Dominican Republic, Zorzal 72% Cacao

The Dominican Republic, Zorzal 72% Cacao bar from 9th & Larkin is a sumptuous single-origin dark chocolate delight. This bar is made from premium quality cacao beans, cane sugar, and cocoa butter. The beans are harvested from Reserva Zorzal in San Francisco de Macoris, Cibao, Dominican Republic. Tasting notes of this dark chocolate include cherries, plum, molasses, and spice, all set on a rich dark chocolate background.

Type

Dark

Percent

72%

Weight

65g

Dimensions

99mm

99mm

7mm

Ingredients

Cacao Beans

Cane Sugar

Cocoa Butter

Facility Allergen

Nuts

Milk

Type

Box

Dimensions

105mm

106mm

9mm

Wrapper

Foil

Marketing Terms

Bean to Bar

Single Origin

Craft

9th & Larkin, a San Francisco-based chocolate maker, is helmed by Lan Phan. Lan was inspired to make chocolate during her time as an analyst interacting with manufacturing startups. She was driven by the idea of creating something tangible with her own hands, and thus, with a deep love for chocolate, she began experimenting in her home kitchen in 2014. The team at 9th & Larkin meticulously chooses beans based on taste and curiosity. They explore new origins and aim to bring out unique flavors from the beans. A unique feature of their chocolate bars is the wrapper design. Inspired by the cacao pod, the colors of the wrappers reflect the tasting profile of each origin. For instance, the bright copper patterns on the Tanzania bar reflect its bright chocolate background and cherries and berries notes. Despite the challenges of being a small business and the technical difficulties of tempering, Lan finds the process of making chocolate fascinating and enjoyable. To her, chocolate holds much sentimental value - it's a fond memory from her childhood, a comfort during late nights, and a connection to her home country, Vietnam.

Name

9th and Larkin

Production Country

United States

The cacao beans for this chocolate bar originate from Reserva Zorzal, located in the Dominican Republic. This bird sanctuary is the country's first private preserve and serves as a model for conservation and access to global markets. Seventy percent of the land on this sanctuary is set aside to be forever wild. The beans are carefully picked at optimal ripeness and undergo a process of natural fermentation and drying to bring out the nuanced flavor profiles found in the high mountain rainforests of the Dominican Republic. Reserva Zorzal is also dedicated to uplifting local communities by creating jobs in wildlife monitoring, education services, and employment on the reserve and at the Fermentorium. They also support neighboring farms by sharing best practices to garner higher prices for their products.

Producer

Reserva Zorzal

Country

Dominican Republic

You can savor this chocolate bar by enjoying it slowly, allowing it to melt on your tongue to fully appreciate its complex flavors. Dark chocolate like this pairs well with a variety of foods and beverages. For instance, it often complements fruits like cherries and berries, which aligns with the tasting notes of this bar. You could also try pairing it with a full-bodied red wine or a strong coffee to enhance the rich, dark chocolate notes.