Salazon Chocolate

Fine vegan chocolate is becoming more prevalent in the United States, much to my pleasing. But who knew a fine vegan chocolatier was lurking in Sykesville, Maryland -- a small town close to where my family lives. Immediately my biases took over and I figured if it was made in Maryland, it wouldn't be that good. Boy, was I wrong. Salazon Chocolate is incredibly decadent, fine roasted chocolate and I guarantee you'll enjoy it as much as I do.

Salazon is Spanish for salted and Salazon Chocolate Co. claims it is the first salted-chocolate based brand. They chose Spanish to pay homage to the Spanish speaking regions (including the Dominican Republic) that have played such a pivotal role in the cultivation and development of cacao and chocolate. All of the flavors incorporate sea salt, which enhances the flavor of the chocolate. And four out of five of the bars are vegan.

Every bar was delicious. I especially liked the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt and Turbinado Cane Sugar. The rich 57% cocoa is laced with sea salt and turbinado sugar for the perfect combination of sweet and salty.

The simplest one is probably the most elegant -- the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt. The touch of sea salt brings out the chocolate's flavors while balancing the sweetness of sugar and bitterness of cocoa.

The Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper is fantastic. Again, just the right amount of sea salt mixed with black pepper and dusted onto the back of the chocolate bar. This allows your tongue to take in the flavors of the salt and pepper before biting into the chocolate perfection. Then it all mixes in your mouth for a wildly sensuous ride.

I kept the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt & Crushed Coffee for last because I'm not a big coffee fan. But, this bar was really good mostly because the coffee is just dusted onto the back of it rather than mixed in so it isn't overpowering at all.

I absolutely love that they are certified organic, fair trade, and Rainforest Alliance Certified. This means that the organic cacao beans are farmed using sustainable and environmentally sensitive methods, and where the farmers are paid and treated fairly (most own their own plots and are part of a farmer supported co-op). Rainforest Alliance certification is built on the three pillars of sustainability - environmental protection, social equity and economic viability. No single pillar can support long-term success on its own, so they help farmers succeed in all three areas!

The bars are also Kosher, Non-GMO (because they are organic), and Gluten-Free. If you can't find them locally, you can buy them online for $4 per bar here. They will also be introducing three new 72% cocoa vegan bars this year. I can't wait to try them!

Full Disclosure: Although the products were provided to me for free to review, that in no way influenced my veracious opinion.