Goodnow Farms - Esmeraldas, Ecuador 70%

Top Micro-Batch – Plain/Origin Dark Chocolate Bars 2025International Chocolate Awards Origin & CraftsmanshipThis artisan bar is crafted from single-origin cacao beans grown on the Salazar family’s estate in Esmeraldas, a region in northern Ecuador. The Salazars oversee every stage—from varietal selection to fermentation and drying—to ensure exceptional bean quality. Goodnow Farms takes it further: beans are roasted in small batches, stone-ground in melanguers, conched for five days, and refined with cocoa butter pressed from the same estate beans. The result? A smooth, creamy bar with deeply expressive flavor. Flavor ProfileThis well-balanced dark chocolate is known for its very low acidity and vibrant berry jam notes—think deep raspberry or red grape—that carry into a long, satisfying finish with a mellow astringency. Reviewers also detect undertones of Cabernet grapes, lending a fruity, wine-like nuance. The texture is velvety and refined, showcasing the impact of freshly pressed