Mayan Red Copán 72%

Crafted by ZOTO, this dark chocolate bar celebrates the distinctive heritage of the Copán region in Honduras. Utilizing the 2017 harvest of the rare Mayan Red cacao variety, this expression reflects a deep commitment to terroir and genetic preservation. As a specialty producer, ZOTO focuses on the science of flavor, transforming these specific beans into a refined 45 gram bar that earned a Bronze award from the Academy of Chocolate in 2018.

The 72 percent cacao profile offers a rich, velvety texture supported by a generous fat content. Its flavor journey is defined by deep, comforting notes of roasted coffee and toasted almonds, transitioning into a sweet finish reminiscent of caramel and creamy latte. This complexity is achieved through meticulous processing, including a precise roast at 125 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes and the absolute absence of masking agents like vanillin, lecithin, or vegetable fats.

Integrity lies at the heart of this bar's creation, starting with Direct Trade cacao that ensures transparency and quality. The post harvest treatment is particularly rigorous, featuring a five day fermentation with two turns followed by seven days of drying on wooden decks within a solar tunnel. This controlled environment allows the Mayan Red beans to develop their full potential using only cacao and cocoa butter, resulting in a pure and unadulterated dark chocolate experience.