Lately, sea salt is in everything I adore. Caramels, brittle, toffee, peanut butter cups. And, of course, chocolate bars. When I was given a bar of Mast, I figured it’d be the same ol’ same ol; a chocolate bar that headlines sea salt, but only gives nibblers a faint echo of the stuff.
But Mast has found a perfect balance of deep dark chocolate and crisp sea salt goodness. It’s not overpowering, yet the salt does make its presence known. There are loads of salt crystals scattered throughout, though in order to get the pretty salt sparkle you’ll need to turn the bar over and look at the back.
Though the bar is 73% cacao, it’s got a softness that holds through even if placed in the fridge. Less of a snap than a soft break, this chocolate is velvety and even with the strong cocoa elements it doesn’t have the grittiness that sometimes comes with high-level cacao chocolates. I wouldn’t call it smooth, but rather velvety. Perhaps that’s because this bar is organic? Who knows how, but I’m glad it simply is.
Wonderful with a glass of red wine, or a cup of coffee. This is a bar that demands you bring your a-game when you want it to play with others. A robust stout or porter works too, as does a nice port or strong tea. Or you could go crazy and chop up a bar for next level chocolate chip cookies, though I think this bar would be better served as an ingredient for moist and chewy blondies or other bar cookies.
For a maximum two-great-tastes combo, I recommend placing a piece on your tongue with the bottom of the bar landing on your tastebuds. Then give it a chew as the salt and chocolate combine. It’s lovely. However you decide to indulge, you’ll be happy you did.
