Honest cocao flavor. Only a slight hint of sweetness... and it was wonderful. Definitely a keeper.
Now that I've got you curious... it's your turn! Leave a comment here with your email address and which of these 3 new Amano Chocolate bars intrigues you most! You have until Thursday night 5/28/09 11:59PM EST to enter and I'll random draw 5 lucky winners on Friday morning 5/29/09 to receive these 3 bars to sample!
Good Luck!
i am a huge fan of dark chocolate ~ a little bitter and a little sweet, but superrich ~ so i'd have to say that the montanya 70% intrigues me the most (tho chocolate of all kinds is balm for my soul, LOL). :))
ReplyDeleteI could really use some chocolate today! And your description of the Ocumare 30% Milk Chocolate Bar sounds fantastic! I would love to try that one!
ReplyDeletemmmmm chocolate!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh the Montanya!
ReplyDeleteThe Ocumare bar sounds awesome! I prefer milk chocolate most of the time, as long as it's not too sweet and it has that rich chocolaty flavor :-)
ReplyDeleteFantastic reviews, BTW, you totally made me crave chocolate - you know, the good stuff :-) And these sound like they are good!
I would love to win. Chocolate is always welcome in my house :-)
The Montanya Limited Edition 70% Dark would Definately be my favorite! I LOVE the health benefits of dark chocolate and the fact that a little goes a long way.... NOW don't get me wrong.. I LOVE all kinds of chocolate... but you are right, that one would rock my socks too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the chance to win!!
Leslie
LeslieVeg@msn.com
Oh Montanya--definitely. I grew up eating the milky stuff and gagged while my dad ate the yucky, bitter, dark stuff. But you learn to love dark chocolate when you learn to love coffee. Age (and children) requires caffeine :).
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the chocolate! It is always facinating to hear what people think of our various chocolates. Some consider the Ocumare Milk to be the best but an equal number consider the Jembrana Milk to be the best. Personally ... well ... they are all my babies.
ReplyDeleteBut what really spoke to me is how you thought that the Montanya bar is how chocolate is "supposed to be". This for me is the highest compliment -- this is what I am seeking each day that we make a new batch of chocolate. I'm a bit of a romantic at heart and so seeking for things as they "should and ought to be" is what I consider to be the highest ideal. So thank you so much for complimenting the chocolate so highly.
Incidentally, the countdown is on ... tomorrow by this time, I'll be on the way to London for the Academy of Chocolate Awards. This is my first time to London and I'm looking forward to it immensely. (Oh, I hear there is some really good food there too ...)
Good luck to everyone that participates in the giveaway!
-Art
Head Chocolate Maker
Amano Artisan Chocolate
I would love to try the Ocumare!
ReplyDeleteTake two:
ReplyDeleteMontanya sounds super!
-Kim.
femetal@tampabay.rr.com
dark chocolate one would be my favorite! ;)
ReplyDeleteI usually don't particularly like dark chocolate, but from your review, I'm now very intrigued about the Montanya!
ReplyDeleteI love dark chocolate the best!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I always go for the dark chocolate! Thanks for the reviews.
ReplyDeleteThe Jembrana would be my choice!
ReplyDeleteOh how I love chocolate!! The Ocumare 30% Milk Chocolate Bar sounds yummy!!!!!
ReplyDeletelilscdeb@aol.com
Decisions, decisions. I absolutely love chocolate, and I feel that the darker it is, the more delicious it is. With that in mind, I'd love to try the Montanya!
ReplyDelete-no_one112@hotmail.com
Jo did you say Chocolate ohhhh!! ? For me the 70% dark chocolate bar so pure really to enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Gera
montanya
ReplyDeletemmmmmmmmmmm
I haven't even had my morning coffee yet, but I think I'll have to find some chocolate first! Or better yet, have some chocolate with my coffee. Dark chocolate is my favorite, but your descriptions make them all sound delicious!
ReplyDeleteI would like the Jembrana best, but needless to say, they all sound great
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
May Canadians enter? The Montanya Limited Edition 70% Dark Chocolate Bar intrigues me the most because I love dark chocolate.
ReplyDeleteikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca
I'll go with the Ocumare bar. Sounds so delicious!!
ReplyDeletes.mickelson at gmail dot com
Hands down, the dark stuff - always my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the Montanya Limited Edition 70% Dark Chocolate Bar.
ReplyDeleteI've tried their chocolates before and they are really good! I think the Ocumare sounds the best.
ReplyDeleteI am so a dark chocolate fan. It makes me feel more grown up when I eat it!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.