American Craft Chocolate and Wine Tasting Experience
Tuesday 4 October 2016 7 - 9pm
Sir Hugh Casson Room, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts
£40
Friends of the RA book first
Abstract Expressionism
To coincide with the Royal Academy’s 'Abstract Expressionism' exhibition, exploring an unparalleled period in American Art, we take you to the heart of the modern-day evolution happening in American craft chocolate paired with carefully selected wines.
In the States, the craft chocolate movement has captured the imagination of a whole generation. When Cocoa Runners started in 2013, there were only 20-30 craft chocolate makers in the US. Today, there are close to 300 independent artisans creating chocolate from ‘bean to bar’.
From Washington to Woodstock, to Utah and Illinois, these new makers are transforming how we see and experience chocolate. For them and their followers, chocolate is not simply a sweet treat, but the pure expression of the cocoa bean. As they roast conche, winnow and temper their bars, they are coaxing out and revealing the flavours they want from the bean.
In this tasting, you’ll try bars from new makers all over the US. Cocoa Runners take you through every step of how chocolate is created, starting with how the beans are grown and harvested right to the wrapping of the bars. Tasting as we go, we’ll also look at maker’s innovations in technologies that are further revolutionising the craft chocolate scene.
Once you’ve tasted this chocolate there is no going back. The chocolate is a testimony to their innovation, creativity and skill as they transform this fruit into a creative and gastronomic expression of cacao.