Chocolate Bars -- Prose list

Chocolate Maker=Castronovo

WEB SITE www.castronovochocolate.com

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In July 2014, Denise and Jim Castronovo opened what is said to be the first bean-to-bar, handcrafted, chocolate shop in Florida. The Castronovos import beans from Belize, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia and the Dominican Republic, roast them and turn them into chocolate in their Stuart store, 555 S Colorado Ave., Stuart, FL 34994, Phone (561) 512-7236.

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WEB SITE www.castronovochocolate.com

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Castronovo

Castronovo

WEB SITE www.castronovochocolate.com

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Amazonas (comments) 72% cacao: Organic cocoa beans, organic evaporated cane juice.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, soy, or milk.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 68x140mm (2.7x5.5")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 9

This chocolate is made from cacao gown in the Amazon rainforest and collected by an indigenous community who live in the Guaniamo region of Venezuela. The region is believed to be the birthplace of cacao. The chocolate has a rich, creamy cocoa flavor and a sweet nutty finish.
origin = Venezuela

2013

Arauca, Colombia Dark Milk Chocolate 60% (comments) 60% cacao: Cocoa beans, organic evaporated cane juice, organic cocoa butter, whole milk powder.
Contains: milk. Does not contain nuts, wheat, gluten, or soy.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 71x143mm (2.8x5.6")
Vic's rating = 8
Deb's rating = 8

The Arauca River basin lies on the border of Colombia and Venezuela. The region is rich in ecological resources, biodiversity and fertile floodplain soil and home to the most flavorful cacao in the country. Cacao is an important source of employment for female heads of households and can help in the recovery of peace to the region. The chocolate is full of depth with a sweet aroma and comforting flavors of honeysuckle, cream and caramel.
variety = Criollo and Trinitario origin = Colombia

Castronovo - Arauca, Colombia Dark Milk Chocolate 60%

2015

Arhuacos 66% Dark Milk With Cacao Nibs (comments) 66% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, whole milk, cocoa butter, cacao nibs.
Made in a nut-free facility.
62g (2.2oz.), 75x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 8
Deb's rating = 8

El Mamo Camilo, spiritual leader of the Arhuacos, sends a message to you with this chocolate, "You need to listen to the elements: the wind, water, and the ancestral cacao from our forest. They ask you to protect Mother Earth and to be mindful of how you change nature." The Arhuacos are caretakers of the "heart of the world", a place where all of the Earth's biomes are found from the Caribbean Sea to the glacial peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. El Mamo adds, "Those who listen will become part of the Sierra Nevada."
We hope you can taste the purity of the Arhuacos' ancient cacao in our chocolate. It has subtle flavors of white wine, orange blossom, honey, clover and an elegant rich creaminess.
"This chocolate captures the essence of the Arhuaco cacao." - El Mamo Camilo

Castronovo - Arhuacos 66% Dark Milk With Cacao Nibs

2024

Arhuacos 80% (comments) 80% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 75x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 7
Deb's rating = 7

El Mamo Camilo, spiritual leader of the Arhuacos, sends a message to you with this chocolate, "You need to listen to the elements: the wind, water, and the ancestral cacao from our forest. They ask you to protect Mother Earth and to be mindful of how you change nature." The Arhuacos are caretakers of the "heart of the world", a place where all of the Earth's biomes are found from the Caribbean Sea to the glacial peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. El Mamo adds, "Those who listen will become part of the Sierra Nevada."
We hope you can taste the purity of the Arhuacos' ancient cacao in our chocolate. It has subtle flavors of white wine, orange blossom, honey, clover and an elegant rich creaminess.
"This chocolate captures the essence of the Arhuaco cacao." - El Mamo Camilo

2024

Arhuacos Dark Milk With Sea Salt 60% (comments) 60% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, whole milk, cocoa butter, sea salt.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 78x174mm (3.1x6.9")
Vic's rating = 6
Deb's rating = 6

In 2023, I returned to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to meet with the Arhuacos as a board member of the Amazon Conservation Team. There, I discussed our Ancestral Tides project, led by indigenous people, which focuses on conserving sea turtles by combining western science with traditional knowledge. The Arhuacos spiritual leader, El Mamo Camilo, shared some native wisdom, "Sea turtles were created with the purpose to connect the land and sea through migrations between sacred sites. Protecting the turtles safeguards those places and maintains the balance of Mother Earth." This encounter inspired me to use Arhuacos cacao, grown near the Carribean Sea, to create a new dark milk chocolate sprinkled with sea salt. This chocolate blends land and sea to convey El Mamo's message to you. - Denise Castronovo
origin = Colombia

