When I first received the box of chocolates I have to admit I was a bit disappointed as I wasn't a big fan of dark chocolate but I was pleasantly surprised.
Firstly, I opened the packaging and found a lovely two-tiered presentation box that looked akin to a glittery jewellery box that you might get at Christmas. The top flap had a magnetic fastening that once lifted exposed a variety of soft centres and hard baton shaped pieces that were rich pure dark chocolate. These I must admit were my least favourite not being a fan but they were rich dark and went well with my coffee.
I then pulled the drawer out and ventured into what delights were within. The hidden jewels in the drawer were a bit more exotic with chilli chocolate which left a slight tingly sensation after eating, and luscious pralines of which though I enjoyed them all the dizzy praline were my favourite. There were more batons in this layer which were 80% dark chocolate from Tanzania which were too rich for me. There were two thin slabs of dark chocolate that my son really enjoyed and finally some hazelnut and ginger square that were lovely.
There was a Menu card that showed a clear image of all the chocolates within. Under each there was a sumptuous description of what each chocolate was, it explained the subtle notes and flavours in detail and gave you the percentage of darkness of the piece. At the bottom there was a guide to the symbols under each chocolate so you were clear what each chocolate contained and a useful S symbol which let you know which one of your favourites could be purchased as a selector if choosing your own batch in the shop.
All in all, I am glad I was given the opportunity to try a range of the decadent dark chocolate available in Hotel Chocolat as I am now likely to indulge in a few again where as previously I wouldn’t, sticking to the milk chocolate I know and love. I would certainly recommend coming out of your comfort zone and giving the dark chocolate a go.