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A lack of noteworthy chocolate news, and my own safety concerns have led me to abandon my usual '7Days of Chocolate Review' weekend today. Indeed, the sheer amount of you applying the pressure for my long awaited Hotel Chocolat Drinking Chocolate reviews has just got a little too much - I dare not leave you guys waiting any longer :DLooking on the Hotel Chocolat website I couldn't help but chuckle when I read how they came described 'Experience the warm embrace of our authentic hot chocolate drink with a gorgeously smooth cocoa kick. There’s one to suit every taste – from seasonal specials and the classic Milky, to the deeply chocolaty Classic and the warming spice of chilli. This isn’t hot chocolate as you know it, this is Liquid Chocolat!' ... this sounded like some spiel taken out of an M&S advert (UK readers will know what I'm talking about!)
As you may have gathered, there have been a constant flow of review requests landing in my various inboxes asking me to include Hotel Chocolat in my Hot Chocolate Mission side project. Last week I finally got around to sending a quick e-mail to Hotel Chocolat HQ - before I knew it I had two of their 275.0g mixes sitting on my kitchen counter.
The two variants sent across to me were the Liquid Chocolat Classic Milky & Classic Dark. Both came in plastic containers and contained enough mixture for approximately eight different mixtures. At the start of the Hot Chocolate Mission side project I stated I would be making all these drinks with the same methodology (half boiling water + half heated milk). I have to admit now I did stray away from this method when making these here, as the on-pack instructions called for the arduous task of melting the chocolate and then stirring in the heated milk - this was obviously the way they had to be made. Below are my thoughts on the two different drinks.
Liquid Chocolat Classic Milky - This mixture comprised of a blend of Hotel Chocolat's 72% dark and 50% milk chocolate and not surprisingly had a paler complexion. Out of the two drinks this was of course the sweeter tasting, though it was still very rich in it's cocoa flavour offering. Again comparing one with the other, this Milky variety offered the creamier, smoother taste out of the two, and the frophy milky top lasted a lot longer than with the dark drink. I did observe however, that the chocolatyness didn't linger in the mouth for as longer duration.
Liquid Chocolat Classic Dark - This variety was a pure blend of 72% dark, and if you haven't peeked at the scores already was my favourite out of the two. Before I go overboard describing the taste :D I do have to point to the fact that the mix did take longer to fully melt in to milk, and possibly wasn't quite as smooth or frothy due to the higher cocoa levels. These soon became forgotten issues - this was liquid gold :D Indeed, every mouthful of this drink was nothing other than luxurious. The cocoa taste was deep, non-bitter and layered with notes of coffee and earthy richness. Each gulp left a lingering set of exciting cocoa flavours, and I can assure that a mug of this would cure the greatest of chocolate desires. Satisfaction in chocolate liquid form guaranteed.
Overall I think we can safely say that both of these Hotel Chocolat Liquid Chocolat drinks are leading the way when it comes to my Hot Chocolate Mission side project. Above I've detailed each of my luxurious experiences with the two different variants but I haven't mentioned just yet is the BEST bit about each of them. With most other hot chocolate drinks I tend to find the dreggs left at the bottom of the mug the most bitter tasting and least enjoyable (most the time I don't finish the mug!). The beauty with these Hotel Chocolat Liquid Chocolat drinks was the chocolaty bits left at the bottom of the mug were utterly delicious - finishing them off with a spoon is a must! Take that as my top tip as I honestly can't put in to words how extra enjoyable and satisfying they made each mug of these delightful mixtures seem - they really gave both of these drink mixtures an x-factor to differentiate them from any I have tried before. What more can I say!? These aren't the easiest drinks to assemble, but boy are they worth the extra effort. Highly recommended!