Castronovo - Arhuacos Dark Milk With Sea Salt 60%

2024

Awajún Women, Peru 70% Rainforest Cacao (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 75x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 8
Deb's rating = 9

In 2019, I was invited to Peru to represent U.S. chocolate makers at the Cacao and Chocolate Salon in Lima. I learned about a cacao cooperative of indigenous women from the Awajún and Huambisa communities in the Amazon rainforest. Traditionally, men provide for their families by selling their hunt and fish catch for income and women take care of farming, cooling, and the children. Now, with the commercialization of cacao women are rapidly becoming empowered and the breadwinners for the family. Government-funded cacao projects are helping them succeed. Quality cacao has enabled new schools and health centers, better education, and higher income. Your purchase helps facilitate their progress and protects the Amazon rainforest. Enjoy the rich chocolate flavors from this rainforest cacao that are laced with natural sweet flavors of almond, vanilla and caramel. Denise Castronovo, Chocolate Maker.
origin = Peru

Castronovo - Awajún Women, Peru 70% Rainforest Cacao

2024

Bolivia (comments) 70% cacao: Organic cocoa beans, organic evaporated cane juice, organic cocoa butter.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, soy, or milk.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 68x140mm (2.7x5.5")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 8

This chocolate is made from Trinitario cacao cultivated by a cooperative of smallholder growers in the Palo Blancos region of Bolivia. The cacao has a rare genetic makeup, giving it distinct flavor notes. The chocolate has a fruitiness of cherries and a long lasting finish of roasted coffee.
variety = Trinitario origin = Bolivia

2013

Chuao, Venezuela 72% (comments) 72% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 75x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 10

Nestled in the valley of the cloud forest, lies the isolated village of Chuao in Venezuela. Only reachable by boat or on foot through the jungle, the village takes you away from the modern world to a setting of overwhelming nature and a 400-year tradition of cacao production, carried out by its native African American residents. Chuao's last-surviving, aristocratic Spanish heir, Doña Catalina, gifted the plantation and her slaves to the Franciscan friars, who erected Chuao's iconic church, cacao drying patio, processing area, and a place for social and cultural gathering. In the 1960s, historical justice arose from the valley when the workers were given the farm. Today only descendents [sic] of the original slaves, mostly women, work the cacao plantation. The women sing while they work, "long live the Chuao cacao, founded by Donña Catalina, it's rich and tasty and harvested by all of us."
origin = Venezuela

2024

Colombia Arauca 70% (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, evaporated cane juice, cocoa butter.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, soy, or milk.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 72x143mm (2.8x5.6")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 9

The Arauca region lies on the border of Colombia and Venezuela along the Arauca River basin. The region is rich in ecological resources, biodiversity and fertile floodplain soil where some of the best cacao in the country grows. Cacao is an important source of employment for female heads of households and can help in the recovery of peace to the region. The chocolate is full of depth with a sweet aroma and comforting flavors of nectarine, honeysuckle, cream, and cashew.
variety = Criollo and Trinitario origin = Colombia

2016

Colombia Arauca 76% (comments) 76% cacao: Cocoa beans, evaporated cane juice, cocoa butter.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, soy, or milk.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 72x143mm (2.8x5.6")
Vic's rating = 8
Deb's rating = 8

This chocolate is made from cacao cultivated in the fertile floodplains of the Arauca River that divides Colombia and Venezuela, an area rich in biodiversity and water resources. The chocolate has a nice complexity with a sweet aroma and comforting flavors of floral, honey, nectarine, cream, and cashew.
variety = Criollo and Trinitario origin = Colombia

2014

Colombia Arauca 85% (comments) 85% cacao: Cocoa beans, evaporated cane juice, cocoa butter.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, soy, or milk.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 72x143mm (2.8x5.6")
Vic's rating = 8
Deb's rating = 7

This chocolate is made from cacao cultivated in the fertile floodplains of the Arauca River that divides Colombia and Venezuela. The region is rich in biodiversity and water resources. The chocolate is deep and rich with a nice complexity. It has a sweet aroma and comforting flavors of floral, honey, nectarine, cream, and cashew.
variety = Criollo and Trinitario origin = Colombia

2014

Colombia Tumaco Mocha 68% (comments) 68% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, coffee.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 75x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 3
Deb's rating = 3

DLA: the chocolate is not bad, but the coffee ruins it for me.

