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Chocolate Sommelier Course 1 and 2 Info

Writer's picture: Ethan SwiftEthan Swift

Indulge in the ultimate sensory experience with "Your Practice Chocolate-Tasting Kit & Flavor Wheels", explained in this article.

Your Practice Chocolate-Tasting Kit & Flavor Wheels

Are you a foodie, an aspiring chocolate connoisseur or a professional chocolate maker looking to enhance your tasting skills? Look no further! In this course, we will explore the tasting kits that come with the course, and introduce you to the free "digital downloads"/tools in your course. The world of chocolate flavors, with our comprehensive chocolate-tasting kit and flavor wheels will be decoded delicately, deliberately and deliciously.

The Importance of Tasting Kits for Your Practice

Tasting kits are essential tools for anyone serious about chocolate appreciation. They provide you with everything you need to conduct a proper chocolate tasting, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of different chocolate varieties.

With our course, you'll get the practice chocolate-tasting kit. It's mailed to you, and it will contain a selection of premium chocolates from around the world, nibs roasted at various different temperatures and chocolate carefully curated to showcase a range of flavors and textures and more. Each kit comes free with enrollment in Chocolate-Sommelier Certification of Course I and/or Course 2.

Furthermore, our tasting kit includes a worksheet to record your findings, interpretations and note nuances. Its common to have flavor notes written by renowned chocolatiers and makers as its twice as complex as wine. Use the sheet to take your report and recorded for your own flavor journaling. This kit educates you on the flavors and aromas of chocolate from all steps of the production process but also provides tips on how to properly taste and evaluate each chocolate.


Wine pairings recommendations, flavor combinations and even interactive tasting sheets are also available free, downloadable contained in your courses digital downloads. We can't wait to discover your observations and preferences on the Practice-Tasting Kit. This comprehensive approach ensures that you not only enjoy the chocolates but also deepen your understanding of how to record and report your experiences professionally.

Exploring Different Types of Chocolate with Your Tasting Kit

Once you have your tasting kit in hand, it's time to dive into the fascinating world of chocolate. Start by examining the outer appearance of each chocolate, noting variations in color, shine, and texture. Then, place a whole circle in your mouth and inhale the aromas. releasing from inside your mouth. Detect them, the rate of melt, linger and all the differing factors you can. You can use our trademarked Chocolate-Sommelier Techniques called, "Melt n' Munch (TM)", which combines tasting the chocolate once w/ chewing and once w/o before reviewing and Terroir detection can take place at all stages in the chocolate production. So melt it in your mouth once. Then munch on it a second time, to discover the flavor.

The nibs will be from different roasts and all from the same origin so you can detect and determine what the intensity of roasting does to flavor development. The roasts, as you will see, will also create slightly different textures within the nibs. Can you tell? Try each one! Write down your results on the sheets provided. Some may be more brittle if roasted at hot temperatures.


The beans? Thats the best part where u will learn the most, you cannot Melt n' Munch though because non-roasted beans contain unpressed cocoa butter. It won't melt. But since you are munching, you can still smell them. And the goal of smelling them is to apply Course 2 Cacao Bean Analysis and Sourcing to it. Is there something in Course 2, about cacao bean analysis, that you haven't learned yet? What about analyzing the trees, cocoa pods and not just the beans? 3 beans, all of differing quality will where you will be tested on tasting pre-cursors. The beans? You are only tasting flavor pre-cursors in the beans. Take the course to learn more about those or just read the book!

The practice tasting kit also compliments you w/ 100% ceremonial cacao sample, best brewed in hot water, where you can really pick out the nuances and classic chocolate liqour. You will discover they are basically the same thing with different intentions. And you will learn, INTENTIONS MATTER! Especially with cacao. Liquor is special because its what chocolatiers add sugar to to make our favorite food in the world. But its also questionable because its often untraceable to the source. This where the sourcing lessons come in, the beans. Source beans that will make tasty chocolate. Preferably the tastiest. And yes, that begins with the tastiest beans. Practice-tasting should be fun and not like work, do it on your own time and with a palate cleanser. You will not find a perfect palate cleanser but many many suggestions within course 1. Many folks have different points of views and preferences and there really is no best palate cleanser -- other than sleep. Tasting chocolate in the morning will always be the most revealing and provide you with the most flavor information.



