Review: Seattle Chocolates San Juan Sea Salt Bar

I know it's Lent, but chocolate really isn't one thing I can give up now - chocolate is partly keeping my sanity intact, and I'm sure the Good Lord will forgive the next 40 or days if I enjoy a bite of sanity now and again. Besides, I don't smoke, drink, watch TV, have sex, do drugs, or anything else that's fun. My life is a Lent!

Anyway, I came back from a doctor's appointment and decided to reward myself with a treat from The Stash. Forgoing my favorite dark solids (see, that's a sacrifice), I picked a truffle bar.

Seattle Chocolates specializes in truffle - gloriously rich filled delights and unique truffle bars. If you're looking for a change from the ordinary solid bar, Seattle Chocolates very likely has a flavor to appease you, in milk and dark varieties. Those who crave a salty pairing with the sweet may be interested in their San Juan Sea Salt bar - featuring a creamy light flavor enhanced with the right amount of tang to give the bar some bite.

All truffle bars by this Washington State company are small by gourmet bar standards (2.5 ounces, but thick as opposed to long and thin like Vosges and New Tree) but as they are truffle bars, expect to get filled quickly. The San Juan variety in particular contains bits of sea salt and toffee to provide texture that crunches with every bite.

On opening the bar, you'll note the smooth surface of the milk chocolate and lack of sheen - which you're more apt to find in darker bars. Breaking a pillow of the four sectioned bar reveals the truffle bar shining with hard brown and white specs. The truffle section will literally melt in your mouth if you savor it long enough, and the bits of salt and toffee are evident yet not too overpowering. It's not like Crunch bar, where every bite distracts you from the chocolate enjoyment.

The San Juan Sea Salt truffle bar is good for milk chocolate lovers - a nice break from plain truffles, and good to satisfy the craving. Take your time with the bar, make it last to better appreciate the flavor.