Experience fresh chocolate
with five senses
Take a closer look at your chocolate
It is said we eat with our eyes so, naturally, appearance is all part of the enjoyment process. That said, it doesn’t always denote quality so there are a few things we need to take into consideration. What colour is it? What does the texture look like? Can you see bubbles or swirls? Is it shiny?
You can discern some of the quality of chocolate from its finish – it should have a silky matte gloss. This unique sheen is created when the chocolate is properly tempered. If you do not want to enjoy your chocolate right away – which we find hard to imagine – it should be kept dry and stored a temperature of around 65°F/18°C away from direct heat or sun in order to retain its quality and freshness.
The colour of chocolate can also vary from golden to copper brown, deep red to ivory, which is all dependent on the percentage and origin of the cacao. Milk or cream also affect the appearance, so bear this in mind when sampling your bar
Feel the smooth texture
Next we move on to touch. As you run your fingers across the surface, consider the texture – is the chocolate hard or soft? smooth or grainy? creamy or dry? Pay close attention to how it feels when you rub it gently between your thumb and forefinger – does it melt right away?
High-quality chocolate gets its texture and finish from the combination of finely ground cocoa, the perfect amounts of cocoa butter and sugar, and the right conching time. All of these factors together result in a smooth, velvety texture – like the texture of our Läderach tablets
As the chocolate slowly softens, gently inhale these initial aromas. These may differ throughout the tasting so worth making a note of. Sometimes chocolate can also be big on aroma but lack flavour and vice versa.
Did you know that chocolate makes a sound?
Before we move on to the more in-depth smelling step of the tasting, hold a piece of chocolate up to your ear and break it.
You should hear a short, clear snap. This means that the chocolate was perfectly tempered. When chocolate is heated and cooled at just the right temperatures, this gives the cocoa butter the proper hardness. Milk chocolate has a quieter snap than dark chocolate because the milk fat makes it softer. Grab a piece and try it for yourself!
The unmistakable scent of chocolate
Just like wine, high-quality chocolate has an incredibly complex bouquet. Since Läderach chocolate is so fresh, it has a particularly rich, delicious aroma. White chocolate is mainly characterised by notes of vanilla and milk, whereas milk chocolate will have an aroma of cocoa beans.
Our Grand Cru chocolate tablets will smell more distinctly of roasted cocoa notes, while our Blond tablets feature the warm, enticing scent of caramel.
The more chocolate you taste and explore, the more refined your nose and palette will become in terms of comparing richness, sweetness, intensity, and earthiness of the first smelling notes
Savour the complex flavours and smooth, fine melt
Now, we have arrived at what is arguably the most important aspect: taste. When it comes to the taste and texture of chocolate, the quality of the raw materials is key. It is the combination of these ingredients that lend chocolate its unique and distinctive flavour.
Put a piece of chocolate in your mouth and let it melt on your tongue. It should not melt too quickly or too slowly, and it should not be gritty or have an oily aftertaste. Läderach chocolate’s fine, uniform texture allows all of the complex flavours and aromas to unfold so you can enjoy a uniquely delicious experience.
It can be hard to concentrate on the depths of flavour when you are trying to enjoy the all important taste test, but ask yourself these questions does the flavour come on quickly or slowly? Does the flavour change? How long does the flavour last in your mouth?
Again, just like when we think of wine, professional chocolate tasters often look at the finish to rate the quality of chocolate. High-quality chocolate should leave a pleasant taste in your mouth, often lingering on the palette for some minutes after finishing the bite. This is also a good time to reflect on the earlier tastes, smells and flavour notes and compare.
The tasting notes for Läderach’s Grand Cru Madagascar 64% Single Origin are fruity, cocoa, pleasantly bitter with a hint of vanilla. This Grand Cru chocolate is made exclusively with cocoa from Madagascar and has a cocoa content of 64%.
It has a deep brown colour and a silky sheen. Its fruity aroma of fresh limes and light, savory sweetness lend this chocolate an alluring character. On the tongue, the chocolate releases a bouquet of flavours including citrus fruits, red berries, honey, and delicately roasted island cocoa. Rounded out by its extremely fine texture, the Grand Cru Madagascar 64% chocolate is truly a delight.
Exclusively available at House of Laderach in Switzerland
What would you like to
experience today?
FACTORY TOUR WITH WALK-IN ATLIER
Guided tour through our factory! From the cocoa bean to chocolate! Inclusive museum tour and chocolate fountain!
FACTORY TOUR WITH WALK-IN ATLIER
Guided tour through our factory! From the cocoa bean to chocolate! Inclusive museum tour and chocolate fountain!
FACTORY TOUR ENGLISH
Guided tour of the factory in English with museum visit and chocolate fountain.
MAGICAL FACTORY TOUR
Let yourself be enchanted during the guided factory tour! With lots of tastings, chocolate and magic tricks!
PRALINÉS ATELIER
In this course, you will learn about the further processing and refinement of chocolate and the production of the exclusive Läderach Pralinés.
LÄDERACH SHOP
240 m2 of pure chocolate paradise. The largest Läderach factory shop with direct sales and chocolate outlet featuring unheard-of special prices.
