Cusco-Peru 70%

Chokaico is an artisan chocolate maker based in Avon, Connecticut, dedicated to the craft of small-batch production. This producer focuses on highlighting the diverse genetic heritage of South American cacao through careful sourcing and processing. Their Cusco-Peru 70% bar serves as a window into the Northern Amazon region, utilizing a sophisticated blend of Native Chuncho, VRAE, and Criollo Trinitario bean varieties. This specific selection of heritage beans distinguishes the maker's commitment to preserving rare cacao lineages.

The sensory experience of this bar is defined by its traditional stone-ground texture. Unlike industrial chocolate that is refined to a glass-like smoothness, this method retains a rustic character that allows the flavors to evolve slowly on the palate. Enthusiasts will discover a vibrant profile led by citric fruits and delicate florals, followed by grounding notes of toasted bread and roasted nuts. The formula is intentionally minimalist: it contains only cacao beans, cane sugar, and cacao butter, notably omitting lecithin, vanillin, and vegetable fats to keep the focus entirely on the cacao's natural terroir.

Ethical sourcing and transparency are foundational to this 50-gram bar. The cacao is Fair Trade certified, ensuring that the farmers in the Northern Amazon are supported through equitable trade practices. By maintaining a high cacao percentage and a specific nutritional profile of 40g of fat and 28g of sugar per 100g, Chokaico balances intensity with accessibility. The result is a bar that celebrates the soul of Peruvian cacao while adhering to the high standards of the specialty chocolate movement.