Goodnow Farms Ecuador Esmeraldas 70%
- Caterina Gallo
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 31
Introduction
This bar is made with cacao beans from the Salazar family farm in the Esmeraldas region of Ecuador. The farm spans over 100 acres and cultivates Nacional hybrid cacao trees. The Salazars manage the entire post-harvest process, from fermentation to drying, at a state-of-the-art facility designed by Dan O’Doherty of Cacao Services. This setup ensures precise control over the cacao beans' quality and flavor, resulting in cacao of exceptional refinement.
During their visit, Tom and Monica found the Salazars' commitment to preserving fine flavor cacao particularly notable. They have grafted flavorful clones such as EET-95, EET-96, and EET-103 to their trees and planted several acres of Acriollado, a local fine flavor varietal at risk of disappearing. This thoughtful approach highlights their dedication to both quality and biodiversity.
At Goodnow Farms, the beans are carefully roasted with a custom roast profile to bring out their best characteristics. The nibs are stone ground and conched for five days, allowing the chocolate’s flavors to fully develop. The cocoa butter is freshly pressed in-house from the same Esmeraldas` cacao beans, enhancing the bar’s smoothness and ensuring a consistent single origin profile.
Batch Number: November 2026/1430
Ingredients: cacao beans, organic sugar, freshly pressed cocoa butter
The aroma is gentle and inviting: roasted nuts, citrusy, figs, berry jam (lush and fruity, reminiscent of ripe, preserved berries), and honeysuckle.
Tasting Notes
Jasmine: delicate and light, with sweet, green floral hints in the background.
Orange blossom: adds a soft citrus-floral complexity, lifting the overall profile.
Honeysuckle: a nectar-like sweetness that lingers at the back of the throat towards the end.
Lime: clean, tangy, and refreshing, contributing with a tropical brightness.
Green banana: mildly sweet and starchy, with fresh undertones.
Blackcurrant: tart and juicy, adding wine-like depth.
Cabernet grapes: dark fruit notes with blackcurrant, vanilla, clove, pepper, tobacco, oak wood, and a subtle herbaceous edge.
Figs: sweet, rich, with dried fruit tones and slight honey undertones.
Appearance (4/4): the bar displays a glossy, uniform surface.
Snap (1/1): sharp and clean, indicating proper tempering.
Tactile Attributes
Fineness (5/5): no perceivable particles.
Texture (8/8): silky, smooth, and enveloping, offering a satisfying mouthfeel.
Astringency (4/5): mild and primarily noticeable at the end, harmonizing with the fruity and tart flavors.
Roundness (2/7): light-bodied with a subtle persistence.
Melting point (5/5): rapid melting.
Flavor Profile and Aftertaste
Primary cacao flavor (7/10): medium intense.
Secondary positive flavors (12/12): distinct and well-defined, contributing significantly to the tasting experience.
Secondary negative flavors (0/-5): none detected.
Overall aromatic quality (5/5): flavorful and aromatic, with a balanced profile.
Aftertaste (3/5): 5 mintues.
Taste
Sweetness (5/6): balanced and appropriate, enhancing the profile without being overwhelming.
Bitterness (4/6): present and well-integrated.
Acidity (4/6): balanced, contributing to a fruity-forward tasting journey.
Harmony and gustatory pleasure (10/10): exceptionally balanced and enjoyable, offering a cohesive experience.
Final sensation (5/5): pleasant, leaving a positive impression.
Total Score: 85/100
This score places Goodnow Farms Ecuador 70% in the "Very Good" category, reflecting its great balance and complex flavor profile.
Personal Reflection
This is an excellent bar. Among the standout notes, the Cabernet-like flavor truly shines. I also appreciate its more robust "oak-aged" background, which complements the refreshing floral profile. The tasting experience is lively and bright, inviting you to savor more in order to uncover each subtle aromatic nuance.
Thank you, Tom and Monica.
Wow...dove è possibile trovare questa fantastica barretta?