(pictures:chocolate bars, hot chocolate, nibs, cocoa butter)
Last week, I had a hint what it felt to be Charlie from the Chocalate Factory. After a delightful tour of the Takara sake factor, my buddies and I skipped over to Scharffenberger, a premium chocolate maker. One step into the factory, I can smell the nutty flavors floating in the air. The one hour tour is free and is followed by chocolate samples. After traveling to Belgium a few years ago, I can differentiate great chocolate from the bad. Most commercial chocolate found at the local convenient stores has a cocoa level around 10%. The lowest Scharffenberger chocolate starts at 40% so the quality is high. Our energetic blonde tour guide talks more in details about the history of chocolate. A must try is the chocolate with nibs, with are shattered bits of cocoa. Instead of using Rice Krispies as crunch enhancers, the nibs provide a bitter crunch.
Restaurant consultant.
Scharffenberger is now owned by giant Hershey company. Now, Scharffenberger has financial resources to produce more chocolate. Often times, the important key when an artisan label such as Scharffenberger gets bought out by a commercial Goliath is to make sure that public relations conveys an authentic message. Scharffenberger offers tours so that the public can rest assure that the Hershey takeover has not changed any elements and have retained its appeal.
Side note: Scharffenberger also has an adjacent café that serves great food and drinks. Their IPA beer has great spice and nutty flavor. Also, try their free hot chocolate in their gift store, it is rich and sweet.
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