Black Velvet 72%

Black Velvet 72% is produced by Hogarth Chocolate, an artisan maker based in New Zealand. The bar highlights the specific output of Hacienda Victoria in Ecuador, a farm known for its quality cacao. As a small-batch producer, the maker focuses on the bean-to-bar process to transform raw materials into a finished tablet.

The production process utilizes a melanger to refine the ingredients, which consist of cocoa beans, cocoa butter, sugar, and vanilla. This mechanical refinement achieves a specific texture and consistency, resulting in a flavor profile characterized by smooth, strong cocoa notes. The tasting experience is rounded out by nuances of dried fruit and a distinct nutty finish.

Hogarth Chocolate manages its production in-house, ensuring direct oversight of the refining and conching stages. The ingredients are simple, though consumers should note that the bar is processed in a facility that also handles milk, hazelnuts, and gluten, making it unsuitable for those with severe sensitivities to these allergens.