Hotel Chocolat Liquid Chocolat Classic Milky - 8.6 out of 10
Hotel Chocolat Liquid Chocolat Classic Dark - 8.9 out of 10
----Fancy trying these yourself? Visit Hotel Chocolat
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54 comments:
Outstanding review mate. I know a lot of people have been awaiting this one and you didn't let any of us down. Have a gd wk end.
Yay at first i was disappointed it wasnt the news post but then I read the full title and smiled :-)
These hot chocoaltes are one of the best things they do I swear. You have to try out some more of the flavours. They do a caramel flavoured one that you simply have to review. I think it will hit a score of nine easily.
Lol this wasn't predicatable in the slightest was it now ;) lol only mucking around with you Jim. I believe what you have to say entirely.
Nice cup lol.
You say they are a pain to make? Are they worth the effort vs. something that is easy to make and high scoring like the Cadbury drinking chocolate.
Omg that description of the chocolate at the bottom is possibly the best soiunding thing ever. I have to buy some of these now just to experience that. Thanks so much for the review, I had a sneaky feeling that these guys were going to win this contest.
Dx
The only problem for me is the price of them. I understand Hotel Chocolat is always going to be price premium, but at £8 each that is mega expensive. I can't decide if they are worth a punt or not.
That milk chocolate hot chocolate was the first thing I ever bought from HC and it was love at first sip :-)
Anyone who is questioning whether these are worth it need to have their heads examined. These are as good as Jim describes them. I will happily argue with anyone who trys to tell me otherwise lol.
Well there is a turn up for the books :) I can hardly believe my eyes ....... is that really a Hotel Chocolat product scoring amazingly. You are just lucky that this is all so believable lol. They make the best chocolates and the best hot chocolates, its as simple as with HC. If I had the money I wouldn't bother buying anything else.
Rxxx
Forget the hot chocolates Jim you need to get around to try some of the new slabs they got going on the website. Have you seen them yet?
Another fabulous review, I don't know how you keep these all exciting but you do so with great gusto.
Pardon me for asking but is writing part of your day job? I would love to hear about what you do! Are you in the chocolate industry?
At last =) You took your time posting this but it was worth the wait in the end. I'm glad you thought as much of them as I thought you would. Lol it was going to be impossible for you not to like them considering you are like the biggest hot chocolate fan ever.
I'm wondering what you would make of a mix made up of their 85% cocoa chocolate. I wonder if you would enjoy it as much as a drink than you do as a bar.
Hi Jim,
Nice hot chocolate review my friend. I'm not all that fussed by the stuff myself but you sure make these sound tempting.
Its an important week in the footie dont you think. I can see Man United losing to Man City ... 2-1 city im going for. I hope you dont win just so it makes it all interesting.
I dont want to be overconfident but I think we will have wigans number. Im going 3-0 liverpool now. We are on the charge lol.
Have a good weekend mate. I wish you the worst of luck in the football lol.
N
I'm so glad to hear you didn't attempt to make this with water. I think I would have cried at the waste if you had lol. Thank you for another excellent review, please keep on doing your hot chocolate ones occasionally. In the summer you could swap to chilled chocolate drinks or ice cream or something.
The milk choc one is v nice but I wish they would do us a white chocolate mix. I would imagine it would be the best ever considering how amazing their white chocolate is.
Woop wooooop.
Thanks for finally doing the review Jim ;) Im so glad you liked them as much as I thought you would. Is your hot chocolate mission over now then?
woopsie p.s. I forgot to say you are so right about the chocolate bits left at the bottom. Lol I aways put in a spoonful more than the mix says just so I get extra at the bottom. Honest to god the best way to get at it is with a bit of crossiant or brioche bread. Nom nom :)
Is there anything that Hotel Chocolat can't do? Lol they win every competition on this site. I would bet my last pound on them winning the awards next weekend.
Another week without our choc news :( We don't get one next week either because of the awards you are doing.
