Letterpress Paredes Estate Bolivia 70%

Introduction

The Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund designated this particular lot of beans Heirloom Cacao (HCP #1) in 2014. Felix Paredes, who has over 60 years of experience in cacao farming, has perfected his craft. The beans come directly from his farm in Sapecho, Alto Beni, Bolivia.

The beans underwent a meticulous fermentation and drying process:

• Box-fermented for five days, mixed once per day.

• Dried in three stages: warm air in a stainless-steel flatbed dryer, rested for two days in open bags in a greenhouse, and finished for two half days in direct sunlight.

  
  

The result is perfection. “I believe this is one of the best batches I’ve ever made,” says Volker.

Letterpress Paredes Estate Bolivia 70%

Batch Number: 2

Ingredients: cacao beans, organic unrefined cane Sugar, organic Cocoa Butter

The aroma is gentle and inviting, presenting notes that are:

• Sweet and floral, creating a light and pleasant bouquet.

• Subtle fruity.

Tasting Notes

• Creamy and well-rounded chocolate foundation, that delivers a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel.

• Toasted nuts: warm and nutty with a delicate roasted aroma, adding a slight buttery sweetness.

• Ripe Pomegranate: juicy and vibrant with tart and slightly sweet notes, reminiscent of fresh berries and a touch of citrus acidity.

• Dried figs: sweet and luscious, with a honey-like richness and subtle caramelized undertones, enhancing the bar's sweetness.

• Bolivian Fuchsia Flower: offers a mild sweetness with hints of citrus zest, bringing a floral brightness and light aromatic complexity.

• Fuchsia Coccinea Berries: a unique combination of sweetness with subtle citrus and grape undertones, enhanced by a light peppery finish.

• Ekşi Kara Grape: juicy and sour black grape flavors with a touch of Moscato-like elegance.

• Chicory: a mild, earthy bitterness similar to roasted chicory root, providing a balanced astringency, and contributing to a structured aftertaste.

• Lime Notes: vibrant, sharp, and reminiscent of young Scotch whisky, these stringent lime accents introduce a refreshing acidity that becomes more pronounced in the finish and aftertaste.

Appearance (4/4): the bar displays a glossy, uniform surface.

Snap (1/1): sharp and clean, indicating proper tempering.

Tactile Attributes

• Fineness (4/5): Nearly imperceptible particles.

• Texture (8/8): Creamy, smooth, and enveloping, offering a satisfying mouthfeel.

• Astringency (3/5): mild and primarily noticeable towards the end and aftertaste, harmonizing with the fruity and tart flavor profile.

• Roundness (5/7): medium-bodied with balanced intensity and persistence.

• Melting Point (4/5): it melts at a moderately quick pace.

Flavor Profile and Aftertaste

• Primary Cacao Flavor (7/10): moderately intense.

• Secondary Positive Flavors (12/10): distinct and well-defined, contributing significantly to the tasting experience.

• Secondary Negative Flavors (0/-5): none detected.

• Overall Aromatic Quality (5/5): rich, flavorful, and aromatic, with a balanced and expressive profile.

• Aftertaste (4/5): Long and persistent.

 Taste

• Sweetness (4/6): balanced and appropriate, enhancing the profile without being overwhelming.

• Bitterness (3/6): noticeable but harmoniously integrated, complementing the chicory-like notes.

• Acidity (5/6): present but not dominant, more of a subtle background profile.

• Harmony and Gustatory Pleasure (10/10): the flavors are exceptionally balanced and enjoyable, offering a cohesive and satisfying experience.

• Final Sensation (5/5): highly pleasing, leaving a memorable and positive impression.

Total Score: 84/100

This result places this single origin chocolate in the "Very Good" category, reflecting its expressive flavor profile.

Personal Reflection

This is a highly intriguing chocolate bar that captures the unique character of Bolivian cacao exceptionally well. As noted by the chocolate maker themselves, this may be their finest single origin creation, and based on my experience with their selection, I can confidently agree.

While I’ve always appreciated their Tanzania 70%, this Bolivian dark chocolate stands out as possibly one of the best they’ve ever produced, and the flavors are vivid and well-defined.

Initially, I was uncertain. On the first tasting, I found it challenging to determine if it was entirely pleasing to my palate. However, upon revisiting it, I realized it’s a bar that demands focus and optimal conditions - both in palate readiness and environment - to fully appreciate its complexity.

This is undoubtedly one of the finest Bolivian chocolate bars I’ve ever tasted, with a remarkable balance of quality, rarity, and expressive tasting notes. It is an experience to savor slowly and thoughtfully, making it a must-try for any chocolate enthusiast.

Letterpress Chocolate