On the Pacific coast of Colombia along a river delta lies the remote region of Tumaco. The river shores are lined with mangrove and dense tropical forest having an equatorial climate with heavy rainfall year round. The region has a native cacao varietal located far upstream which is harvested in the wild. We stone ground the cocoa from Tumaco with Colobian coffee beans from the mountainous highlands to create our Mocha bar.
origin = Colombia

2024

Dominican Republic Duarte 70% (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten or soy.
62g (2.2oz.), 76x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 9

With deep, fertile soils, optimal temperatures and plenty of rainfall, the Duarte province's lush valley is the terroir for some of the best cacao in the country. About 165 small farmers sell their cacao to a centralized fermentation and drying facility that takes exquisite care with its processes. The cooperative is proud of its environmentally and socially responsible operations and boasts several organic certifications. The chocolate has a rich, classic, bright chocolate flavor with citrus flavors up front and a coffee finish.
origin = Dominican Republic

Castronovo - Dominican Republic Duarte 70%

2017

Dominican Republic Duarte Dark Milk 55% (comments) 55% cacao: Cocoa beans, evaporated cane juice, cocoa butter, whole milk.
Contains milk. Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten or soy.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 71x143mm (2.8x5.6")
Vic's rating = 10
Deb's rating = 10

The front of the package claims 55% cacao, but the back description states 50%. Could be a hold-over from the previous text when the bar was 50% cacao.

With deep, fertile soils, optimal temperatures and plenty of rainfall, the Duarte province's lush valley is the terroir for some of the best cacao in the country. About 165 small farmers sell their cacao to a centralized fermentation and drying facility that takes exquisite care with its processes. Having 50% cacao, this is a rich and creamy milk chocolate with flavors of toffee, caramel and rich cocoa.
variety = Criollo and Trinitario origin = Dominican Republic

Castronovo - Dominican Republic Duarte Dark Milk 55%

2017

Dominican Republic Hacienda Elvesia 70% (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, evaporated cane juice, cocoa butter.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, soy, or milk.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 72x143mm (2.8x5.6")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 9

This batch of chocolate is made from Criollo and Trinitario cacao grown on the "Hacienda Elvesia", a plantation founded by Swiss emigrants 200 years ago. The plantation was established upon principles of sustainable agriculture which hold true today. The chocolate has a brightness of grapefruit and a long rich cocoa finish.
variety = Trinitario origin = Dominican Republic

Castronovo - Dominican Republic Hacienda Elvesia 70%

2014

Dominican Republic Hacienda Elvesia Dark Milk 50% (comments) 50% cacao: Organic cocoa beans, organic cocoa butter, organic evaporated cane juice, whole milk powder.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, or soy.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 72x143mm (2.8x5.6")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 9

This batch of Dominican Republic milk chocolate is made from Criollo and Trinitario cacao grown on the "Hacienda Elvesia", a plantation founded by Swiss emigrants 200 years ago. Having 50% cacao, this is a rich and creamy milk chocolate with toffee flavor notes.
variety = Criollo and Trinitario origin = Dominican Republic

Castronovo - Dominican Republic Hacienda Elvesia Dark Milk 50%

2014

Jaguar Cacao Nibs 68% (comments) 68% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, jaguar cacao (macambo).
Made in a facility that uses milk and wheat. Contains no peanuts, tree nuts, or soy.
62g (2.2oz.), 78x174mm (3.1x6.9")
Vic's rating = 8
Deb's rating = not rated

I first learned about Theobroma bicolor when I visited Chazuta in the Amazon of Peru. It is in the same family as cacao and has many names: In Peru it is macambo. In Mexico it is pataxte, but informally called "jaguar cacao". It is only wild harvested and ripe when its pods fall to the forest floor. It is a rare delight with delicate flavors of hazelnut and macadamia and a soft crunch. I bought jaguar cacao directly from a widowed womens' chocolate cooperative in Chazuta. With the help of USAID, their community reclaimed peace from the threat of armed narco-conflict. I chose to sprinkle the special nibs of the jaguar cacao into our Arhuacos 68% dark chocolate as a symbol of hope. Also, victims of armed conflict, the Arhuacos were forced from their coastal territory in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta of Colombia for fifty years until their land was reclaimed in 1993. To their surprise, they found cacao still growing by the sea. My hope is for everlasting peace and prosperity in cacao and chocolate for these two communities. Savor the blend of these two cacao flavors coming together. - Denise Castronovo
origin = Colombia

