Introduction
The Goodnow Farms Nicaragua 77% single origin dark chocolate is handcrafted using cacao sourced from Cacao Bisiesto, a fermentation facility near Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Owned and operated by Giff Laube, Cacao Bisiesto works with small family farms in El Carmen, paying farmers above-market rates to ensure sustainable practices and exceptional quality.
Goodnow Farms collaborates closely with Giff to create a custom fermentation profile, designed to highlight the beans' most distinctive flavors. By adhering to the highest standards, including same-day harvesting and delivery to the fermentary, Giff ensures that the cacao is processed at peak freshness.
In crafting the Nicaragua 77%, Goodnow Farms employs a custom roast and conche profile tailored to these beans, stone grinding the nibs for five days to fully develop their complex flavors. The cocoa butter, pressed freshly in-house from the same El Carmen cacao, amplifies the intense single origin character and delivers exceptional smoothness.
Now, let’s dive into the evaluation.
Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Organic Sugar, Freshly Pressed Cocoa Butter
Batch number: AUG 2026/1411
Aromas: The aroma opens with sweet notes of apricot wood, brown turkey figs, golden raisins, and light caramel.
Flavor Profile: it is both balanced and harmonious, showcasing layers of:
Earthy and spicy notes with citric undertones.
Golden raisins and brown turkey figs, deliver a natural sweetness.
Light caramel, adding warmth and smoothness.
Pear wood undertones contribute to a refined and subtle woody earthiness.
Visual Appearance (4/4): the chocolate bar appearance is homogeneous, glossy, and uniform, a testament to Goodnow Farms' attention to detail.
Snap (1/1): it is clean and distinct, reflecting a well-tempered chocolate bar.
Touch (Tactile Attributes)
Fineness (5/5): The texture is exceptionally smooth, with no detectable particles.
Structure/Texture (8/8): Silky and flowing, not overly creamy but elegant and light.
Astringency (5/5): Barely noticeable, adding to the bar’s balance.
Roundness (2/7): A light and flowing structure, not dense.
Melting Point (5/5): Rapid melting, ensuring a smooth and pleasant tasting experience.
Flavor profile and Aftertaste
Primary Cacao Flavor (8/10): Moderately intense, delivering a clear but not overpowering cacao primary flavor.
Pleasant Secondary Flavors (7/10): Notes of caramel, raisins, and figs are subtle but enjoyable.
Unpleasant Secondary Flavors (0/-5): None detected, maintaining purity and precision.
Overall Aromatic Quality (3/5): A pleasing profile, though not complex.
Aftertaste (2/5): Short.
Taste
Sweetness (6/6): Perfectly balanced, enhancing the bar without being cloying.
Bitterness (5/6): Delicate and refined, complementing the flavor profile without overwhelming it.
Acidity (5/6): minimal.
Harmony and Gustatory Pleasure (8/10): Balanced and enjoyable, though leaning toward a classic profile rather than a complex one.
Final Sensation (5/5): Pleasing and satisfying.
Total Score: 79/100
This places Goodnow Farms Nicaragua 77% in the “ Very Good” category, reflecting its refined balance and elegant simplicity.
Personal Reflection
The Nicaragua 77% is an elegant and composed bar, offering a refined, harmonious experience. It’s perfect for moments when a lighter, more approachable chocolate is desired. The lack of harsh bitterness, combined with its subtle aromatic profile, makes it ideal for fans of milk and dark milk chocolate or milder dark chocolate.
The bar’s delicate nature lends itself well to pairing, though care must be taken not to overshadow its flavors. Mild cheeses, rosé wines, or semi-sweet riesling wine would complement it beautifully. Overall, this bar is a wonderful example of Goodnow Farms' expertise, delivering a chocolate experience that is both versatile and satisfying.
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