Other Accompanying Course Tools

With our fun flavor wheels, you can easily identify the different flavor notes present in each chocolate. From fruity and floral to nutty and earthy, these wheels will guide you through your tasting journey, helping you develop a more nuanced understanding of chocolate flavors. Everything is plant-based, gluten-free and certified child-slave free so taste away and get into it. Use the black and white flavor wheel to really avoid all external influence or environmental bias. Tasting chocolate with a color wheel comes from wine, a much, much more simple flavor profile. So its fun to make the colors match the flavors but don't let the colors influence your flavor perception. You'll get a one of a kind cacao pulp tasting wheel, the first of its kind! Get to know flavors of raw cacao pulp or try a brand new cacao pulp gummy Bars! (Coming Soon).


Additionally, consider the origin of the chocolate you are tasting. Different regions around the world produce chocolate with distinct flavor profiles due to variations in soil, climate, and processing methods. By exploring chocolates from various origins, you can appreciate the diversity and complexity of this beloved treat. (There are plenty of free flavor-intensity charts, cacao bean critique assessment sheets you can print, use-reuse and share!) Check out the 50-page Book today!!!


Enhancing Your Chocolate-Tasting Experience with Pairings

No chocolate-tasting experience is complete without considering pairing options. Experiment with pairing different chocolates with wine, coffee, and tea to discover how flavors interact and complement each other.

Our tasting kit comes with enough chocolate for pairings, providing you opportunities to pair the items in your kit with any food you have on hand, allowing you to explore your palate. From rich red wines to fragrant herbal teas and even herbal vegan cheeses, the possibilities are endless.

When it comes to pairing chocolate with wine, the general rule of thumb is to match lighter chocolates with lighter wines and darker chocolates with bolder wines. For example, a creamy milk chocolate might pair beautifully with a sweet Riesling, while a dark chocolate with hints of espresso could be enhanced by a robust Cabernet Sauvignon.

On the other hand, if you prefer to pair your chocolates with coffee, consider the roast level of the beans. Lighter roasts tend to have more delicate flavors that can complement the nuances of a fruity chocolate, while dark roasts can stand up to the intensity of a dark chocolate with sea salt. Additionally, exploring the world of tea pairings can open up a whole new realm of sensory experiences. Green teas with floral notes can bring out the subtleties in a white chocolate, while a smoky black tea can create a harmonious balance with a spicy dark chocolate infused with chili.

Chocolate-Tasting Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts


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Bon Bons are NOT Taste Tested for Chocolate Quality. Pure Craft Chocolate us used.

While chocolate tasting can be a delightfully indulgent experience, there are a few etiquette guidelines to keep in mind. Firstly, cleanse your palate between tastings with water or plain crackers to ensure accuracy in your flavor perception.

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Tasting Sheets are Free. Just download in our Shop and use in your Chocolate-Tasting

Secondly, avoid overwhelming your palate by starting with lighter and milder chocolates before moving on to more intense flavors. This gradual progression allows you to fully appreciate the unique qualities of each chocolate.







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Tasting Professionally means, Tasting Many Things and Accurately

Furthermore, when participating in a chocolate tasting, it's essential to engage all your senses. Take the time to observe the chocolate's appearance, noting its color, shine, and texture. This visual assessment can provide clues about the chocolate's quality and flavor profile.

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Chocolate-Sommeliers Taste Craft Chocolate Bars

Additionally, don't rush the tasting process. Allow the chocolate to melt slowly on your tongue, savoring the flavors as they unfold. Pay attention to the chocolate's mouthfeel - is it smooth and creamy or more textured and gritty? These sensations can enhance your overall tasting experience.


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Chocolate-Tasting is for Everyone

...(briefly) incorporating mindfulness into Your Chocolate-Tasting Ritual or Event. Chocolate tasting is not just about the flavors and textures; it's also an opportunity to practice mindfulness and savor the present moment. Take the time to fully immerse yourself in the tasting experience, focusing on the sensations on your palate and the emotions that arise.


