I tried the 'world's best' chocolate from a Scottish chocolatier celebrating his 20th anniversary
This is a classier sweet treat than your average Galaxy
To celebrate 20 years since he set up The Highland Chocolatier in Grandtully, Iain Burnett should treat himself to a much bigger trophy cabinet.
Not only has he hit this milestone, he’s also received his 100th award, with his Velvet Truffles recently bagging 19 gold stars in the Great Taste Awards. His other prizes come from organisations including the Guild of Fine Food, International Chocolate Awards, Academy of Chocolate, Food & Drink Excellence and other awarding bodies.
I have tried his wares before, and visited his Perthshire shop. However, it’s been a while.
Instead of the posh stuff, I have found myself indulging in Twirls, Galaxy and Wispas.
Thus, I decided to up my gourmand credentials and give his 45-minute Guided Tasting Flight (from £26.95) a whirl. You can choose from Milk, or Dark varieties, and I went for the latter.
After the postie comes, you lay the five chocolates out on a tasting mat, provided, then listen to the online narrative, voiced by Burnett himself.
The first video explains what makes chocolate, and where Burnett sources his ingredients. It also covers roasting, conching and couverture. I find it hard to concentrate on this bit, as I keep staring at the goodies.
This is like the TikTok trend, when you put treats in front of dogs, and tell them not to touch them while their human leaves the room. I am a drooling golden retriever.
Anyway, the dialogue is very interesting, The second video discusses tasting, and how we should do it.