Fall is a season of vibrant colors, cozy moments, and flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Goodnow Farms Chocolate brings this essence to life with their Spiced Apple Cider 71% Dark Chocolate, a limited edition crafted exclusively for autumn.
The inclusion features fresh Macoun apples, handpicked from Goodnow Farms' trees. Developed in 1932 by horticulturist W.T. Macoun, this apple variety is celebrated for its exceptional quality but remains elusive due to irregular crop cycles. From October to November, its harvest season aligns perfectly with this chocolate’s autumnal inspiration.
Complementing the apples is freshly pressed apple cider sourced from Honey Pot Hill Orchards, a family-owned farm with nearly a century of history in Massachusetts. Its addition brings a bright, crisp character to the bar, enhancing its seasonal charm even more.
The warming spice in this bar is Cinnamon Verum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon or "true" cinnamon, sourced through Burlap & Barrel. It is cultivated by a cooperative of smallholder farmers in Zanzibar (Tanzania). Known for its refined and delicate flavor compared to cassia cinnamon, it is harvested by hand and sun-dried to preserve its freshness and complexity.
Ingredients: Single origin cacao beans, organic sugar, single origin cocoa butter, apples, apple cider, cinnamon verum.
Cacao Origin: Domenican Republic, Zorzal Cacao
Batch number: DEC 2026/1434
Aromas
Earthy: grounding, and robust.
Spices: Warm and enveloping.
Caramel: Rich and toasty, with a sticky sweetness.
Plum: Juicy and slightly tart, with a ripe fruitiness.
Molasses: Deep and syrupy, with a smooth, dark undertone.
Sea Salt: A delicate, savory accent.
Pear: Crisp and light, with a soft sweetness.
Raspberry Jam: Bright, tangy, and fruity.
Tasting Notes
Ripe Lychee: Soft and tropical, with mild floral undertones.
Juicy Pear: Sweet and refreshing, adding a light juiciness.
Strawberry Coulis: Sweet and fruity.
Candied Citrus Zest: Sweet and tangy, with a slightly bitter edge.
Sea Salt: Creates a bold contrast, almost piquant.
Pine: Fresh mint and citrusy with a hint of astringency.
Spices: Warm and grounding, adding depth.
Sticky Caramel: pronounced sweetness towards the finish.
Juicy Apple Pulp: Bright, fresh, and succulent.
Cold Strawberry Tea: A delicate, herbal-fruity undertone.
Appearance (5/5): Homogeneous, glossy, and uniform surface.
Tactile Attributes
Fineness (3/5): Perceivable particles, likely due to the inclusions.
Texture (5/8): Pleasant and dense.
Astringency (4/5): Slightly noticeable in the aftertaste, derived from the piquant salt notes of the cinnamon.
Melting Point (4/5): Fairly rapid.
Inclusion Balance (7/7): Excellent and enjoyable.
Flavor Profile / Aftertaste
Primary Cacao Flavor (7/7): Elusive (inclusions are predominant).
Unpleasant Secondary Aromas (0): None detected.
Inclusion Quality (10/10): Excellent and fragrant.
Balance and Harmony Between Chocolate and Inclusion (10/10): Outstanding, well-balanced, and harmonious.
Taste
Sweetness (4/5): Correctly sweet.
Bitterness (4/5): Slightly perceptible.
Acidity (4/5): Fruity profile is soft, sweet, and tartish rather than sour.
Aftertaste (5/5): long (approximately 12 minutes).
Flavor Profile and Aromas Balance (10/10): Excellent and well-balanced.
Final Sensation (5/5): Excellent and extremely pleasant.
Final Score: 87/100
This score places the Goodnow Farms Spiced Apple Cider 71% Dark Chocolate in the "Exceptional" category.
Personal Reflection
This bar stands out as an inclusion-driven chocolate that highlights the unique characteristics of its carefully selected ingredients: Macoun apples and Cinnamomum verum cinnamon. The single origin cacao takes on a supporting role, providing a solid backdrop for these remarkable flavors to shine. The apple and cinnamon contribute depth and complexity, making the tasting experience memorable.
The most intriguing aspect is the marine salt flavor, which adds a savory, almost piquant contrast. This note evolves in the aftertaste transitioning into a dry sensation. The pine-like quality is interpreted here as a sweet fresh minty finish (not grassy or bitter).
The sticky caramel note is vivid, becoming more pronounced toward the end of the tasting. It pairs beautifully with the juicy apple pulp and subtle tropical fruitiness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. These layers, combined with a hint of fruity tea-like freshness, make the bar both thought-provoking and satisfying.
it is not an inclusion that can be fully appreciated in a single tasting. Its complexity invites multiple sampling, as each square challenges the palate to explore further. It’s akin to a piece of contemporary art: always familiar yet constantly offering something new to reflect on and decipher.
Thank you, Tom & Monica.
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