MAROU BEN TRE 78%, 80GR

From comfort to exhilaration, lust, fear, and back to comfort, Marou evokes unexpected thoughts and emotions. It is an incredibly complex and exotic chocolate, managing to be both ethereal and visceral at the same time, like a mysterious, alluring woman whispering to you in a foreign tongue. Using 100% Vietnamese ingredients, including shade-grown cocoa from 6 different provinces, Marou captures aromas and flavors never-before experienced by our Western palates. While it may take a lifetime of tasting to really get to know the soul of Marou's chocolate, one thing is perfectly clear: these two French expats living in Vietnam, producing chocolate reminiscent of the French style but distinctively Vietnamese, make globalization look sexy.

In the Ben Tre province, cacao flourishes among lush coconut trees whose height provides shade for warmly spiced cacao with bright notes of green banana.

Arriving in Vietnam in the late 19th century, Ben Tre is the birthplace of cacao in Vietnam. Known also for the premium quality coconuts grown, the Ben Tre province is situated between the two main branches of Mekong Delta’s largest river. Barely above sea level, an abundance of fresh water and moist soil make a perfect setting for the growth of Trinitario cacao used to make this dark chocolate bar.

TASTING: dried coconut, spicy aroma, cassia (Chinese cinnamon), peppercorns

PAIRING: barrel aged spirits e.g. whiskey or rum, fortified wines, e.g. sherry or vermouth, dessert wines e.g. madeira or port

CACAO ORIGIN: Vietnam, Ben Tre

MADE IN VIETNAM

INGREDIENTS: cocoa, cocoa butter, cane sugar