Bar of the Week: Republica del Cacao Esmeraldas

This week we are featuring Republica del Cacao's Esmereldas bar, a 75% dark chocolate made from Ecuadorian Arriba beans.  Some consider Arriba Nacional to be an independent species of cacao, a fourth type separate from the "big three" of Forastero, Criollo, and Trinitario.  True or not, Arriba makes for a fine and distinctively aromatic chocolate.  Legend has it that the name originated when a 19th century Swiss explorer smelled chocolate while traveling down the Guayas River; he asked some locals where the scent came from and was told, “De río arriba”--“From up the river”.

The Esmeraldas bar has a marked but balanced bitterness, with, "a light lemon-peel flavor and roasted notes."  Join us for a taste on Saturday, January 16th.