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Normal, 70%, Bittersweet
Latest review : 12-Jan-2008, Alex Rast
With a third bar (Cuyagua follows Madagascar and Ocumare), Amano's maverick techniques of blending stone-ground cacao and whole vanilla pods without a trace of lecithin becomes standard practice. Cuyagua is an aromatic chocolate that saturates the palate with fruit flavors but ends with earthier notes.
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Normal, 70%, Bittersweet
Latest review : 5-Jun-2009, Alex Rast
An interesting bright and fresh chocolate with a riot of flavours, one of the most complex bars you may ever try. It's a bit of a pity that the flavours aren't more well controlled, because they explode out from all directions without quite the sense that they've all been harmonised. The result is doubtlessly interesting but perhaps too much of a surprise all at once, like a succession of images flashed before you at subliminal speed. Still, Amano proves they're not afraid to explore the boundaries with this chocolate.
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Normal, 30%, N/A
Latest review : 18-Jul-2009, Alex Rast
Having achieved spectacular success in mild milk chocolates with the Ocumare, Amano this time stumbles equally spectacularly with a chocolate that just never gets going. With a taste that hovers barely on the edge of perceptibility (which, it must be admitted, is the norm for 30%) Amano shows why greater percentages in milk chocolate are usually desirable. Here is a demonstration of how even the most careful processing isn't always enough when the formulation is ill-matched. Could be interesting if the percentage were improved, but as it is it doesn't generate much excitement.
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Normal, 70%, Bittersweet
Latest review : 30-Jun-2007, Alex Rast
An interesting twist on an old favorite, Amano, an upstart chocolate maker, explodes onto the market with a chocolate that will surely raise some eyebrows. Highly tart but interestingly complex, the chocolate also features a balsamic undertone for unique depth. A wonderful and promising start.
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Normal, 70%, Bittersweet
Latest review : 5-Jun-2009, Alex Rast
Amano, so long a company flirting with greatness but always it would seem at the brink, finally gets it entirely right with this chocolate from the heights of Venezuela. It doesn't specify exact origin but one can deduce that it's probably around Merida. In any case, this is the chocolate that finally delivers the depth as well as the complexity, the element that had always been missing from Amano in the past. Here is a big, bold chocolate with a whole range of flavours that will truly satisfy. If this bar is any indication of the future of Amano, it augurs very well indeed.
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Normal, 70%, Bittersweet
Latest review : 4-Jul-2007, Hans-Peter Rot
A very different interpretation of the Ocumare bean from the more usual earthy versions. This one is light and fruity, and it makes for a refreshing change. Impeccable execution all round - but might this bar be slightly soulless? It seems a bit typical. Nonetheless a fine effort from a new arrival on the chocolate scene.
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Normal, 30%, N/A
Latest review : 15-Jul-2009, Alex Rast
Possibly the ultimate chocolate for lovers of mild milk chocolates. A bar with amazing complexities, although it must be said, all variations on a sweet theme. It's perhaps too bad that Amano chose such a mild formulation for an all-Criollo milk chocolate, but still the results are outstanding. With milk chocolate of this level, Amano ought to try upping the percentage and it might become supreme.
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Normal, 75%, Bittersweet
Latest review : 16-Oct-2006, Hans-Peter Rot
Is 9 different beans in a blend overkill? Amedei doesn't seem to think so. And after tasting this bar, you may be inclined to agree - a superbly balanced, full-flavoured chocolate with plenty of fine characteristics. Perhaps one doesn't note 9 separate beans in here, but this is clearly by far Amedei's best blended chocolate.
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Normal, 70%, Bittersweet
Latest review : 2-Oct-2006, Hans-Peter Rot
A super-strong, extremely characteristic chocolate, archetypal of its cacao varietal. It brings out all the intensity and complex character of the Chuao bean in a way that can only be described as sublime - both overwhelming and inspiring at the same time. A bar sure to excite strong passions in those who try it.
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Normal, 70%, Bittersweet
Latest review : 30-Oct-2005, Alex Rast
A disappointing effort from Amedei that fails to bring out the best of the Arriba. Confused and muddy presentation make one wonder what went wrong. By pure pedigree and breeding, the chocolate manages to salvage some decency and avoid sinking into true mediocrity, but there are far better Arribas out there. If Amedei refocussed their efforts, this chocolate might be a great one.
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