The Michel Cluizel chocolate company got its start in 1947 in the town of Damville in Normandy, France when Michel’s parents, Marcelle and March Cluizel, began producing chocolates in the small pastry business they operated out of their home. In 1948, Michel joined the business as an apprentice. In 1971, the family business was moved out of their home to a shop nearby. In 1981, the company began exporting chocolate orders to the United States. After the death of Michel’s father in 1984, his two sons, Pierre and Marc, joined the family business. By 1987, the company’s first shop was opened in Paris and named La Fontaine au Chocolat. The chocolate shop is still in business today and is a popular stop for tourists who are seeking fine quality French chocolates. Michel’s daughter, Catherine Cluizel, manages the shop. The shop was renamed La Boutique Michel Cluizel to avoid any confusion that the boutique is actually owned by Michel Cluizel. In 2004, a subsidiary was opened in the U.S. The company has quit selling chocolates through the U.S site however. Today, the company employs approximately 200 employees. The business is owned and operated by Michel’s family. Sylvi Cluizel serves as accounts director, Catherine Cluizel manages the shop in Paris, Pierre serves as commercial manager, while Marc is the factory’s technical manager.

The Chocolate

Michel Cluizel strives to produce the purest form of chocolate by using only natural ingredients such as pure cane sugar and Bourban vanilla beans. In 1999, he prohibited the use of soya lecithin in his chocolate. Chocolate manufacturers often use this product as an emulsifier. Michel decided to eliminate the use of soya lecithin in an effort to further perfect his pure chocolate.

Michel Cluizel’s dark and milk chocolate single estate bars are available in the following:

Dark Chocolate Single Estate Bars

Concepcion—66% (Venezuela)
Los Ancones—67% (Santo Domingo, The Caribbean)
Vila Gracinda, 67% (Sao Tome)
Mangaro—65% (Madagascar)
Maralumi—64 % (Papua-New Guinea)

Milk Chocolate Single Estate Bars

Mangaro Lait—50% (Madagascar)
Maralumi Lait—47% (Papua New Guinea)

Michel Cluizel also do other bars such as the 72% dark chocolate and the extremely bitter Noir Infini 99%.

Chocolate Bonbons

Michel Cluizel produces a variety of delicious bonbons with a variety of exquisite flavours. Some of the more popular bonbons include the cappuccinos, the mushrooms, the criolles, the fermignons and praline and ganaches macarolats.

The Cappuccinos—Coffee cup shells of 60% chocolate filled with an exquisite ganache of Brazilian Arabica coffee.
The Mushrooms—Mushroom shaped chocolates with a caramel stem and an almond centre.
The Criolles—Cocoa pod shapes filled with a creamy ganache.
The Fermignons—37% creamy milk chocolate available in 5 different animal shapes and filled with praline. Available between February and Easter.
The Praline and Ganaches Macarolats—100% chocolate macaroons in various flavours and colours. Shells of milk and white chocolate filled with ganache, toffee, praline, or coffee.
The 1ers Crus De Plantation is their premium range of ganaches – and they’re absolutely out of this world!

Michel Cluizel Novelty Chocolates

In France at Easter it is tradition to give chocolate fish as gifts instead of Eater eggs so it may not surprise you that they have created the Les Poissons Chocolate Box which are ‘painted’ white chocoalte fish – and they’re pretty damn good too!

Buy Michel Cluizel Dark Chocolate

You can get some of the Michel Cluizel range of dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate, ganaches, novelty chocolates, Easter eggs, Valentine’s Chocolates, gift bars and selection boxes from The Chocolate Trading Co. online with delivery by post.

Michel Cluizel Online

Their official site is pretty good and gives a whole load of information.

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I’d say that these chocolate fish are an ocean away from the milk chocolate sardines from A Quarter Of I reviewed last year. These Chocolate Michel Cluizel Les Poissons are Salmon to their fish fingers as Michel Cluizel only use the finest ingredients in the chocolate creations – even the more whimsical of the novelty chocolates.

