A Colombian chocolate that makes its nationality proud. A good demonstration of the extraordinarily gentle Colombia Nacional bean, this is a relaxing bar indeed in spite of the high percentage. Perhaps there are bars with more sophisticated finish from the same source, but this is a good introduction to the breed and has a candy-like sweetness that is genuinely unique.

Unlike some of the more carefully finished bars, this one is not necessarily produced with flawless appearance in mind. It's considerably uneven with bubbles clearly in evidence, and it has a dark shade. This is definitely something of a rustic bar. The aroma, too, is somewhat unrefined. It's very sweet, marshmallowy and nougat, like walking into a sweetshop. There are also tobacco elements, however, to relieve the worrisome sweet smell. Nonetheless, one is very concerned that even at 70% this bar will turn out to be cloying.

In fact, the flavour turns out to be quite complex and not at all cloying, in spite of the fact that the distinctive marshmallow nougat flavour shows up in the middle development. Initially, however, the taste is a pleasant cherry cordial, and this moves effortlessly and seemingly gracefully into the marshmallow, so that one is swept along for the ride, as it were. Then intense cocoa flashes strike as the bar finishes, so that the effect is a bit like relaxing on a languid Southern USA afternoon with a refreshing thunderstorm in the evening. Texturally, it might not be the smoothest, but it's very creamy, so that the texture is something of a mirror of the flavour, balancing soothing and invigorating aspects.

Overall, what strikes you about this bar is how laid-back and relaxed it is, not a "serious" bar like Valrhona's Guanaja 70%, and this makes for an easy-to-eat change that will leave you smiling. It's not trying to be an elitist, aristocratic chocolate but rather speaks of simpler, humbler pleasures, a childlike innocence which will endear you to it.

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This is clearly a well molded bar, flaunting no real problems, along with an adequate sheen to show good temper. It doesn’t necessarily wow the eyes, but the color on the other hand does, with a stunning red-black scheme that pronounces its Colombian Nacional pedigree with style. The aroma is bold and intense, yet sweet and charming in its marshmallow character with strong cherry cordial accents, suggesting that perhaps a candy-like flavor will ensue.

To the contrary, in almost classic Colombian fashion, the chocolate starts off with power and force, first dumping a clean, deep chocolate flavor that by itself is truly immense. Some bitterness is present too, which is subtle and refreshing, followed by flowers, then a transition to a unique and persistent note of cherry cordial that lasts until marshmallow comes in to dominate in a similarly unexpected manner. Coffee strongly serves as an undertone in the meantime, adding power and heft to a flavor that like the aroma is cheerful and cozy.

The texture is a bit on the fudgy side, lacking a genuine smoothness and refined quality that other European makers usually (but not always) favor. It’s not the most flattering, but there are far worse out there. Overall, this is probably one of the most affable chocolates you will ever taste, complete with a childlike naivety that serves as a refreshing reprieve from the stiffer competition on the market. It does seem like a discursive chocolate in this respect, and to some degree in regards to its origin, but without a doubt, this is Colombian Nacional, just in a humbler, lighthearted guise that will surely crack a smile on even the most discerning of critics.

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