Many thanks to Beech's Fine Chocolates who recently sent me some bars from their new bar range to review. I was excited to receive them as I've been curious about Beech's Chocolates for ages now...I always see them in local department stores and wonder what they're like. Seems I was missing out!
Beech's Fine Chocolates have been making quality Traditional British Chocolates from their factory in the center of Preston, Lancashire since 1920. Their chocolates are made using only natural colours and flavours, all are suitable for vegetarians, and their dark chocolates are suitable for vegans too. As well as that, all Beech's products are gluten-free!
To receive a 15% discount from Beech's Chocolates this month enter code ‘BFC11J1415’ at checkout.
Their bar range consists of Lime & Chilli Dark Chocolate, Natural Ginger Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, and Anglesey Sea Salt Milk Chocolate. Each 60g bar costs £1.50 which I think is very reasonable considering the high quality. Below are my thoughts on each bar...
Milk Chocolate:
A rich and creamy 30% cocoa milk chocolate with a smooth melt. I couldn't fault this at all...it's definitely up there with the higher quality milk chocolates I've tried. Much tastier than the leading UK chocolate brand that is made with palm oil, and I think we all know what I'm talking about. I'd rather have this any day! 8.5 out of 10.
Anglesey Sea Salt Milk Chocolate:
Chocolate and salt combinations are very in vogue at the moment, and it's easy to see why: it's such a moreish combination! This version from Beech's was amazing; beautifully soft and creamy milk chocolate, with the delicious sea salt giving it a moreish kick. If you haven't tried salted milk chocolate yet this is definitely one you have to try! I will admit...I ate this bar far too quickly. 10 out of 10.
White Chocolate:
Smooth, deliciously creamy, melt-in-the-mouth...just what you'd expect from a good white chocolate. It contains plenty of cocoa butter and isn't overly sweet like mainstream white chocolates. Forget what the snobs say...there's always a place for white chocolate in the chocolate world, and this one will no doubt bring back many comforting childhood memories! 8 out of 10.
Dark Chocolate:
This dark chocolate contains 55% cocoa solids so it's more of a bittersweet chocolate. It was very tasty but personally I prefer darker chocolates (I regularly buy 100% cocoa bars now!). If your'e a fan of milder, sweeter dark chocolates you can't go wrong with this though - there's no harshness or bitterness and it has a nice rich flavor. 7 out of 10.
Lime & Chilli Dark Chocolate:
I'm not the greatest fan of chilli with chocolate so wasn't sure about this one. Luckily, the chilli flavor wasn't all that strong and it was the lime that really stood out in the flavor. It tasted very light and refreshing and complimented the dark chocolate perfectly. 8 out of 10.
Natural Ginger Dark Chocolate:
I'm not a great fan of ginger and chocolate either, so wasn't expecting to love this bar. Luckily the ginger wasn't too overpowering and simply added a subtle spicy kick to the rich dark chocolate. Not something I would buy again personally, but definitely one for those who love chocolate and ginger. 7 out of 10.
Overall:
I have to say I was surprised and delighted by these bars; all are excellent quality and the Anglesey Se Salt Milk Chocolate is one I could see myself purchasing regularly. I hope to see Beech's Chocolates more widely available...I'd love to pop into my corner shop and purchase one, but alas, we don't live in such a world. I'm more likely to find 50p Euro Shopper chocolate instead. Sad times :(
Luckily though these chocolates are available online, and Beech's do an excellent range of traditional British favourites such as Turkish Delights, Thins, Fruit Cremes, Chocolate Brazils, and even the "marmite" of the chocolate world...Coffee Creams!
Beech's Website: http://www.beechsfinechocolates.com/
To receive a 15% discount from Beech's Chocolates this month enter code ‘BFC11J1415’ at checkout.
*Products sent for an honest review.
