Pinalum, Malekula Is.

The Pinalum, Malekula Is. bar is a celebrated creation from Foundry, a dedicated bean to bar maker committed to highlighting the singular character of its origin. This dark chocolate is crafted from Trinitario cacao beans grown on Malekula Island in the tropical archipelago of Vanuatu. By focusing on a minimalist approach, the maker allows the specific geography of the island to take center stage.

This 70% dark chocolate offers a sophisticated sensory experience that reflects meticulous post-harvest care. The beans undergo a five-day fermentation in hardwood boxes, followed by careful sun drying on raised beds. This process preserves the intrinsic qualities of the harvest, resulting in a flavor profile defined by bright lemon citrus, sweet honey, deep juicy plum, and a grounding finish of toasted nut.

Foundry emphasizes purity in their production, utilizing only two ingredients: cacao beans and cane sugar. This transparent and focused method has garnered international acclaim, earning recognition such as an Academy of Chocolate Silver award in 2021 and a Gold medal at the 2022 NZ Chocolate Awards.