Hershey tries again
A last minute stop at the grocery store this week turned out to be a very good thing. I spied a new display in the aisle for Hershey’s latest attempt at fine chocolate.
This time they are trying to latch onto what I calll the “snobby side” of chocolate, where there plantation bars from only one place, and single bean origin bars that have one one kind of bean. Hershey now has “reserve” bars. I’m not sure what that means for Hershey but it does sound nice.
The first one I tried was their 65% bar with cocoa nibs. This is a very rare thing in the chocolate bar world. 
There are a few out there with nibs in them, but I don’t see it very often in normal retails locations. But who does have it? Yes, Sharffen Berger. Who was recently purchased by Hershey. No coincidence, I think.
Anyway, this is actually…gasp…good! I was shocked. My expectation was that they would completely blunder it (again), but it has a very pleasant dark taste, the nibs are fine and not gritty. The flavor is very consistent, no overtones or “lingering notes” (how’s that for snobby?), which is odd. The flavor is there and then its gone. Still, a very good bar. If I couldn’t find the Nibby Bar, I would buy this one.
The next one was the plain 65% cacao bar. 
This one wasn’t as good as the one with nibs in it. Maybe I was getting used to the flavor but its seemed a little sticky for dark chocolate. Without the nibs, I think the base chocolate loses alot of the flavor. I wouldn’t buy this one again.
The last one was a milk chocolate with 35% cacao. 
Again, I never know why they bother to put the cocoa content on the milk chocolate ones. Maybe it just looks fancy. Anyway, I definately liked this one. It does not have the traditional milk chocolate flavor you associate with Hershey. Very milky tasting without the “cow” aftertaste that is in their regular bar. Milk is the first ingredient. It might be a little on the sweet side, but not too bad. If you like milk chocolate, this is a wonderful alternative to the junk you’ll find normally near the checkout stand.
Oh and on every package is their standard warning label “Like most indulgent treats, Cacao Reserve by Hershey’s should be enjoyed in moderation.” Marvelous. :D
One last note about these, they have NO vanillin (yea!). Also, they each list milk as an ingredient, even the dark chocolate. I wonder if they do that smooth the flavor a little, since their current market is not used to the flavor of very dark chocolate.
Nice job, Hershey. Two out of three ain’t bad.
September 29th, 2006 08:13
Nice report. But did you follow the instruction and enjoy the “indulgent treats, Cacao Reserve by Hershey’s” in moderation? How’s the weight these days?
September 29th, 2006 09:19
There is really nothing more fine in this world than good chocolate, and in my world, the darker the chocolate the better. I like a bit of a bitter snap when eaten. Ahhh, the life!
September 29th, 2006 11:53
thanks! i’ll have to look for the dark chocolate and enjoy beyond moderation.
September 29th, 2006 12:48
I just noticed that vanilln thing on ingrediants lately. I think it’s pathetic. Went to Hershey park and musuem for the first time this year. Fun and interesting.
September 29th, 2006 13:34
I’ll have to avoid your site for awhile because I think I just gained 5 pounds from reading about all that chocolate!
September 29th, 2006 13:35
I’ve been looking for these too.
The warning about moderation seems like the complete opposite of what Mars has been advocating with a recommdation of 2 cocoavia bars a day!
September 29th, 2006 16:24
Moderation, smoderation just give me the chocolate, it’s Friday for the love of Pete! How’s the job going, any better yet?
September 29th, 2006 16:39
mmmm milk chocolate,…my fav. I wonder if we get those up here yet?
(also? Beansprout just totally called you fat!!)
September 30th, 2006 02:17
Mmmmm….chocolate! Now I want some! I love dark chocolate and the darker the better.
September 30th, 2006 08:25
I overdosed on chocolate yesterday at work, but now I’m ready to try again. I’m sure these will be better than the regular minis I couldn’t stop eating!! No comparison, right?
September 30th, 2006 20:39
That thing on moderation, its just a joke cause everyone knows there ain’t no such thing in chocolate! Picturing Jon with a chocolatey face and hands, hehe! Run Good!
October 2nd, 2006 21:01
Cow aftertaste? I’ve always considered it more wax than cow… still, that’s a vegetarian’s opinion, so take it with a grain of salt.
October 11th, 2006 12:42
You should try the Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts. In my opinion, it’s the best of the four. Phenomenal!