You see, in France they are more geared up to giving chocolate fish as it is fairly central to their Easter traditions. And so the fantastic French chocolatier Michel Cluizel has contributed some fine novelty Easter chocolates to the French Easter celebrations with this box of four chocolate ‘Les Poissons’. I did notice, however, and I know I shouldn’t say this, but their painted nature remind me of the chocolates that Rococo sell.

The little fish break into two parts – just like real fish when you fillet them. Only inside these white chocolate ‘fish’ you’ll find crunchy praline very similar to the chocolate filled real hen’s eggs I reviewed last year. Then I found the praline a bit too salty and crunchy for me – and I’m of the same opinion with these. Well, maybe not. As you eat more and more of them they become more and more, er moreish. You start to enjoy the contradictory tastes of the mild, mellow and soft white chocolate against the silhouette of the piquancy, abruptness and crunchy praline. It actually works very well together.

Overall they may not be so life-like that I get my griddle pan out, but they’re still cute. May be not be as cute as the Easter Chocolate Chicken, but the flavour is definitely more refined, the character is sharper and the price is higher at £5.95 40g, but the most important question is obviously … ‘Would you have these instead of cod on Fish Friday?’ Well of course! I might even have them with the chocolate new potatoes I’m going to review next week!

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Michel Cluizel

If you’re looking for a Valentine’s gift made from some of the finest dark chocolate in the world and not to expensive then you’ve really got to consider this Je t’aime Valentines Gift Box.

You may only get 5 dark chocolate gifts made out of 72% cocoa bu I’m sure you’ll agree, if you get a chance to try one, that they’re beautifully created and presented in a nice red gift box.

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Chocolate Trading co. sell them in three sizes: 170g, 325g and 510g which range from £17.95 to £39.95. And all of them contain a great selection of fine chocolates which use only the best ingredients to provide you with some darker than average chocolates. But what I also love is they’re absolutely fantastically wrapped in top quality paper and ribbon – these are some of the best Valentine’s chocolates you could buy in the UK.

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First off I bought this Michel Cluizel 72% Dark Chocolate bar from Chocolate Trading Company for £3.50 but now its on sale for just £1.50 a bar so I’d get in quick if I were you!!

I just love Michel Cluizel chocolate – especially their single origin chocolate. Its divine. And if you you haven’t read the review of the Michel Cluizel 1ers Crus De Plantation Dark Chocolate Ganaches then I implore you to, you’ll see the fantastic array of fine chocolate that they have available.

Anyway, back to this 72% Dark Chocolate bar. The cocoa in this bar is a blend of fine cocoa strains and hence has a wide spectrum of flavour tones and does have anyone note be overly prominent. There is is a slight fruity flavour, but is more mild and balanced than the Pralus Trinidad 75% Dark Chocolate which is exceptionally unique and is also slightly less character than the Pralus Bresil. However, it has a lovely aromatic wooden flavour that comes out as you have a few squares. This Michel Cluizel 72% Dark Chocolate is a bar that grows on you.

I wouldn’t put it as a dark chocolate bar to consciously consume. It’s more of a very fine back drop chocolate that will satisfy your inner luxury dark chocolate needs without punching your mind out of what you’re actually doing – such as watching a movie.

The packaging, I’m afraid doesn’t look as beautiful as the Pralus chocolate, and I suppose its subliminal thing that on my last online shopping trip to Chocolate Trading Company, I bought five bars of Pralus chocolate, and only 1 of Michel Cluizel. I’ll remedy that on the next trip!

I’ll definitely keep what’s left of this chocolate to enjoy. It was very nice, but not as good, or as characteristic as many single origin dark chocolate bars.

Rating:

Taste: 85% – I nice balanced dark chocolate bar, but missing the uniqueness of single origin

Texture: 85% – a very nice crispy texture, and a very pleasant melt

Appearance: 70% – the packaging has a lot to be desired, but the bar does look wonderfully dark and has their logo on each square

Nutritional Information: 50% – there’s not a lot there

Price: 75% for the full price. 90% at the sale price

Overall: 73% – a very pleasant dark chocolate bar indeed.

