A great Chocolatier will use high-quality cacao and traditional European techniques to create a harmonious and balanced blend of rich flavors, complex nuances, richness, and smooth textures for a taste that defies description. Tasting chocolate can be, in some ways, like tasting wine. Much like a connoisseur of wines, chocolate lovers consider the smell and appearance of chocolate, as well as its taste.

First, take a good look at the chocolate, observing if it is dull or shiny, and its color and texture. Observe how it breaks. Does it crumble or splinter, or does it make a clean break with a hard and clear crack? This kind of sound is an almost sure sign of excellent quality. Is the chocolate shiny, and is the shell surrounding the filling very thin? These are both signs of quality. Does it begin to melt if you hold it for a few seconds? 100% cacao-based chocolate will melt at body temperature faster than engineered chocolate with stabilized fats.

The next step is to smell the chocolate, inhaling its aroma, to identify the flavors you detect. Different origins and different cacao species have different tastes and aromas. Also the roasting of the bean plays an important role in the aroma.

When you place it in your mouth you should slowly wait until it warms up and starts melting. Cold chocolate will deliver far less flavor than warm chocolate. Once melted in your mouth swirl it around so that you cover every taste bud you have and concentrate on what areas of your tongue are being more active. Is it the acidity level that you taste? Is it too sweet? Is it earthy, tart, or sour? Can you detect some fruit nuances like prune or banana or tart cherries? Does the flavor feel flat or vertical?

To help you out in detecting the depth of flavor, use your nose actively. When you exhale through your nose you will detect many flavor layers in your chocolate. If you exhale in short rapid bursts, you will accentuate even more the taste nuances.

After you have played with the chocolate in your mouth swallow it and complete your mental picture with your overall taste sensation. Wait a bit before tasting again, allowing the previous taste to finish in your mouth and determine the "longeur" or the longevity of the flavor experience.

Enjoy a great chocolate tasting!