Introduction

Just as wine lovers swirl, sniff, and sip, chocolate enjoying can be a refined sensory experience. Here’s your guide to tasting chocolate — and getting more from that Verity bar.

1. Look — Visual Inspection

Start by examining the chocolate in good light. A well-tempered bar will have a glossy sheen, smooth surface, and minimal “bloom” (white streaks or spots). If you see large flaws or cracks, there may have been temperature stress.

2. Snap — The Break Test

Break the bar swiftly; a clean, sharp “snap” is a hallmark of proper tempering and good fat crystal structure. A dull or crumbly break hints at issues (maybe too much heat or poor tempering).

3. Smell — Aroma Exploration

Hold the broken piece close. What do you smell?

• Fruity (berries, citrus)
• Floral (lavender, rose)
• Nutty or Caramel
• Roasted / Earthy

Let your nose guide you — there’s often more complexity in aroma than you expect.

4. Let It Melt — Start on the Tongue

Place a small piece on your tongue and let it begin to melt slowly. Resist chewing. You’ll first feel textures (gritty? silky?). As it melts, sense evolving flavors and how they develop.

5. Move It Around — Roof of Mouth / Cheek

Gently move the chocolate around — toward the roof, sides, and front of your mouth. Now you’ll pick up acidity, bitterness, sweetness balance, and lingering finish.

6. Texture & Mouthfeel

Good chocolate should feel smooth, velvety, and more creamy than greasy. Notice how long flavors linger, and whether any off-notes or harshness emerge.

7. Pairings & Enhancements

• Coffee / Espresso — brings out roasted or nutty notes
• Fruit / Berries — can contrast or complement acidity
• Spices / Herbs — mint, cardamom, pink peppercorn
• Wine / Fortified Wine — for advanced tastings

8. Take Notes

Keep a tasting journal: date, bar (origin, cacao percentage), aroma notes, flavor progression, finish, and your enjoyment rating. After a few tastings, patterns will emerge — and your palate will sharpen.

Conclusion & Invitation

Tasting chocolate is an art you develop over time. With each Verity bar, give yourself permission to slow down, savor, and explore. Want to host a tasting event? Reach out — we’d love to help you curate an unforgettable chocolate experience.