Where are people goingto hear that their chocolate is healthy http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/dark-chocolate-better-than-fruit-juice-2211507.html
&
http://www.privatemdlabs.com/blood-testing-news/Heart_Health_and_Cholesterol/Chocolate-has-antioxidants-that-may-improve-cholesterol-test-scores---$800398651.php
These stories always make me chuckle. I just imagine they have to be written by over weight, middle agend, female news reporters lol. They are just trying to justify their chocolate eating.
Awesome review matey. I dont ever drink hot chocolate but this review has me contemplating getting some just to try out. Cheers Jim.
Why were you fearing for your safety? I don't get it :S :S :S
The way you describe the chocolate left at the bottom implies it is nearly orgasmic. This doesn't surprise me given that its Hotel chocolat we are talking about.
Yay you posted a piccie of your mug :)
According to my book the three colours means you are a kind and considerate soul who lives life by the day. The green colour means you are a passive person who is easy going, the grey means you are wise beyond your years. lol do you think that describes you at all well?
x
I would like to request a review of the chilli version please. I can just imagine that it is the best of the lot.
Last week I finally got around to sending a quick e-mail to Hotel Chocolat HQ - before I knew it I had two of their 275.0g mixes sitting on my kitchen counter.
You big show off ;)
Above I've detailed each of my luxurious experiences with the two different variants but I haven't mentioned just yet is the BEST bit about each of them. With most other hot chocolate drinks I tend to find the dreggs left at the bottom of the mug the most bitter tasting and least enjoyable (most the time I don't finish the mug!). The beauty with these Hotel Chocolat Liquid Chocolat drinks was the chocolaty bits left at the bottom of the mug were utterly delicious - finishing them off with a spoon is a must!
How did you find this out in the first place? Didn't you just think they were the scummy bits?
No wonder they send you so much stuff. You always do it justice when you write about them. Thanks for your reviews darling.
Is it sad that im now planning a trip into the city centre just to visit my Hotel Chocolat shop. Phenomenal review Jim. If we could resubmit our votes for the awards I would have voted this one as my fav! Just brilliant.
I'm sure Jim wont mind me posting this (just say if you do mate)
but I know this would have made it in to his new post if he hadn't of wrriten this awesome review instead http://www.fdin.org.uk/2011/02/us-brand-the-tea-spot-launches-new-chocolate-tea/
I'm glad to see you have finally put some evidence up of you making these drinks. I thought you might of been having us on saying you have tried them all, but if you are having them once a night then I can believe that to a certain extent.
Both of these sound amazingly tasty. Will you be reviewing any more of them? I think I am going to try out the chilli infused one to see what it is like. One thing I am annoyed about is that I never got around to trying the Christmas one which had cinnamon in. Cinnamon and chocolate go amazingly well together imo.
Thank god you posted this review. I was getting so sick of reading people moan at you for delaying it.
You don't half make these sound amazing. I think the dark one would be too bitter for lil ol me but the milk chocolate based one sounds more my thing.
Your talents don't just stop at chocolate bars and cakes Jim, I think we can safely say you are a qualified hot chocolate expert now. Thanks you mate.
HC are smart to make milk mandatory, on the one hand it doesn't seem quite equal testing conditions with the extra edge but on the other I guess it is manufacturers' own faults if they advocate water. Agreed with Lauren, the chocolate dregs are always the best part! I shudder to think of what hot chocolates you must have been drinking till now.
@Emma lol I like that, mug reading instead of the tea dregs. (Mine is straightforward, it says 'I'd rather be eating chocolate' :D)
One more news item: Morrisons now makes a Wensleydale cheese with chocolate chips and orange bits...I saw a 2KG chunk. @Ian lol 'Hershey Center' research would come up with that result wouldn't they. I just tried to build a Sky-TV style case for female equality in chocolate consumption, but I got as far as the rats and quit: www.news.wisc.edu/13719
I've been biting my tongue on these hot chocolate reviews because I wanted to see what you were going to say about these Liquid Chocolat ones before anyone could influence you.
