Goodnow Farms - Esmeraldas, Ecuador 70%

Goodnow Farms - Esmeraldas, Ecuador 70%Ranked in the Top 100 Chocolates in the World. Origin & CraftsmanshipThis artisan bar is crafted from single origin cacao beans grown on the Salazar familys estate in Esmeraldas, a region in northern Ecuador. The Salazars oversee every stagefrom varietal selection to fermentation and dryingto ensure exceptional bean quality. Goodnow Farms takes it further: beans are roasted in small batches, stone ground in melanguers, conched for five days, and

Ranked in the Top 100 Chocolates in the World.

Origin & Craftsmanship
This artisan bar is crafted from single-origin cacao beans grown on the Salazar family’s estate in Esmeraldas, a region in northern Ecuador. The Salazars oversee every stage—from varietal selection to fermentation and drying—to ensure exceptional bean quality. Goodnow Farms takes it further: beans are roasted in small batches, stone-ground in melanguers, conched for five days, and refined with cocoa butter pressed from the same estate beans. The result? A smooth, creamy bar with deeply expressive flavor.

Flavor Profile
This well-balanced dark chocolate is known for its very low acidity and vibrant berry jam notes—think deep raspberry or red grape—that carry into a long, satisfying finish with a mellow astringency. Reviewers also detect undertones of Cabernet grapes, lending a fruity, wine-like nuance. The texture is velvety and refined, showcasing the impact of freshly pressed cocoa butter.

Accolades & Awards
This bar has earned repeated recognition, including Silver medals from the Academy of Chocolate (2021–2023), Silver from the International Chocolate Awards (2020), and a prestigious Gold sofi Award in 2020 for specialty dark chocolate.

Tasting & Pairing Guide

Enjoy the Esmeraldas 70% bar slowly, allowing the rich berry jam flavors to bloom gently across your palate. Pair it with a fruity red wine like Pinot Noir to mirror the jammy grape notes, or sip it alongside hibiscus or other floral teas to highlight its fruit-forward character. A light, crisp cider complements its brightness, while espresso emphasizes its roasted depth. For food pairings, fresh berries or fruit tarts intensify its core flavors, and toasted almond biscotti provides a nutty counterpoint to its silky texture.

Summary

The Esmeraldas 70% Dark Chocolate is a polished expression of Ecuadorian cacao, crafted with meticulous care and celebrated worldwide. Its jammy fruit character, smooth texture, and award-winning pedigree make it a standout for chocolate lovers who value both terroir and craftsmanship.