The current Chocolate Trading Company discount code is AUTUMN8 which will save you 8% off your order!

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At the time of reviewing these Michel Cluizel 1ers Crus De Plantation Dark Chocolate Ganaches they weren’t yet on sale on the Chocolate Trading Company website so I have no idea of the cost. But there’s two reasons why I don’t want to know. The first being Michel Cluizel produce some of the finest chocolate known to man and secondly nine of the chocolates have flakes of either gold or silver leaf on them. What’s more, Michel Cluizel are dedicated to providing the most desirable chocolates as they never use any hydrogenated fat, they don’t use soy lechtin, the chocolate they produce is guaranteed to be free from artificial flavours and only use natural fruit pulp, cane sugar and Bourbon vanilla pod.

I got these from the Chocolate Trading Company and am only the second person in the country to try them so am somewhat nervous about reviewing them. So far I’ve only reviewed the 99% Noir Infini extreme dark chocolate bar which was very bitter (due to its incredibly high cocoa content and less than 1% sugar), but my other experiences has given me an insight to the sheer quality and indulgence that awaited.

I must admit, the packaging of the Michel Cluizel 1ers Crus De Plantation Dark Chocolate Ganaches looks superb and would make a fantastic luxury chocolate this Christmas, or indeed for any occasion. It actually reminded me of a big box of expensive, but very fashionable jewellery. I’m sure, however, that these dark chocolate ganaches would give your loved one even more pleasure.

When Paul told me these chocolates would be on their way he didn’t say they had gold and silver leaf on them. It’s difficult to see how they shimmer in the light with a photograph, however, in a soft light they look even more sumptuous as the light from above catches them and makes them sparkle in the box. If you’re looking to set a mood of extravagance and indulgence then you couldn’t go far wrong with these Michel Cluizel ganaches. They do look absolutely sensational.

Within the box you get a fine menu of each of the seven varieties (each from a single origin/Cru which is the unique focus of the box) which add up to 25 moments of pure and unadulterated delight. The problem you’ll have is which to choose first. Like many I went for the one that sparkled the most. That one was the Palet Feuille d’Argent.

Now I just couldn’t get the lighting right today, so I haven’t managed to catch their majestic beauty, however, just imagine a darkly lit room, log fire going and wine flowing. (Well I was at the time!)

This one is coated in silver flakes to add to the their elegance – and there’s certainly a liberal dose of one of the world‘s most expensive elements.

There’s a definite aroma of honey but mixed with a hint of sweet spices. The melt is also fantastic with the flavour becoming more rich as it does so. This one is certainly not to be missed.

The second I tried was the Palet Los Los Anconès which adorned with a dab of gold flake. I loved the simplicity of how these looked. They were the gems in the box full of extravagance. What’s more, their visual appearance belies the flavour held within.

This one is milder, still with the honey notes, but definitely a more delicate flavour. At the end of the range there’s a definite note of cherry which gives a distinct sweeter character. It’s difficult to compare this one with the last, each is special in their own way, but I think this one has real character.

The next I tried was the Palet Concepcion which has a cocoa pod design on the top and is another fantastic ganache. There’s a lovely theme of almond paste running through and, dare I say it a touch of hazelnut and maybe a fruity edge? This is a complex ganache and vastly different to the previous Palet Los Los Anconès.

The feeling I got from this one was the atmosphere of a fine restaurant on a Sunday lunch time after you’ve had a fantastic meal and enjoying a fruity red wine. This one was exceptional indeed.

The fourth I tried were the Kouaré which were denoted by the understated two lines on the top. The cocoa for these comes from São Tomé Islands which are off the coast of Gabon. The flavours are rich and rounded with a slight fruity tone. I’m finding it difficult to place the other flavours as its just a unique taste, and one that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

The next is the Velséro which is denoted by the two converging veins on the top. I’m told that this one has a tone of gingerbread and fuits. I can definitley tell the latter, the gingerbread flavour is very subtle but works so well with the other flavours, it’s a rich balance of Christms flavours that could just send you to that time and place where you had your most enjoyable Christmas experience.

