Producer Country: Canada
Cocoa: Nicaragua
Weight: 75 g

This bar evokes incense—its warmth and ethereal perfume but not its intensity. Imagine the layers of an intricate tapestry, each thread a different spice woven seamlessly together: the natural sweetness of cinnamon, the lush flavour of true vanilla, the savory complexity of rose petals, and a distinctly non-pyrotechnic use of ancho chili that adds depth rather than heat, illustrating how peppers can contribute flavour without relying on brute force. The chocolate itself is an impeccable canvas: earthy, vibrant with acidity, lightly fruity, and minimally bitter—perfectly harmonizing with this complex, layered creation.

Producer Country: Chile
Cocoa: Peru
Weight: 80 g

Merkén is made from "cacho de cabra" (goat's horn) red peppers that are dried naturally in the sun, smoked over a wood fire, and hung to age prior to grinding. Once reduced to powder or flakes, the peppers are often mixed with salt and roasted ground coriander seed. Merkén originates from the indigenous Mapuche people of the Araucanía region of Chile, though it's become widespread in Chilean cuisine more generally. Its smoky, savory, and spicy combo blends beautifully with the sweeter cinnamon and vanilla notes of this chocolate. This tastes similar to something I imagine ancient Aztecs would have drunk.