What is a fine chocolate tasting?

If you have ever been to a fine wine tasting then you will know just what to expect from a craft chocolate tasting. Fine chocolate is, after all, the new wine. Getting together to learn how to taste, by sampling some of the world’s finest craft chocolate, is an innovative, educational and fun experience.

Who books this type of experience?

These sessions are a great option for a team reward or an innovative team building activity. They are also booked for special anniversaries, hen parties or just as a get-together with colleagues, friends or family. No previous experience is needed, the world of fine chocolate is not an exclusive one; given a little knowledge and guidance, we can all experience the joys of this new type of chocolate.

Where are they held?

Experiences are tailored to your team or party's requirements. We can create an experience online with tasting boxes posted to attendees or in person, either at your venue or at the Cocoa Encounters private venue in the centre of Louth. The minimum number of attendees for a group booking is 8.

What do they include?

You will learn the art of sensorial tasting and take a journey around the fine chocolate globe with a tasting of white, milk, dark and flavoured chocolate from different cacao growing regions. The session includes a tasting of a choice of with-dairy or vegan chocolate tasting set with a choice of either vegan or with-dairy chocolate.

You can choose the discovery session or I can curate a themed session such as "The Best of British", "Women in Chocolate", "Ethical Chocolate" or whatever subject you might wish to explore from the world of chocolate. If you choose the discovery session this is what you will learn:

1. Tell the fine from the fashionable – judge the quality of a chocolate bar using the quality criteria of Taste, Transparency & Craftsmanship.
2. Practice the art of sensorial tasting – use each of the five senses to appreciate the taste experience of fine chocolate.
3. Recognise the origins – identify the growing regions and taste profiles of fine cacao.
4. Impress your friends – show off your knowledge with some fine chocolate facts and figures.
5. Talk like a taster – have the confidence and vocabulary to participate in further tastings

Is there anything else we need to know?

Allergen information: The with-dairy tasting set includes chocolate containing milk. The vegan option contains no dairy ingredients but does contain nuts. Both the with-dairy and vegan sets contain bars that have been made in factories or kitchens that handle nuts, gluten and dairy. Full ingredient lists are provided along with each of the samples but if you would like any further information before ordering please contact cocoaencounters@gmail.com or please let me know of any allergies when you make a booking and I will contact you with further details.

Postage: Tasting boxes can be posted out to any UK address. You will have the option for adding postage during the booking process. All parcels are sent Royal Mail Tracked 48-hour delivery. You will receive a message from Royal Mail to let you know when your parcel will be delivered and how to make alternative delivery arrangements if you won't be in.