El Carmen

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We source these beans from Cacao Bisiesto, which has a fermentation facility just outside of Matagalpa, Nicaragua.  The owner, Giff Laube, has his own cacao farm but also sources from dozens of farmers in the surrounding area, paying prices higher than what the farmers would receive if they sold the beans locally.  The beans for our bars are sourced from a handful of small family farms located in El Carmen, just down the road from the fermentary.

On our numerous visits to Matagalpa we’ve visited not only the fermentary but also the farms from which our specific beans are sourced.  We also worked with Giff to develop a custom fermentation profile, which highlights our favorite flavors in the beans.

Giff maintains the highest quality control standards, including the requirement that cacao pods are harvested, opened, bagged and delivered to the fermentary same day.  His extensive knowledge of, and familiarity with, cacao genetics and the science of fermentation ensures the beans are always of the best quality.

We roast the beans in small batches, using a custom roast profile we created specifically to maximize their flavor. We stone grind the nibs in melanguers and conche for five days, using a conche profile that’s also specific to this bean.  This allows us to fully develop all of the incredible flavors.

We also freshly press the cocoa butter for this from the same El Carmen beans we use to make the chocolate, resulting in intense single origin flavor and exceptional smoothness.  We’re one of the only chocolate makers in the country to press our own cocoa butter, and it makes a world of difference in flavor.

For more information and pictures of our trips to Matagalpa check out our El Carmen page.

For more information on fine flavor cacao, our personal approach to direct sourcing and our unique chocolate making process please visit our Fine Cacao, Our Chocolate and Our Process pages.

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Tasting notes:  Deep, rich and earthy.  Cocoa with caramel and raisin notes.

Collections:  This bar can also be found in The Complete Collection, The Signature Line Collection, The Central America Collection and The Gold Winners Collection.

 Pairings:  For cheese pairing selections please visit our Tastings & Pairings page.

Nicaragua, 77% Cacao, 55g Bar

$14.00

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Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Organic Sugar, Freshly Pressed Cocoa Butter
Soy Free, Gluten Free, Not Alkalized, No Lecithin, Vegan