Criollo Porcelana Chocolate Bar Reviews

One of the more rare types of cacao is Criollo, and under that category are even more rare versions, one of which is Porcelana.  When you think of Porcelana think Venezuela as the location.  Bars made with this bean will cost a bit extra for many reasons, one of which is that the pods themselves are more thin skinned. This allows them to be more easily damaged my disease and insects, so this type is a bit fussy to grow.  Also, Porcelana is a more pure form of Criollo.

1. The Smooth Chocolator 70% Porcelana.  Granted, that name alone, and the cool packaging would make me pick up this bar.

Color:  Light brown.
Nose:  Cocoa powder.
Texture:  Fairly smooth.
Taste:  Notes of a hot chocolate beverage, oak, earthy, espresso, nutty (peanut).
Finish:  short to medium finish with a hint of tanginess at the end.

2. Soma Chocolatemaker 70% Porcelana.

Color:  Light brown.
Nose:  Cocoa powder.
Texture: Smooth.
Taste:  Earthy, coconut husk, lots of green bell pepper.
Finish:  Long, with bell pepper only remaining at the end.

3. Amedei 70% Porcelana.

Color:  Medium brown.

Nose:  Honeysuckle, floral.

Texture:  Smooth, but need to chew a bit before it melts, a touch chalky right at the end.

Taste:  Rich cocoa powder, red fruit.

Finish:  Short to medium finish is a touch tannic with a hint of sweetness right at the end.

4.  Valrhona El Pedregal 64% Porcelana.  This bar is more like a milk/dark style due to it's lower percentage of cacao then the first 3 bars. 

Color:  Medium brown.

Nose:  Cake doughnut.

Texture:  Silky.

Taste:  Orange, toffee, cream, cake doughnut, bit of tang, some sweetness.

Finish:  Medium finish with more sweetness than the other bars. 

I've also included my video review of these bars for your extreme viewing pleasure.  :)

Thanks for tuning in!

Victoria Cooksey