2024

Lavender Dark Milk 60% Tumaco, Colombia 60% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, whole milk, cocoa butter, lavender.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 75x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 7
Deb's rating = 8
origin = Colombia

Castronovo - Lavender Dark Milk 60% Tumaco, Colombia

2024

Maya Mountain, Belize 70% (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 78x175mm (3.1x6.9")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 10

Along the Maya Mountain foothills in southern Belize, indigenous Mayans were the first to commercialize cacao and their tradition lives on. In an extremely ambitous [sic] cocoa cooperative project, Maya Mountain Cacao has proven that cultivating cacao within diversified agroforestry farms provides a sustainable alternative to slash-and-burn agriculture. I take pride in contributing to their success over the last 8 years which has raised family incomes and enabled greater school enrollment. Our chocolate is beautifully complex with tropical fruit flavors, a mild nuttiness, and a touch of cream in the finish.
origin = Belize

2021

Nicalizo, Nicaragua (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a facility that uses milk. Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten or soy.
62g (2.2oz.), 76x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 7
Deb's rating = 8

In recent discoveries, Nicaragua has been found to be one of the few countries where Criollo varieties of cacao originated. These unique genetics along with meticulous, post-harvest processing is transforming Nicaragua into a hotbed for the world's finest flavored cacao. We carefully chose the Nicalizo heirloom cacao variety for our Signature Collection. We are enamored with its flavor complexity. The chocolate has fruit flavors of plum, cherry with rich buttery notes of toasted toffee, a little spice of pink peppercorn, and a lovely roasted walnut long-lasting finish. This truly is a special chocolate.
variety = Criollo origin = Nicaragua

2018

Nicaragua (comments) 72% cacao: Organic cocoa beans, organic evaporated cane juice.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, soy, or milk.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 72x143mm (2.8x5.6")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 9

This batch of chocolate is made from Trinitario cacao grown in the volcanic soil of the Momotombo region in Nicaragua. The chocolate is deep, dark, rich and creamy with savory notes of roasted walnuts and some smokiness in the finish.
variety = Trinitario origin = Nicaragua

2014

Nicaragua Dark Milk With Fleur De Sel 60% (comments) 60% cacao: Organic cocoa beans, organic cocoa butter, organic evaporated cane juice, whole milk powder, fleur de sel (sea salt).
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, or soy.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 72x143mm (2.8x5.6")
Vic's rating = 7
Deb's rating = 7

VDC: Very nice, but the salt is weird. DLA: The chocolate is VERY GOOD; rates higher than what I gave it, but the salt lingers way too long for me.

This batch of chocolate is made from Trinitario cacao grown in the volcanic soil of the Momotombo region in Nicaragua. We sprinkle fleur de sel onto this dark, rich and creamy milk chocolate. The sea salt complements the savory nutty and smokey flavors in the chocolate.
variety = Trinitario origin = Nicaragua

Castronovo - Nicaragua Dark Milk With Fleur De Sel 60%

2014

Patanemo, Venezuela 70% (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a facility that uses milk. Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten or soy.
62g (2.2oz.), 76x174mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 9

On the coast of Venezuela nestled high in the mountains lies a small village founded by runaway slaves. The name of their village, Patanemo, is derived from "paz tenemos" which means "we have peace." Venezuela is known for the best cacao in the world, having many cacao varieties with high Criollo content. Patanemo stands out for its complex comforting flavors of apricot, floral jasmine, cashew, coffee and caramel that evolve as it melts in your mouth leaving a long-lasting chocolate finish. This is a chocolate to savor sparingly.
origin = Venezuela

2017

Patanemo, Venezuela Dark Milk (comments) 66% cacao: Cocoa beans, milk, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Contains milk. Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten or soy.
62g (2.2oz.), 76x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 7
Deb's rating = 7

