How to Host a Chocolate Tasting

A Welcoming and Fun In-Person Chocolate Tasting

Hosting a chocolate tasting can be a fun and enjoyable experience for the cocoa curious of all ages, levels and backgrounds. With a little planning and preparation, you can host a successful chocolate tasting event that your family, friends, clients or guests will remember for a long time to come. Here are the best tips online, on how to host a successful chocolate tasting event:

Step 1: Choose Your Craft Chocolate

The first step in hosting a chocolate tasting is to choose the craft chocolate that you will be serving. There are many different types of chocolate to choose from, including dark chocolate, vegan milk chocolate, and even 100% cacao bars. You may want to consider selecting a variety of bars to give your guests a chance to try different flavors and textures. Some factors to consider when choosing your chocolate include the cocoa percentage, the region in which it was grown, and any additional ingredients or flavorings that have been added. If that information is not available on the packaging it is not suitable for taste testing.

One way to choose your craft chocolate is to visit a local chocolate shop or specialty store and ask the staff for recommendations. You could also consider ordering chocolate online from us. When shopping for chocolate, again, be sure to read the details on labels carefully and look for chocolates that are made with the highest quality cocoa beans with the origin listed.

Step 2: Invite Your Guests

Once you have chosen your chocolate, it's time to invite your guests. You may want to consider sending out invitations in advance to give your guests plenty of notice. You could also consider inviting friends, family, and coworkers to your chocolate tasting event to make it more enjoyable for everyone.

From this author's experience hosting chocolate tastings, when to host it, has become very important. Not just the time of day, but also the time of year matters when picking a day and time. Don't pick a date when folks commonly go out in public to celebrate. The pandemic lockdown (for example) was a great opportunity for virtual and remote chocolate tastings. The time has finally returned to allow in-person hosting so make sure to pick a popular time of year like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or even the year-end Holidays. Different types of audiences will be available at different times of the year.

When inviting your guests, be sure to let them know the date, time, and location of the event, as well as any other important details such as the dress code or any special requirements. Maybe make them each bring one unopened bar of craft chocolate? You may also want to consider providing your guests with a list of the different types of chocolate that you will be serving and any chocolate tasting tools.

Step 3: Set Up Your Tasting Area

Before your party arrives, you will need to set up your tasting area. You will need to have a table or other surface to place your chocolate on, as well as a supply of spoons, cups, or other utensils for your guests to use. Most importantly, deliver multiple tools to taste test the chocolate. There are some listed below in this blog.

You will need a variety of, or just your favorite palate cleanser(s) for everyone. A variety is nice. Soda water, liquid pectin, bread, champagne and water crackers are all professional resources. In case guests actually get hungry (they will leave), set out some plant-based and organic gluten-free snacks, such as crackers or fruit, to help keep your guests' present.

In addition to the tasting table, you may also want to consider setting up a separate area for your guests to sit and relax. This could be a comfortable couch or chairs, or even a separate room if you have the space. You may also want to consider providing your guests with refreshments such as water or coffee to help keep them hydrated and comfortable during the event.

Step 4: Prepare Your Chocolate

Before your guests arrive, you will need to prepare your chocolate for the tasting. You may want to consider breaking the chocolate into small pieces or placing it in individual cups or bowls to make it easier for your guests to taste. You may also want to consider heating (some of) the chocolate slightly to help release its flavors and aromas.