LÄDERACH CAFÉ
Enjoy superb coffee and unparalleled pastries and crepes at our café, where you’ll also find House of Läderach gifts and Swiss souvenirs to take with you.
FACTORY TOUR WITH WALK-IN ATLIER
Guided tour of our factory! From the cocoa bean to the chocolate! Incl. Museum tour & chocolate fountain!
MUSEUM AND CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN
Independent tour through the chocolate museum with the world-famous chocolate fountain with three types of chocolate! Interactive and delicious!
MAGICAL FACTORY TOUR
Let yourself be enchanted during the guided factory tour! With lots of tasting, chocolate and magic tricks!
WALKI-IN STUDIO AND LIVE PRODUCTION
In the Walk-In Atelier, you can become a confectioner yourself and make your own creation – to take away immediately!
KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY
Celebrate the sweetest birthday with friends and family at our atelier!
CHOCOLATE COURSE
Become a chocolatier yourself! Let your creativity run free when applying make-up and pouring chocolate!
PRIVATE CHOCOLATE COURSE
Become a chocolatier yourself! Pouring chocolate and applying make-up in a very exclusive small group
PRALINES ATELIER
In this course you will learn about the further processing and refinement of chocolate and the production of the exclusive Läderach pralines.
LÄDERACH CAFÉ
You will also find the best coffee, unique patisserie creations and crêpes as well as House of Läderach gifts and Swiss souvenirs to take away in our café!
WALKI-IN ATELIER UND LIVE PRODUKTION
In the Walk-In Atelier, become a confectioner and make your own chocolate creation. Take it with you right on the spot!
CHOCOLATE COURSE
Do you have what it takes to be a chocolatier? Learn to decorate and pour chocolate – give free rein to your creativity!
PRIVATE CHOCOLATE COURSE
Become a chocolatier yourself! Pour and make up the chocolate exclusively in intimate setting!
PRALINÉS ATELIER
In this course, you will learn about the further processing and refinement of chocolate and the production of the exclusive Läderach Pralinés.
CHOCOLATE AND WINE
Which chocolate goes best with which wine? A perfect occasion for all chocolate lovers and wine connoisseurs.
FACTORY TOUR WITH WALK-IN ATLIER
Guided tour of our factory! From the cocoa bean to the chocolate! Incl. Museum tour & chocolate fountain!
FACTORY TOUR ENGLISH
English-speaking guided tour of the factory with a visit to the museum and chocolate fountain
MAGICAL FACTORY TOUR
Let yourself be enchanted during the guided factory tour! With lots of tasting, chocolate and magic tricks!
TOUR FOR SCHOOL CLASSES
Informative guided tour through the chocolate factory with lots of tasting and learning effects for school classes! Including chocolate museum and chocolate fountain!
CHOCOLATE COURSE
Become a chocolatier yourself! Let your creativity run free when applying make-up and pouring chocolate!
PRALINES ATELIER
In this course you will learn about the further processing and refinement of chocolate and the production of the exclusive Läderach pralines.
CHOCOLATE AND WINE
What type of chocolate goes best with what type of wine? A perfect event for all chocolate lovers and wine aficionados.
CHOCOLATE AND WINE
Which chocolate goes best with which wine? A perfect occasion for all chocolate lovers and wine connoisseurs.
FACTORY TOUR WITH WALK-IN ATLIER
Guided tour through our factory! From the cocoa bean to chocolate! Inclusive museum tour and chocolate fountain!
KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY
Celebrate the sweetest birthday with friends and family at our atelier!
PRALINÉS ATELIER
In this course, you will learn about the further processing and refinement of chocolate and the production of the exclusive Läderach Pralinés.
CHOCOLATE AND WINE
Which chocolate goes best with which wine? A perfect occasion for all chocolate lovers and wine connoisseurs.
APERITIF AND DINNER EVENTS
Aperitif or dinner with guided factory tour. Surprise your employees, friends or family with an unforgettably sweet experience together!
FACTORY TOUR WITH WALK-IN ATLIER
Guided tour of our factory! From the cocoa bean to the chocolate! Incl. Museum tour & chocolate fountain!
FACTORY TOUR ENGLISH
English-speaking guided tour of the factory with a visit to the museum and chocolate fountain
MUSEUM AND CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN
Independent tour through the chocolate museum with the world-famous chocolate fountain with three types of chocolate! Interactive and delicious!
MAGICAL FACTORY TOUR
Let yourself be enchanted during the guided factory tour! With lots of tasting, chocolate and magic tricks!
WALKI-IN STUDIO AND LIVE PRODUCTION
In the Walk-In Atelier, you can become a confectioner yourself and make your own creation – to take away immediately!
TOUR FOR SCHOOL CLASSES
Informative guided tour through the chocolate factory with lots of tasting and learning effects for school classes! Including chocolate museum and chocolate fountain!
CHOCOLATE COURSE
Become a chocolatier yourself! Let your creativity run free when applying make-up and pouring chocolate!
PRIVATE CHOCOLATE COURSE
Become a chocolatier yourself! Pouring chocolate and applying make-up in a very exclusive small group
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