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The Back of the Chocolate-Sommelier Course Book

By cultivating mindfulness during chocolate tastings, you can deepen your connection to the flavors and develop a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into creating each exquisite chocolate.

Requirements for Certification

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Level 1 Email Signature Certificate for Certified Chocolate-Sommeliers


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Email Signature Certificate for Graduates

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Get Your Name on our Chocolate-Sommelier Certificate. Available Printed on 100% Cotton Paper

If you are considering pursuing a career in the chocolate industry, becoming a certified chocolate sommelier is a valuable credential. Our course that comes with a free chocolate-tasting kit & flavor wheels designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to pass the certification exam. And complete all the steps in our wonderful syllabus and world-class curriculum.

To become certified, you will need to demonstrate your understanding of chocolate flavor profiles, pairing techniques, and the art of chocolate appreciation. Our comprehensive tasting kit will guide you through the necessary steps to prepare for this rewarding journey.


Understanding the nuances of chocolate is a complex and fascinating journey that involves exploring the origins of cacao beans, the different processing methods, and the impact of terroir on flavor profiles. As a chocolate sommelier, you will delve into the world of single-origin chocolates, learning to distinguish between the subtle notes of fruits, flowers, nuts, and spices present in each bar.

Furthermore, mastering the art of chocolate pairing is essential for a successful career in the industry. Our certification program will teach you how to create harmonious flavor combinations by pairing chocolates with a variety of beverages, such as wine, coffee, and spirits. You will also learn how to balance sweetness, acidity, and bitterness to enhance the tasting experience and delight your future clients.


What You Will Gain


By investing in yourself , the course, certificate and practice chocolate-tasting kit, flavor wheels, you will gain a wealth of knowledge and skills that will elevate your chocolate-tasting abilities to new heights. You will develop a refined palate, learn to identify complex flavors, and gain the confidence to navigate the world of chocolate with ease; even to host chocolate-tasting events online and in person.

Moreover, the knowledge and experience you acquire through the kit, alone, will open doors to various career opportunities in the chocolate industry, whether as a professional chocolate sommelier or a chocolatier.

Exploring the world of chocolate through tasting can also deepen your understanding of the intricate processes involved in coffee, wine and chocolate-making. You will gain insights into the sourcing of cacao beans, the art of chocolate conching, and the delicate balance of ingredients that create the perfect chocolate bar.

Furthermore, by honing your chocolate-tasting skills, you will be able to appreciate the nuances of single-origin chocolates, understanding how factors such as terroir and processing techniques influence the final flavor profile of each bar. It will greatly improve your quality of life, and that of your friends and professional community.


Why Just Chocolate?

You might be wondering why we focus solely on chocolate. Well, chocolate is twice as complex as wine and so culturally, socially and culinarily, we need your help decoding it and what we love about tasting -- not just a sweet indulgence; it is also a self-expressive art form. The complexities and nuances of chocolate flavors rival that of fine wines and gourmet coffees. Plus they are both, addictive...

By honing your chocolate-tasting skills, you are delving into a world of gastronomic delight and appreciating the incredible craftsmanship behind each chocolate creation. You are exploring the cutting-edge of of flavor with a non-habit forming food that has no known. side effects. Well cacao functions like that. Because the lack of sugar. Chocolate, not so much.

Furthermore, chocolate has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Originating from the cacao tree in the tropical regions of the Americas, chocolate was once considered the "food of the gods" by the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations. It was consumed in the form of a bitter, spicy drink, quite different from the sweet confections we enjoy today.

As you explore the different varieties of chocolate in our tasting kit, you are not just savoring a treat; you are tracing the evolution of a beloved delicacy that has captivated taste buds across the globe for centuries.

Use the Flavor Wheels from the Book to Assist

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Raw Cacao Pulp Flavor Wheel

To facilitate your learning journey, we highly recommend using the flavor wheels included in our specially curated book. These wheels are comprehensive guides that break down the various flavor notes found in different chocolates, allowing you to sharpen your tasting abilities.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned chocolate aficionado, the flavor wheels will be invaluable resources in expanding your chocolate knowledge.

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This is GREAT to use on chocolate.

