TASTE

Taste lots of chocolate! Several authors have written about the practice of tasting. See our book list for texts that offer tips on how to explore.

 

VISIT

Visit a local chocolate maker or retailer to find chocolate and learn from them. Many chocolate makers offer tours or classes; some are even available for consulting or apprenticeship opportunities.

 

See our map to locate one near you.

 

SHOP

Shop online or at a local chocolate shop.

 

See our map for ideas.

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The Academy of Chocolate, Good Food Awards, and International Chocolate Awards all provide starting points for exploring fine chocolate. Each awards program has different criteria and judging protocols if you want to get geeky and explore the variety. Judge the products for yourself by tasting through a sampling of the finalists or winners. Beyond this, the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund certifies growers of high quality, flavor cacao, and companies working with this cacao produce bars that can be located for purchasing here.

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ATTEND

• A guided tasting event. Stay tuned for more details on how and where to find one

• A Fine Chocolate Industry Association meeting

• The Chocolate Makers Unconference and Northwest Chocolate Festival

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CONNECT

Chocolate Alchemy, The Chocolate Life, and the Well Tempered Facebook group all provide online forums for discussion and are frequented by chocolate makers.

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STUDY

• FCCI’s 3-day Cacao Grader Intensive course

• Ecole Chocolat’s online Chocolate Maker Program

• Institute of Culinary Education’s chocolate making classes

• CocoaTown’s Bean To Bar Workshop

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