Pacari – Guayas 75%

Description

The latest addition to Paccari’s “single region” range. Chocolates entirely made in Ecuador, and in this series specifically crafted with cacao from different regions of the country. In this case, the cacao comes from the Guayas region.

A very approachable chocolate bar. It opens with a rich chocolate aroma, some roasted notes, perhaps already a hint of coconut. As it melts, you notice the softness of the cocoa butter (and a slight touch of the sunflower lecithin), and in the bar we tasted ourselves, coconut immediately came to mind — a flavor that lingered pleasantly. Of course, this may vary slightly from batch to batch. Beyond that, the flavor is fairly mild, with a little bitterness emerging, a subtle spicy/medicinal lift, and somewhere in the background a touch of fruitiness — but above all, it is the exceptionally smooth melt that defines this bar.

Paccari itself says: “The aroma, reminiscent of red fruit and notes of orange and lime, pairs well with red wine or dark beer.”

Ingredients: organic fine Arriba Nacional cocoa from Guayas, organic whole cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, emulsifier: organic sunflower lecithin.

Contains at least 75% cacao.

Made in Quito, Ecuador. Store in a cool, dry place.

Awards: Gold medal at the International Chocolate Awards World Final 2020–2021.

Pacari, Paccari? Yes — the brand celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022, and decided to add an extra “C” to its name. Supposedly it stands for community, conscience, creativity, and a few more things besides. At least, that’s what we believe. Either way, we are perfectly happy with it and continue to appreciate them for producing excellent and very affordable chocolates from Ecuador.