Chris Barr

Lindt Chocolate

Thursday, January 31, 2008

A while ago I read this article about higher-purity chocolates from Lindt.  The article is a great read, I had no idea that you could even buy a 70%, 85% and 99% pure cocoa chocolate bar, but I always kept it in my mind that I wanted to try it sometime. 

Last week I was leaving Wal-Mart when I spotted a Lindt 85% bar for about $2, so I had to pick it up and try it.  Thinking back I probably should have gotten the 70% bar and worked my way up, since that’s what Lindt recommends anyway since these are so strong and unlike any other chocolate I’ve ever had before.

Unwrapping this bar feels like it’s one of the Wonka bars and I half expected to find my golden ticket inside.  It is a very very dark chocolate, almost black in appearance and very brittle.  I snap off a square and let it melt in my mouth, and wow is it strong!  It’s not a “chocolate” like you’re used to at all, it’s more like a strong coffee with a cocoa flavor.  At first I wasn’t too sure about it, but it grows on you.  I let some friends try it and 2 out of 3 don’t like it at all, which honestly doesn’t surprise me.  This isn’t for everyone at all, it’s a unique food for connoisseurs.

Next time I think I’d try buying the 70% version of this, just to try it and see the difference.  I like the 85%, but it can be a bit strong to just sit down and enjoy, so the 70% might be better for this.  With that said, if I ever see the 99% version, I’d definitely get that just to say I’ve tried it.  I know I won’t like it though, 85% seems to be my limit for now.