On the coast of Venezuela nestled high in the mountains lies a small village founded by runaway slaves. The name of their village, Patanemo, is derived from "paz tenemos" which means "we have peace." Venezuela is known for the best cacao in the world, having many cacao varieties with high Criollo content. Patanemo stands out for its complex comforting flavors, By adding a touch of milk the flavors of cashew, coffee, caramel and spice are brought out in this extra rich dark milk chocolate.
variety = Criollo origin = Venezuela

Castronovo - Patanemo, Venezuela Dark Milk

2018

Peru Tumbes 70% (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, organic evaporated cane juice, organic cocoa butter.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, soy, or milk.
62.4g (2.2oz.), 72x143mm (2.8x5.6")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 9

This chocolate is made from Criollo cacao cultivated in the northwestern Pacific coastal region of Tumbes, Peru. Criollo is an ancient bean that represents only 1% of world cacao production. The chocolate has an initial fruitiness of red berries that changes to a raisin finish.
variety = Criollo origin = Peru

2014

Puerto Rico (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a facility that uses milk. Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten or soy.
62g (2.2oz.), 77x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 8
Deb's rating = 9

In the 1600's most of Puerto Rico was planted in cacao by the Spanish. It was an important export to Europe until a hurricane forced its abandonment. On their farm, our partners Juan and Maria have original trees. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria 2017, they are still restoring their farm. It turns out that the old trees are more resilient and produced the majority of their harvest. Juan and Maria are dedicated to developing the fine cocoa industry in Puerto Rico with our cooperation. The cacao has a natural sweetness which brings delicate floral, vanilla, and soft tropical fruit flavors to our chocolate.
origin = Puerto Rico

2020

Salitral, Peru 70% Desert Criollo Cacao (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 75x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 7
Deb's rating = 9

In 2019, I was invited to Peru to represent U.S. chocolate makers at the Cacao and Chocolate Salon in Lima. I learned about an interesting mix of native criollo cacao from the northern coastal desert region of Piura. Typically cacao is native to the rainforest, but this cacao has adapted to the dry, arid environment at the lowest point of the Andes where the Amazon meets the desert coast. Knowing that a drier climate imparts nice flavors in cacao and fewer tannins, I wanted to make a chocolate out of this variety for you to taste. This chocolate boasts bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors up front that transition to delicate nutty and spice flavors at its finish, intriguing you to try another piece. Denise Castronovo, Chocolate Maker
variety = Criollo origin = Peru

Castronovo - Salitral, Peru 70% Desert Criollo Cacao

2024

San Martin, Peru (comments) 70% cacao: Organic & fair trade cocoa beans, organic evaporated cane juice.
Contains no nuts, wheat, gluten, soy or milk.
35.4g (1.25oz.), 76x76mm (3x3")
Vic's rating = 8
Deb's rating = 8

This batch of chocolate is made from Criollo cacao cultivated in northwestern region of San Martin, Peru. Criollo is an ancient bean that represents only 1% of world cacao production. The chocolate has a mild cocoa flavor with fruitiness of strawberries, plum, and a finish of red wine.
variety = Criollo origin = Peru

2013

Sierra Nevada Colombia 72% (comments) 72% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 75x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 7
Deb's rating = 8

Seven years ago, I was the first craft chocolate maker to use cacao from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia - the world's tallest coastal and glacial mountain with all of the Earth's biomes on it. In 2019 I met Pedro Bolivar, a 3rd generation cacao farmer who says he has "cacao in his blood." He gave me a big kiss and shed a joyful tear when he heard of the 18 chocolate awards I won with his cacao - especially three golds. I love this chocolate's flavor complexity of fruit, caramel, nut and spice. Sierra Nevada cacao deserves to be in the limelight for specialty chocolate and I am proud to help earn it recognition.
variety = Criollo and Trinitario origin = Colombia

2021

Sierra Nevada Colombia Dark Milk 63% Cacao (comments) 63% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, whole milk, cocoa butter.
Contains milk. Made in a facility that uses wheat. Nut-free.
62g (2.2oz.), 78x175mm (3.1x6.9")
Vic's rating = 10
Deb's rating = 10

Seven years ago, I was the first craft chocolate maker to use cacao from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia - the world's tallest coastal and glacial mountain with all of the Earth's biomes on it. In 2019 I met Pedro Bolivar, a 3rd generation cacao farmer who says he has "cacao in his blood." He gave me a big kiss and shed a joyful tear when he heard of the 18 chocolate awards I won with his cacao - especially 2016 World Gold and the 2019 Golden Bean. I love this chocolate's flavor complexity of fruit, caramel and nuttiness. Sierra Nevada cacao deserves to be in the limelight for specialty chocolate and I am proud to help earn it recognition.
origin = Colombia

