Ritual Wild Tranquilidad Bolivia 75% Dark Chocolate

The Wild Tranquilidad 75% dark chocolate, handcrafted from bean to bar by Ritual Chocolate, is the result of a long-term preservation effort to protect one of the rarest and most genetically distinct cacao varieties in the world: Beniano cacao from Hacienda Tranquilidad in Bolivia.

The story of Beniano cacao begins in the remote Beni region of Bolivia, where wild cacao trees grow naturally in forested areas known as "chocolatales." For centuries, indigenous communities have harvested these rare pods, navigating dense forests and riverbanks to collect them during the brief harvest season. The cacao’s small, round beans are prized for their high cocoa butter content and complex flavor profile, combining floral, fruity, and nutty notes.

The rediscovery and preservation of this rare cacao are closely tied to the work of agronomist Volker Lehmann, who settled in Bolivia in the early 2000s. Lehmann recognized the genetic distinctiveness of Beniano cacao and established Hacienda Tranquilidad as a center for sustainable cultivation and post-harvest processing. Through close collaboration with local communities, he developed a system that allows the natural environment to thrive while securing a stable income for farmers.

Caputo’s Market played a crucial role in bringing this project to life. After sponsoring genetic testing that confirmed Beniano cacao’s unique status, Caputo’s established a direct sourcing agreement with Hacienda Tranquilidad. This ensures that the value of this rare cacao is reflected in the compensation received by the farmers, creating a sustainable model for wild cacao production. The project gained further recognition when Beniano cacao was certified by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation program, which identifies and protects genetically unique and high-quality cacao varieties.

Ritual Chocolate was selected as the chocolate maker to transform this rare cacao into a bar that reflects its genetic purity and complex flavor profile. Their expertise in handling fine cacao is evident in the final product, which highlights the unique characteristics of Beniano cacao while honoring the work behind its preservation.

Ingredients: cocoa mass, organic cane sugar.

Batch Number: 09/25

The bar presents distinctive aromas that immediately capture attention: cherry Brandy, Marzipan, and Spices.

Tasting Notes

• Cherry Brandy: dry and robust with notes of fruity flavor of sour cherry jam, cherry kernels, hints of stone, and slightly bitter notes. 

• Spices

• Marzipan

• Ceylon Cinnamon

• Raisins

• Dark Brown Sugar

• Roasted Nuts

• Aromatic Pipe Tobacco: Blue Note Pipe tobacco (with chocolate cherries notes) and G.L. Pease The Virginia Cream (subtle vanilla/bourbon tope note).

• Amaretto: nutty almond flavors, burnt sugar notes, herbs, spices, and cherry.

Appearance (4/4): Homogeneous, glossy, and uniform.

Snap (1/1): Clean and sharp, indicating excellent tempering.

Tactile Attributes

Fineness (4/5): Minimal detectable particles, resulting in a smooth and refined mouthfeel.

Texture (8/8): Creamy, enveloping, and smooth.

Astringency (5/5): None.

Roundness (6/7): Full-bodied and engaging; the bar’s richness and density create a satisfying and balanced tasting experience.

Melting Point (5/5): Rapid melting.

Flavor Profile and Aftertaste

Primary Cacao Flavor (8/10): Moderate intensity.

Secondary Pleasant Flavors (10/12): Well-defined, intense, and perceptible.

Secondary Unpleasant Flavors (0/5): None detected.

Overall Aromatic Quality (5/5): Rich, complex, and full of intense aromas and flavors.

Aftertaste (4/5): Long-lasting and satisfying.

Taste

Sweetness (6/6): Balanced and well-integrated.

Bitterness (5/6): Subtle.

Acidity (5/6): Mild.

Harmony and Gustatory Pleasure (10/10): Excellent.

Final Sensation (5/5): Outstanding and satisfying.

Total Score: 91

This score places Ritual Wild Tranquilidad 75% in the “Excellent” category.

Personal Reflection

The Wild Tranquilidad 75% stands out as one of the finest single origin bars I have tasted from Ritual Chocolate, and much of that success comes from the exceptional quality of the Beniano cacao itself. While the skill of the chocolate maker is crucial, the final result ultimately reflects the quality of the cacao beans. In this case, the genetic purity and complexity of wild Beniano cacao elevate this chocolate bar beyond the ordinary, making it one of the best Bolivian Beniano bars I’ve tasted in a long time.

What impresses me the most is the unmistakable presence of cherry Brandy flavor. It’s not just a fleeting note; it defines the entire aromatic profile, giving the bar a realistic character. Flavors of Marzipan, Amaretto, and Aromatic Pipe Tobacco add further depth, creating a sophisticated matching flavor profile.

The bar’s intensity is notable. It delivers a warm mouthfeel with a dry palate in tune with the hallmarks of cherry brandy. This is not a bar for those seeking a delicate or mellow chocolate: it is intense and unapologetically flavorful. The spirit-like quality might not appeal to everyone, but those who appreciate whisky or complex dark chocolate will likely find it captivating.

Thank you, Anna, for sharing this sample with me.