Michel Cluizel 1ers Crus De Plantation

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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 s
ets 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.

Rating: 90%

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Title: Michel Cluizel 1ers Crus De Plantation
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