Chocolate that’s been made from the bean, where the crafting process has been tailored specifically for each harvest of beans. I talk about this because it means the flavour notes of the chocolate has been thought about during the chocolate making process.

I also talk about how everyone has different likes and dislikes (that’s why the review process doesn’t rank or score the bars)

Instead I want to help to highlight all the flavour notes, all the textures, all of the ingredients to help you decide what you should try next!

I created the wheel to highlight how many naturally occurring flavour notes a chocolate bar can have and how the flavour transitions as the chocolate melts in your mouth. It’s also pretty…

I created (and am constantly updating!) the directory so that the small businesses can be found more easily. So take a look, see who’s in your area and try something new ☺

Looking for a bean to bar chocolate maker? Check out our list of makers here from around the world (we’ve included their shipping countries too!)

Keen to find out more about bean to bar chocolate (trust me you want to find out more!!)

Check out:

• This post on where chocolate comes from
• Or this post on how cacao beans are made into chocolate
• Or this post on how we all perceive flavours differently
• Or even this post on what is so amazing about small batch chocolate bars

Want to know more about our Interactive Wheel? Come and take a seat here

Want to find out more about Beanstalkr? 
Follow us on Instagram and feel free to drop me a note and say hi!

Chocolate: it’s the whisper of a love story on your taste buds, the celebration of life’s little victories, and the sweet companion to your coffee breaks. But have you ever wondered where this delightful indulgence originates? Let’s playfully nibble our way through history and geography to discover chocolate’s roots!

Long before chocolate was the bar of bliss we know today, it was a royal drink, a frothy concoction sipped by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. The magic begins with the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, which translates to “food of the gods”—and who are we to disagree? These trees thrive near the Equator, basking in the warm hugs of tropical climates across regions like West Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.

From the embracing arms of these trees, cacao pods—nature’s own treasure chests—emerge, each holding the precious cacao beans, the essence of all chocolate. But, this is just the beginning! Like every great tale, the journey from bean to bar is a mix of art, science, and a sprinkle of magic. Ready to turn the page? Let’s go!

The transformation of humble cacao beans into the chocolate bars that tickle our palates is nothing short of alchemy. It’s a journey from the raw, earthy essence of the cacao pod to the smooth, seductive charm of chocolate. And guess what? You’re invited to this behind-the-scenes tour!

First stop: Fermentation. This is where the beans start to develop their character. Picture this: beans snuggled in banana leaves, fermenting to bring out those deep, complex flavors we adore.

Next up: Drying. Our bean buddies sunbathe under the tropical sun, getting that perfect tan and, more importantly, reducing moisture which could ruin our chocolatey ending.

Now, it’s off to the roastery! Roasting is where personality pops. Different temperatures and times bring out flirtatious fruitiness or bold, robust richness. Then comes the winnowing dance, where beans shake off their shells, revealing the nibs—cacao’s heart, where all the flavor lives.

The grand finale? Conching and refining, where nibs become velvety smooth, and flavors meld in a chocolatey symphony. Then, tempering adds that snap and shine we all love before molding shapes the liquid treasure into bars of joy.
This, my friend, is the craft of chocolate-making—a bean’s leap into greatness!

Ever wonder why a nibble of chocolate can send you on a sensory expedition, from the orchards of sunny citrus groves to the spice bazaars of the exotic East? It’s all in the flavour notes, and boy, do they play a yummy tune!

Chocolate is like a fine orchestra, each note a unique flavour, waiting to serenade your senses. There’s the deep bass of earthy tones, the floral lilt of aromatic highs, and the zesty sparkle of fruity vibes, each dancing on your palate in their own rhythm.

But here’s the twist: we all taste these notes a bit differently! Our tongues are like fingerprint—unique. While I might detect a whisper of vanilla, you might pick up a hint of smoky oak. It’s a playful game of hide and seek with flavours!

This is why we encourage you to savour your chocolate slowly, let it melt on your tongue, and pay attention to the unfolding concert of tastes. What will you discover? Nutty whispers? Fruity shouts? The molasses murmur of caramel? Dive into the delectable world of chocolate tasting and let the flavours play!

Think of small batch chocolate bars as the indie bands of the chocolate world—each bar is a hit of unique flavours, crafted with love and meticulous attention to detail. Why are they amazing? Let’s count the ways!

Firstly, small batch means big personality. These bars aren’t churned out by the millions. They’re crafted by passionate chocolatiers who are all about the personal touch, ensuring every bar sings with quality and character.

Secondly, small batches mean fresh flavours. Like a backyard garden versus a mega-farm, these chocolate bars often use ingredients that are in season, ethically sourced, and locally obtained.

And let’s not forget variety! Small batch bars come in an array of exotic and traditional flavours. They’re the perfect playground for adventurous palates and those seeking a break from the monotony of mass-produced chocolate.

Each bar tells a story, from the origin of the beans to the inspiration behind its creation. So when you take a bite of a small batch chocolate bar, you’re not just treating your taste buds, you’re becoming a part of a larger chocolate narrative.

In a nutshell, small batch chocolate bars pack a punch of personality, freshness, and variety that can turn any moment into an extraordinary experience. 
Ready to take a bite and join the flavour revolution?