Domori - Criollo Line

One of the best chocolate makers in the world, Domori produces a unique line of single origin and specific variety bars made with the finest Venezuelan criollo cacao. Since founding the company, Gianluca Franzoni has actively worked to conserve these rare varieties of cacao. By partnering with the Franceschi family of Hacienda San José, Franzoni has been able to conserve ten varieties of rare heirloom cacao. Read more about the Domori Criollo Project.

Puerto Mar Criollo 70%

 

Aroma: toasted grains, cocoa powder, fresh grass, fresh nuts, rich aroma, a little spice, orange rind

 

Flavor: unroasted peanuts, fresh-cut grass, hint of orange, seeds, nutty, delicate, citrusy (marmalade), cereals, hint of grassiness/seeds, toasted grains, almond. A rich criollo flavor develops when chewed. Nutty and delicate but with a little citrus marmalade, hints of raisin, fig, and almonds near the end.

 

Recommendation: Highly recommended.

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Batch info: Lot no. L7164 02-12, Best before December 31, 2019

Puerto Fino Criollo – Hacienda San José Venezuela 70%

 

Aroma: Very delicate. chocolate, toasted grains, spices, caramel, Nutella

 

Flavor: Delicate and mild. Initial fruit flavors of soft citrus, maybe a little red fruit but mild, not like Madagascar. Fruitier than some of the other criollos - pineapple, toasted grains, very delicate nutty flavors like nut butters, cocoa powder, toasted almonds walnuts, and peanuts, orange, pecan, very mild grassy hint, very light fruity tang. Flavor lingers for a long time. Clean finish with lingering toasted nut notes.

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Recommendation: Highly recommended.

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Batch info: Lot no. L7139 00-8, Best before November 30, 2019

Ocumare 77 – Venezuela 70%

 

Aroma: rich, a bit more of the classic chocolate flavor that the other criollos, toasted grain, malt, orange, orange marmalade

 

Flavor: Lovely criollo flavors with a rich chocolate flavor – brownies. Delicate nutty flavors – marzipan, fruity hazelnuts, toasted grains. A slight tanginess, more than some other criollos but still soft - orange, marmalade, apricot jam, raspberries, a passion fruit tanginess. Very creamy and some floral notes as well.

 

Recommendation: Highly recommended. The entire criollo line is fantastic but Ocumare 77 is particularly nice.

 

Batch info: Lot no. L8116 0005, Best before October 31, 2020

Guasare Criollo – Venezuela 70%

 

Aroma: toasted grains, malt powder, cocoa powder

 

Flavor: Toasted grains first, honey and a complex, delicate sweetness. Nutty and delicate, a little bit more fruit and floweriness, toasted nuts and seeds, faint unroasted peanuts, dried cherries, apricots, sunflower seeds, walnut, orange, tiny grass notes, some subtle fruit flavors, almond. Less of the citrusy and grassy hints of Puerto Mar and Puerto Fino.

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Recommendation: Highly recommended.

 

Batch info: Lot no. 7138 00-8, Best before November 11, 2019

Chuao - Venezuela 70%

 

Aroma: mellow, nutty, Nutella, hot cocoa, toasted grain, toast

 

Flavor: the kind of delicate Nutella flavor other criollos have, but with a little more acidity – bright orange or tangerine juice. Almond, cocoa powder, toasted coconut hint of green grass flavors. Some darker – still soft – toasty flavors too. Floral honey. Soft tangy finish – lemon curd emerges at the end.

 

Recommendation: Highly recommended. Fantastic. People say that Chuao produces some of the best cacao in the world, and I believe it – especially when it ends up in Domori’s hands. This bar has lovely toasted grain and nut flavors with just a hint of tanginess to round it out. Sublime.

 

Batch info: Lot no. 9030 00-19, Best before July 31, 2021

Canoabo – Venezuela – 70%

 

Aroma: fresh, delicate vegetal/herbal aromas – soft juniper, fresh cut grass, celery, sweet hay. Toasted almonds and wheat, cocoa powder

 

Flavor: Mellow rounded chocolate like hot cocoa and chocolate pudding, hot fudge sauce. Very rich, like toasted hazelnut oil or Nutella. Toasted grain flavors and a slight tang (more than some of the other criollo varieties) – soft orange/lemon candy, raspberry syrup. Dates. Cocoa powder, slightly more bitter than some of the other criollos, apricot jam, peaches and cream, some soft earthiness - celery. A little bitterness lingers.

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Recommendation: Highly recommended. As always, Domori’s criollos are refined, delicate, and complex, each with their own slightly different flavor profile.

 

Batch info: Lot no. L8113 0005, Best by October 31, 2020

Criollo 100%

 

Aroma: rich, chocolate, nutty and mellow

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Flavor: wood, cocoa powder, at the end did start to mellow out a bit towards nuttiness rather than bitterness. A little bit of the inherent sweetness does come through, toasted grains, rose, peanut butter or nut butter richness but without a distinct peanut or almond flavor. Salted roasted almond.

 

Recommendation: Recommended.

Porcelana 70%

 

Aroma: citrus, candied orange peel

 

Flavor: Very refined and delicate. Rich – heavy cream. Alkali cocoa powder, chocolate cake, honey, oatmeal with cream, peach, raw cashew, lightly toasted coconut, coffee grounds, fruit skin, slight earthy notes. Very full and long-lasting flavor.

 

Recommendation: Highly recommended. Absolutely stunning, like everything from Domori’s criollo line.

 

Batch info: L9103 12-18; Best by October 31, 2021