Discover the Secrets of Chocolate: An Appreciation and Tasting Guide

Chocolate is arguably the most popular food on the planet. Everybody loves it but very few are connected to what it is and how it’s made. Chocolate comes from the cocoa bean, which comes from the fruit of the cacao tree. The bean tastes nothing like chocolate, yet it is exactly where all that mind altering sexiness of chocolate comes from. In fact, the base of any good chocolate is simply cocoa beans and sugar. To connect people to that kind of simplicity and to show them how delicious that simplicity can be, and how complex it can be at the same time, is really an exciting opportunity.

The Art of Sensory Evaluation

When you prepare to taste, start by the following steps. Look at the chocolate. High quality chocolate is free of bubbles and blemishes, and has a nice even surface sheen. Rub your finger over the chocolate. It should feel smooth and should just begin to melt to the warmth of your touch. Break the chocolate and listen to its sound. Premium chocolate produces a sharp, pristine click and a clean edge. Take a deep whiff of the chocolate. The stronger and more persistent the smell, the better your chocolate would be. Put the chocolate in your mouth and feel its texture. It should be velvety rich, gently dissolving into a creamy liquid. Finally, roll the chocolate across your tongue to taste its flavour elements. Fine chocolate is always an explosion of the senses.

A Journey Through Flavours

To truly understand the craft, you must taste chocolate promiscuously. Taste alone and taste with friends. You should explore the following varieties:

• Taste plain chocolate; taste chocolate with raisins and nuts.
• Taste white chocolate, milk chocolate, and the very many percentages of the dark.
• Taste single origins; taste blends.
• Taste velvety soft truffles that instantly melt in your mouth.
• Taste pralines that you can bite off with a crunch.
• Taste gourmet chocolate and ask what the big deal is.

Taste chocolate you’ve never tasted before and wonder what took you so long to try it. Surely, it’s a good chocolatier that makes good chocolate. But it’s a good taster who makes a good chocolate even better. There is no machine that can tell you if your chocolate tastes good. Only you can be the judge of that.

Exclusive Events and Master Classes

I am madly in love with chocolate. In fact, I don't just buy chocolates, I worship them. I don't unwrap my chocolates, I slowly undress them. And I never merely eat chocolates, I have passionate encounters with them. For those who feel the same, join our Chocolate Lovers Club for exclusive invites to our tasting events. Membership is FREE but only for those who truly love their chocolate.

We offer a variety of specialized courses and experiences:

• Chocolate Appreciation Event
• Chocolate Master Class
• Chocolates & Truffels
• Patisserie Course
• Chocolate Making

Featured Event Details

Discover the secrets of chocolate, see full program on website.

Date and Time: 18 Oct 2025, 14:00 – 16:30
Location: Farnborough, 13 Orchard Rd, Farnborough GU14 7PR, UK

Our Product Selection

Handcrafted with premium chocolate and exquisite detail, every Totally Chocolate product is designed to spark meaningful connections. Below is a summary of our current offerings: