Impact
A Bolivar of cacáo & new standard for S-B – assertive - that steps out of its Valrhona understudy role while reminiscent of it. Runs a little roughshod but still maintains control... like the liberator himself.
Appearance 5 / 5
| Color: | fuschia brown |
| Surface: | glassy sheen, smooth as ice... front side scoring leaves mark right thru to the back |
| Temper: | shined up dark diamonds |
| Snap: | bright |
Aroma 9.3 / 10
Ti-tannic tang – juniper berry the bridge spanning between fruit still fermenting in the wrapper (darker than usual for S-B: less red / more black, aping its appearance – plum purple) & tobacco hardwoods; somehow criollo cream penetrates the heavy lumber
Mouthfeel 12.1 / 15
| Texture: | despite butter boost, astringently rugged terrain in keeping with overall character |
| Melt: | ultimately round |
Flavor 43.8 / 50
Venzy all the way: blueberry cream -> honey blackberry goes south to sour on an overhang transected by wooden support beams growing taller & sharper as they become more defined (cypress -> silver fir -> pine) -> add spice (coriander) -> diametrics fuse into an inflorescence (cream fruit, peach blossoms, & lily) -> tobacco drapes to close
Quality 17.6 / 20
Jolting cross spectrum & mindboggling range thanks in part to Carenero added in the mix. S-B goes against its natural grain & puts the roast on without squelching its penchant for high fruit notes. Light yet heavy enough to conquer this bucking bean blend. Good showing. CBS ~2:3:2