Dandelion, Hacienda Azul, Costa Rica, 70%

The beans for this bar come from Hacienda Azul, a single estate just north of Turrialba in central Costa Rica. Cacao trees on the estate grow in a diversified agroforestry system, surrounded by jungle flora in a biodiverse habitat. Beans come from six especially high-yielding, disease-resistant genetic tree varieties selected by the Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE), a nearby cacao germplasm and research institute. Strong agricultural traits are excellent for producers, but don’t always go hand-in-hand with good flavor. In this case, we’re delighted that they do. Chocolate Maker Eric tames the 2022 harvest’s characteristic faint bitterness, coaxing out chocolatey, creamy, nutty notes.