Stainer Masai

In spite of the name, Stainer is an Italian chocolatier. They are also highly creative, with spice combinations like this one, the Masai. The Masai spice mixture is a complex blend of cola, cinnamon, Tonka-bean and vanilla. Wow. Lots of my favorite flavors.
The spices come over in the scent of the bar, which came wrapped in plastic. At first I was wondering if it wasn’t a bit cheap, but now I see that the plastic protects the spice flavors’ intensity.
Part of Stainer’s World Spices collection, this is a sophisticated taste, with plenty to experience while the chocolate melts on your tongue. This is a chocolate for savoring. The chocolate is not as pushy as a Cluizel dark chocolate is, but the spices really stay with you.

Reviewed: Stainer Masai Dark Chocolate 70%
Personality: Earthy
How to enjoy: Drink a cup of tea or coffee with this one, so the spices which linger on your tongue can reach full expression.
Rating:
1: Better than sex
2: Little bites of heaven
3: Share with your best friend
4: Will do in a pinch
5: Halloween candy

Where to buy:
Germany: Salon du Cacao http://www.salonducacao.de
USA: Stainer website http://www.stainerchocolate.com/

Stainer Peperoncino Schotch Bonnet Con Rum

That's a mouthful, isn't it? "Stainer Peperoncino Schotch Bonnet Con Rum" There's a nice typo on the front cover, since I"ve only ever heard of Scotch Bonnet, not Schotch.

Andrea Stainer is an Italian chocolatier, and this is an awesome chocolate. Strong rum and strong hot pepper. Not make-you-sweat hot, but plenty hot for me.

Out of all the flavored chocolates I've tasted recently, I generally prefer the chocolates with pepper. There's something about the combination of dark chocolate and hot pepper that appeals to me, more than, say, chocolate and melon.

Located in Pontremoli, Stainer is another one of those great chocolatiers in Tuscany. When I do manage a visit to Tuscany, I'll have to plan time to visit several of these place, Stainer included.

Reviewed: Stainer Peperoncino Schotch Bonnet Con Rum
Personality: Not much to look at, but definitely worth getting to know

How to enjoy: With a glass of water. These flavors deserve individual attention

Rating:

1: Better than sex

2: Little bites of heaven

3: Share with your best friend

4: Will do in a pinch

5: Halloween candy

Where to buy:

Germany http://www.salonducacao.de/

USA: http://e-anticabottega.com/index.asp

UK: http://www.harrods.com/