Castronovo - Sierra Nevada Colombia Dark Milk 63% Cacao

2021

The Lost City - Honduras 72% (comments) 72% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 78x175mm (3.1x6.9")
Vic's rating = 8
Deb's rating = 8

We pay tribute to the Lost City of a vanished ancient civilization, discovered within Honduras' Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve whose apex predator is the jaguar. The Pech indigenous people live in and protect the Reserve. They make a living harvesting and fermenting wild cacao.
Enjoy our chocolate made from the cacao harvested near the Lost City. You'll enjoy exceptional roasted almond flavor notes and rich cocoa flavor that is not bitter. This chocolate is our homage to the timelessness of the ancient city lost in a pristine forest.
origin = Honduras

Castronovo - The Lost City - Honduras 72%

2021

Tumaco Colombia 85% (comments) 85% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 75x175mm (3x6.9")
Vic's rating = 5
Deb's rating = 5

On Colombia's Pacific coast lies the region of Tumaco, a tropical area inhabited by Colombia's largest Afro-Colombian community. I met Oberman and Gustavo in 2019, and they explained how their new livelihood of cacao offers them an opportunity to preserve their culture, peace and afford education for their children. It gives them a newfound hope that I am proud to be part of. Having deep chocolate flavors and mild bitterness, Tumaco cacao is well suited for an 85% chocolate. I recommend this chocolate for those of you seeking full flavor, high antioxidants, and low sugar content. Denise Castronovo, Chocolate Maker
origin = Colombia

2024

Tumaco, Colombia Dark Milk 60% Cacao (comments) 60% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, milk, cocoa butter.
Made in a nut-free facility.
62g (2.2oz.), 78x175mm (3.1x6.9")
Vic's rating = 8
Deb's rating = 10

On the Pacific coast of Colombia lies the remote region of Tumaco, a tropical area inhabited by Colombia's largest Afro-Colombian community. I met Oberman and Gustavo in 2019, and they explained how their new livelihood of cacao offers them an opportunity to preserve their culture, peace and afford education for their children. It gives them a newfound hope that I am proud to be part of.
You will enjoy the delicate citrus, honey and floral flavors of this naturally sweet dark milk chocolate.
origin = Colombia

Castronovo - Tumaco, Colombia Dark Milk 60% Cacao

2021

Valle de los Rios, Peru 70% (comments) 70% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 76x155mm (3x6.1")
Vic's rating = 9
Deb's rating = 9

In 2019, I was invited to Peru to represent U.S. chocolate makers at the Cacao and Chocolate Salon in Lima. I met with growers from around the country and tasted their cacao. I was looking for flavors for my Signature Collection that have never been unveiled in fine chocolate outside Peru. Surprised by the huge diversity of fine flavor and aroma cacao from so many different regions, it was no easy task. I chose a cocoa bean to craft my most feminine and delicate chocolate. Enjoy its floral character, soft fruitiness of cantaloupe, and hint of clove spice.
origin = Peru

Castronovo - Valle de los Rios, Peru 70%

2020

Zorzal Dominican Republic 72% Amelonado Cacao (10th Anniversary) (comments) 72% cacao: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter.
Made in a nut-free facility that uses milk and wheat.
62g (2.2oz.), 78x176mm (3.1x6.9")
Vic's rating = not rated
Deb's rating = not rated

Ten years ago, I used cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic to make my very first chocolate. To my surprise, it tasted better than any dark chocolate I had ever tried. It inspired me to spread my wings into chocolate making. Last fall at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris, I met Charles, and ecologist like myself who founded Zorzal Cacao. Within a private reserve of mountainous rainforest in the Duarte province, Charles is demonstrating that organic cacao production can serve as an economic model to finance biodiversity conservation for birds and other wildlife. Celebrate with us 10 years of Castronovo Chocolate by enjoying the bright raspberry flavors that fly on top of the rich chocolate depths of this beautiful chocolate. - Denise Castronovo
origin = Dominican Republic

Castronovo - Zorzal Dominican Republic 72% Amelonado Cacao (10th Anniversary)

2024

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