Hacienda San Jose 70%

Chokaico presents the Hacienda San Jose 70%, a single estate expression that bridges the lush landscapes of Babahoyo, Ecuador, with the precision of American craft. Based in Avon, Connecticut, this artisan maker focuses on the prized Arriba Nacional variety. By focusing on a specific estate, the bar highlights a dedicated connection between the land and the finished chocolate, representing a meticulous approach to small batch production.

The texture of this dark chocolate is defined by a stone ground refining method, preserving a rustic yet sophisticated character. The 70 percent cacao content allows the natural complexity of the Arriba Nacional beans to shine. Tasters can expect a balanced profile where bright notes of red fruits meet a subtle nuttiness and delicate floral undertones. The inclusion of only cacao beans, cane sugar, and cacao butter ensures a pure experience free from lecithin, vanillin, or vegetable fats.

Quality begins at the source with a rigorous post-harvest protocol. The beans undergo fermentation in wooden boxes for five to seven days before being sun-dried on wooden beds, a process that develops the depth of the cacao. This dedication to traditional techniques is bolstered by Fair Trade certification. The bar has earned international recognition, securing Silver and Bronze honors at both the Americas and World stages of the International Chocolate Awards.