Candy Bar Lab

A couple months ago, I stopped into a place in downtown Washington, DC called Artfully Chocolate because I was told they make a seriously delicious cup of hot chocolate. After looking through their dozen or so varieties of hot chocolate, I decided on the “Audrey Hepburn”, since the description was pretty much an espresso cup full of melted chocolate. It was incredible. If you’re ever near Logan Circle in DC, I highly recommend stopping in and getting yourself a cup.

Before I left though, I couldn’t help noticing the rack of candy bars they had on the counter under the label Kingsbury Chocolates. It turns out the same people who run the cafe also make their own chocolates at their Alexandria, Virginia location. They produce a bunch of candy bar varieties, including the dark chocolate and cocoa nibs one I picked up on my way out and the “ChocObama” Bar.

Structure
A 28-segment, molded dark chocolate bar with roasted cocoa nibs mixed in.

Texture
The chocolate is perfectly tempered with a firm snap and smooth feel. The cocoa nibs add just a hint of crunch to each bite.

Taste
The dark chocolate is deep without any unpleasant bitterness or acidity - just the way I like it. The taste of the nibs isn’t too noticeable because the chocolate already has a rather intense flavor, but I suppose they add to the overall taste of the whole bar.

Verdict
This is a pretty simple bar that’s perfectly executed. I’ll definitely stop into their cafe next time I’m in the area and pick up another variety, possibly the “ChocObama” Bar.