Hacienda La Carrera 55%

Dormouse Chocolates is an artisan producer based in Manchester, United Kingdom. They operate as a bean-to-bar maker, overseeing the transformation of raw cacao into finished chocolate. The Hacienda La Carrera 55% represents their dedication to small-batch production and single-origin transparency, highlighting beans specifically sourced from the Jiquilisco region of El Salvador.

This 55% milk chocolate is crafted from a simple blend of cacao beans, unrefined sugar, cocoa butter, and whole milk powder. The production process avoids additives like lecithin, vanillin, and vegetable fats. The cacao undergoes a specific protocol of 7 days of fermentation followed by a sun-drying period lasting up to 18 days. This careful handling results in a flavor profile characterized by distinct notes of dried plum, apricot, and caramel.

The focus remains on the raw material and the artisan craft. While the bar is crafted to be pure and additive-free, the production environment also handles other ingredients, meaning the product may contain traces of milk, almonds, hazelnuts, and gluten. Each bar is presented in a 70 gram format.