The Velséro has been one of my favourites so far as its radically different from most of the rest. It may have a fruity nature to it, but the gingerbread sets it apart wonderfully.

The Palet Feuille d’Or is the gold, spakling one in the box that would probably be the one that most would choose first. The gold is in fact 22 carat and completely self-indulgent. And wow! This one is another completely different ganache. The red fruit berry flavour sets it apart. It’s a beautifully sweet, but light ganache. I’d imagine this one would go exceptionally well with a slightly dry white wine. I’m told that gold has no flavour. If it did, I’m sure you wouldn’t notice anyway as the ganache’s fruity flavour just occupies every taste bud to its maximum. This is definitely one to take your time over and savour every self-consumed moment. Why not enjoy it whilst in a hot bath, soft music playing and the bubbles tantalising you where the chocolate can’t?

The last in the box of delightful dark chocolate ganaches is the Palet Maralumi. The menu describes this one has having “voluptuous notes of pastry and candy making”. I can definitely picture this one as baked fruit tart as its incredibly rich with a slight strawberry tone. Its one of the milder ganaches in the box and I perfect one to end on. The subtlety of this one is soft, eloquent and feelings of a sleepy evening. Beautiful.

Overall this box of Michel Cluizel 1ers Crus De Plantation dark chocolate has been a sensational journey through a kaleidoscope of cocoa heaven. It’s the concept album of the chocolate world. You’re sent on a journey with the first chocolate and wonder through the hills, valleys and lakes. You see sun rises and sun sets as you move through the collection. Without knowing which one you’re trying next you have no chance of knowing how your Michel Cluizel story will end. What’s important is that you have seven endings, its up to you to create your perfect ending depending on your mood. But there’s one thing you’re assured of. And that’s a happy ending.

It feels wrong for me to judge such excellence. Numbers can’t really give it justice. Taste, flavour, aroma can all have 99%. The price is £22.95 which is an exceptional price for such fantastic ganaches.

I do have one piece of advice if you’re lucky enough to have the Michel Cluizel 1ers Crus De Plantation Dark Chocolate Ganaches to yourself. Please take your time with each, put some soft music on and let your mind wonder. Don’t consume without the ganaches consuming your every thoughts and emotions.

I’m listening to a song called Marrandil by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu and its the perfect song to accompany you.

If you wanted to buy these fantastic chocolates you can from Chocolate Trading Company. If you use the exclusive voucher code EEORG12 you can get 12% off your order. If that doesn’t work then try the discount code Summer8 which will get you 8% off until the end of the month. If you wanted to buy these fantastic chocolates you can from Click here.

Rating: 90%

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This Michel Cluizel Noir Infini 99% chocolate bar is most certainly not for people that like milk chocolate or don’t like bitter or dark chocolate as it is incredibly bitter. I got this 30g bar from The Chocolate Trading Co for just £1.85. But if you’re buying for the wrong person it’ll be wasted.

As you can see the packaging is beautiful. It reminded me of buying fine crafts from stalls as the paper is of high quality and embossed in gold. You can just tell from that that you’re buying a high quality, product for chocolate purists. And when you open it up and unravel it from the gold foil you’re met with a really nice piece of chocolate, although it didn’t look as dark as I’d expected it too.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the very strong aroma that will hit you. This is nothing compared to the flavour. When you try some you’ll think your taste buds have been assaulted as it is incredibly bitter. I wouldn’t advise trying a very small nibble at a time as you will be shocked when you try it. I’d also advise having a glass of milk, cup of tea or coffee when you have it just to restore order to your mouth.

This most certainly isn’t a chocolate that you’ll find yourself eating without noticing. You’ll be aware of every bite.

Rating:
Taste: 10% – I love dark chocolate, but 99% is just taking a bit far!
Texture: 70% – It’s lovely and crisp, can’t fault it
Price: 60% – At £1.85 for 30g its not bad. But it’s considerably cheaper when you realise that that bar will last weeks!
Overall: 46.66%

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