Chocolate Tastings

Similar to wine and cheese tastings, chocolate tastings are becoming increasingly popular around the country. They provide an opportunity to explore the origin and history of one of our favorite foods before indulging in some of the most luxurious and exotic chocolates in the world.

“At our chocolate tastings, we start at the very beginning with the different cocoa growing regions, look at how the beans are made into cocoa liquor, and eventually transformed into the chocolate we eat today,” says Bethany Thouin, artisan Chocolatier and founder of The Cocoa Tree. “We sample the different types of chocolate from around the world, comparing the flavors of the cocoa bean to the flavors of the blended chocolate product. Just as with wine, there are many varieties of chocolate and each one has its own taste, texture and style.”

During tastings, Bethany encourages participants to examine the appearance of the different chocolates. The colors, aromas, shades, and textures all play an important part in the tasting experience. After sampling pure chocolate varieties from different global regions, participants are given assorted truffles and other treats to bring their tasting session to a close.

Bethany is always excited about opportunities to bring the taste of chocolate (and friendship) out of her shop and into the homes, offices, and even conference centers of other chocolate lovers. Chocolate tastings can be held for groups ranging from ten to two hundred; she can even provide suggestions for wines and liquors to best complement each of her chocolates.

“A chocolate tasting is a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion – from an engagement party or baby shower to a birthday or Christmas party,” she says. “It’s also a unique option for business owners and corporate clients to make a conference or team building event really fun and memorable. We can accommodate groups from 10 to 200, so be creative!”