Review: Vosges Red Fire Bar

As I mentioned in my previous post, I didn't get to the Vosges boutique while I was in New York City this last weekend. What's even more curious is that I didn't see any Vosges at the shops I did browse in Chelsea and elsewhere. Maybe I didn't look closely, but I'm consoled by the fact that I'm heading back in a few weeks for Book Expo, and it's my intention to pick up some items I can't readily buy here. I've tried the Red Fire Ice Cream and enjoyed it, but am now just getting to the bar of the same name.

The Vosges Red Fire Chocolate Bar is 55% dark milk with Mexican Ancho and chipotle, with cinnamon. Sounds like a fiery treat, and you can bet after the initial rub the aroma of spicy cinnamon is there. The snap, as expected, isn't as loud as dark varieties but you can still hear it. This particular mini bar I've had a while, and I'm glad to see it hasn't tempered.

Holding the first bite on my tongue, I get a faint touch of cinnamon immediately. It blends nicely with the chocolate and doesn't overpower it. The finish is stronger, almost a sense of "red hot" flavor like you used to get from those chewy candies. If you're worried about burning your tongue, don't - the chilies are subtle and lend a sweet kick to the taste experience. It's a different sensation than what I got from the ice cream - of course, you can hardly compare the two. Thinking back to other chili varieties I've had (Moonstruck, Lindt Cherry and Chili), I can say the Vosges Red Fire is smoother and a must if you like to mix the sweet and spicy.