What to expect from chocolate tasting events
I hate to admit: when I first started signing up for chocolate tastings, I had no idea what I was doing. My first tasting with Dandelion Chocolate spoiled me, and set my expectations for future tastings. My tasting kit arrived on time (with 5 full bars of chocolate), the hosts were knowledgeable, their presentation was organized, and I learned a lot.
Turns out this is not the case with all chocolate tastings.
I understand virtual events are the norm nowadays. Transitioning from face-to-face meetings has its challenges, advantages, and disadvantages. I am not exempt from this; I have weekly client meetings on Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet. My clients' time is important, so it's my priority to present information to them in a well organized manner. I empathize with hosts of virtual events.
With that said, here are my opinions, based on tastings, talks, and courses I've recently attended:
- Subject Matter
Chocolate tastings have a few goals in mind: provide an environment to learn more about chocolate (its history, origins, the bean-to-bar process, etc.), and an opportunity to learn and taste the featured chocolate.
If I can find a chocolate tasting event that is 1) connected to cacao or chocolate history; or 2) benefits a charitable cause, I am there (granted I can afford it and I can attend)! Please send any recommendations to wanderingchocoholic@gmail.com
- If Tasting Kits are included
Tasting Kits arriving ahead of the event always makes for a better experience. However, I started attending chocolate tastings during the busiest delivery period of the year, so if my tasting kits arrive late, it's no fault but my own for signing up during the holidays. Some hosts ask that you purchase your chocolate separately. Again, purchase in a timely manner so you're not missing out during the event. So far, I've experienced a tasting with no chocolate (four times!), and it's no fun!
- Chocolate Samples
I've attended events offering full chocolate bars, and others offering bits of chocolate pieces (that are just about one taste). One taste. Forget additional tastings if you're writing a review later. I prefer full bars, and moving forward, will try my best to only attend tastings that include full bars.
Tastings with full bars often cost more; and I understand when tastings offer smaller samples of chocolate, there is more profit for the host. But I'm also paranoid - I realize these samples are assembled in commercial kitchens, with gloved hands. I just feel, especially during a pandemic, that I may choose to pay more and unwrap my own chocolate.
- Event Hosts
Hosts who are engaged from the beginning (initial engagement starting at ticket purchase), through the process (making sure my chocolate arrived safe and sound), and post-event follow-up are my favorites.
Even though I'm an introvert and would prefer to stay off video and say nothing during these tastings, I appreciate hosts who keep participants engaged. After all, we are paying to learn something about the chocolate we're sampling.
(I would give myself this advice should I decide to turn my volunteer event planning experience into hosting chocolate tasting events.)
- Timing of Events
Make sure you can give your undivided attention to the chocolate you're learning about and tasting. Being able to attend a tasting without interruption is key.
- Length of Events
After attending a few tastings, I prefer events that are between 1 and 2 hours (max). Cacao and chocolate are wonderful subjects to discuss, and I've engaged in courses past the 2 hour mark. Just not sure it's good etiquette to do so during the pandemic. Hosts need to know their audience, and accommodate accordingly.
And most importantly: have fun!
After all, these are my opinions. Have fun exploring craft chocolate and finding what works best for you!
- WC
