Villars ~ Chocolat Noir 72%

 

Part two of my Villars chocolate experience. Brought to me by my husband Todd, after a trip to Germany and a stop over in Geneva. Read about Villars and the first part of my review with Villars Chocolat À L'Ancienne. 

Villars Chocolat Noir 72%

Bean Varietal: Unknown, but from the Ghana and Ecuador regions.

Ingredients: cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), natural vanilla flavor.

Type: Bittersweet 72%

Sample size: 100g or 3.5oz

Appearance: Simple and pretty molding, shiny, smooth and deep dark brown color. Nice and simple.

Score: 93

Snap: Nice loud cracking snap. Excellent snap and clean lines.

Score: 96

Aroma: Wood, big coconut cream aroma, buttery, almonds, mild roasted cocoa, mild tobacco and smoke notes.

Score: 95

Taste: Soft edges, extremely low bitterness, slightly astringent, roasted cocoa in the very beginning, coconut, lightly floral, lightly woody, blueberries on the back end of the finish through retro-olfaction.

Score: 92

Texture: Soft, smooth, creamy texture, medium-length melt time.

Score: 94

It smells like an Almond Joy candy bar. I happen to love coconut and Almond Joy's. Beans are from Ecuador and Ghana. I don't have much experience with Ghana beans, but I am sure it's the Ecuador beans toning this bar down and making it more palatable. Once again a chocolate that doesn't have too many discernible hallmarks, but was a total pleasure to eat.

Eating chocolate, not thinking chocolate. This is the kind of chocolate that needs to be devoured when a sudden and serious chocolate craving comes on. You don't want to plow through the expensive, superior grade chocolates you use to savor, relax with, and let melt slowly on your tongue for moments like that. You would want this chocolate for moments like that. You want this chocolate for uncontrollable urges and you won't feel guilty about tearing through this bar. You also won't be put out by it's price if you plow through it.

I think a lot of reviewers take that for granted when reviewing. Looking for the biggest wow factor, rare qualities, and distinctive regional notes. Sometimes it's not about all of that, but simply about eating.

I thought this bar was fantastic. Again, I am keeping it all in perspective that this is not extraordinary chocolate. I wouldn't put this up against a single origin chocolate or a micro chocolate producer. This isn't a unique chocolate bar in anyway, as it's mass produced. But it tastes like great European quality. Milky, creamy, and smooth. I enjoyed eating this. I loved the coconut flavors and aromas the most.

Final Score: 94

score
A-

Comments

[Peggy]

looks fantastic!

[The Kitchen Masochist]

I've never heard of this brand before, but the packaging and logo look similar to the brand Frei (also Swiss) that's available here.

[Candace]

Villars history is very interesting and includes a past "chocolate war" with the Swiss Chocolate cartel.

I believe, Swiss chocolate once tasted, is long remembered as one of lifes joys.

If you like truffles, pralines, and other swiss chocolate specialties, you can discover and enjoy a third generation family artisan Swiss Chocolatier Laderach at www.ChocolatesAndConfections.com.