Delve into the intricate world of chocolate flavors with our flavor wheels. Each section of the wheel is meticulously crafted to highlight the nuances of taste, from the initial burst of sweetness to the lingering hints of nuttiness or fruitiness. By using these wheels, you can train your palate to discern between subtle differences in chocolate profiles, enhancing your overall tasting experience.

Explore beyond the basics of dark, milk, and white chocolate with our flavor wheels. Uncover the complexities of single-origin chocolates, discovering the unique terroir influences that shape their distinct flavors. With the guidance of our flavor wheels, you can embark on a sensory adventure, unraveling the layers of chocolate taste sensations that lie within each bite.



One Piece of the Puzzle of Being a Certified Chocolate Sommelier

Becoming a certified chocolate sommelier is a multi-faceted endeavor, and our tasting kit is just one piece of the puzzle. Alongside the kit, you will need to study the intricacies of chocolate production, molecular-tasting, post-harvest cacao fermentation, sensory analysis and master the art of chocolate pairing. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the chocolate industry as a whole. The entire foodie, chef and culinary communities and industries rely on chocolate-sommeliers to make their chocolate bars, cafes and restaurants taste great! Become a full or part-time consultant for small, medium or large chocolatiers, pastry chefs, craft-chocolate and confectionary companies around the world.

However, with our tasting kit as your starting point, you will be well-equipped to embark on this chocolate-filled journey.



Tasting-Chocolate with a Flavor Map & Pairing

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Flavor Maps, unlike Flavor Wheels, show flavor proximity for simultaneous numerous comparative taste tests.
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A Flavor Map That Shows Easily Organized Liquor Flavors is Based on Proximity

Pairing chocolate with different beverages is an art unto itself. The interplay of flavors between the rich, velvety chocolate and the distinctive characteristics of wine, coffee, or tea can create extraordinary taste sensations. Just be clear, pairing is not Chocolate-Tasting.

As you progress on your chocolate-tasting journey, consider keeping a personalized tasting journal. Capture your observations, thoughts, and emotions during each tasting session, allowing you to reflect on your experiences and track your growth. Professionals know this and often use their notes to create new tastes.

Developing your palate and refining your tasting skills can take practice and time. It is a testament to your dedication and a treasure trove of your best, most memorable and unforgettable pairing experiences. I have had some unbelievable, mind-blowing flavor combinations that would put Earth, on the map.

What Professionals Do; Flavor Profiling

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The Most Overly Biased, Over Used, Misdirecting & Incomplete Flavor Wheel

For professionals in the chocolate industry, having a comprehensive understanding of flavor profiles is crucial. Flavor spreadsheets are often used to record tasting notes, ingredients, and production details for each chocolate.

By creating your own flavor notes, you can develop a meticulous approach to analyzing and comparing different chocolates. This level of detail will set you apart as a discerning professional, as you gain an in-depth knowledge of the wide array of flavors and textures in the chocolate realm. You can record recipes, testimonials, flavor combinations, and origins, strain and even fermentation styles. You can work on recipes for 6000 years like in China if you write it down. And find out how to use chocolate for immortality, just let us know how too..

With our practice chocolate-tasting kit and flavor wheels, you have everything you need to embark on a delicious and educational journey into the world of chocolate. Develop your tasting skills, host online-chocolate tastings and get paid to analyze and source cacao beans. On your own, explore the intricacies of chocolate flavors, and discover the joy of savoring every bite, always. Elevate your chocolate-tasting practice today! You will taste new brand new flavors!


As you refine, grow and indulge in your newly expanded palate you are gonna wanna taste the best chocolates... But about responsibility, w/ your enrollment, you are joining Pono Cocoa in their mission to end child slavery in the cocoa industry -- you will be tasting only slave-free chocolate... It is illegal to eat and buy and sell and ship the product of child-slavery. We are the only Chocolate Educators certified child-slave free in the world. And we are empowering. our students to do more. More than just learn. Why not help end child-slavery with us. Donate and Volunteer With Pono Cocoa today, and take a stand for a world where every chocolate tasting, tastes li. e human rights. For more on Human-Rights in cocoa, check out my keynote talks at www.ethanswift.com

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