Now I've seen your scores I'm glad to say we are in total agreement. They are easily the best hot chocolates around. The best I have ever tasted anyway and that includes the ones you get freshly made in the likes of Starbucks etc. Thank you for such comprehensive posts Jim. The detail you go in to is magnificent.
These look really good, I'm sure we've tried them before but it was a free sachet I think somehow. Probably with a box of chocolates my sister wanted or a slab. I think she quite liked it although it was fiddly to make but I wasnt overly fussed. But then I'm not really a HC fan lol
I always drink my hot chocolate in my vintage 1980's Wispa Mug :) My original got smashed years ago back in the late 90's (I was most upset at the time as I'd had it at least 10 years, since the 80's as a kid) but I managed to find an identical one a few weeks ago so was very pleased!
Yum, looks delicious!
I think the hotel chocolat mixes serve a different purpose to the other mixes.
You can imagine just taking the options hot chocolate to the office for a quick and light chocolate fix, where as these are for a the evening, when it's cold outside, and you just need something soothing and comforting.
Knowing how much you love caramel, I'm surprised you weren't sent the Caramel variant too! It sounds like a beautiful concept.
Now you've sussed the best at-home hot chocolate, I think it's time to compare Starbucks vs. Cafe Nero hot chocolate! :D
I've tried quite a few new things this winter when it comes to hot chocolate. And the ones where you have to melt the chocolate may take more time to prepare, but they are always the best. And I also agree on the chocolaty bits that are left at the bottom - they are delicious!
With chocolate flakes I also have the habit of taking one or two to taste them before making the hot chocolate. I just let them melt on my tongue while I melt the others according to the instructions :) They're great when being consumed like that as well :))
I don't drink enough hot chocolate for these to be worth me buying. If your reviews are anything to go by they sound like they would be a hot chocolate drinks dream though. Top stuff again Jimbob. I hope you are enjoying the weekend.
Booo why didn't you review the more exciting flavours? Lol are you just saving yourself up for them.
This would have been a half decent review had it not been so bloody predicatable. Hotel Chocolat is the best .... christ we know you think that! Change the bloomin record for once.
When are going to be linking to my blog again? I was so grateful last time you did. Are you not reading it anymore or summit?
Please can you review the aero hot chocolates. They are both so so tasty. Maybe not as good as Hotel Chocolat, but definitely worth you reviewing.
Can you promise us a news post next weekend please?
I can't keep up with all the reviews at the moment lol. I don't know how you used to do it when you did one a day.
I've only just seen that you found a new dark choc kit kat. One of those paired with one of this hot chocolates would be bliss.
Cool review Jim, best one of the year so far I think. The only reason why I don't think these would be that great for me is because I'm uber lazy.
It sounds a lot of effort to have to go to just to make some hot chocolate if you ask me. I can't imagine that I would have the time to fiddle around melting the chocolate. Half the time I drink hot chocolate just because I want a quick fix and these don't fit that bill.
Forget hot chocolate matey.
You need to get hold of some of this chocolate flavoured beer http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-boulevard-limited-release-chocolate-beer-flying-off-the-shelves-20110211,0,7831426.story
I dont fancy your chances getting some. The numbers are v limited by the sounds of things.
These HC goodies sound divine Jim. Not quite sure why some people are getting huffy about you giving HC a glowing review: praise is given where due on this site fair & square which is 1 of the things I love about it! x P.S: Am looking forward to the awards results dude - ooh the anticipation! ;)
I too really look forward to the awards. The winners are going to be interesting.
Hi All,
What a fantastic weekend :D Not only have I managed to finally get this review up for you guys and girls but there was also a certain Manchester derby win :D
Apologies to the people that wanted a '7Days of Chocolate Reviews'. Unfortunately you wont get one next week either as I had previously set that weekend aside for the awards. If anyone sees or spots any news stories then please leave them in a comment ... Im working on creating a NEWS page especially dedicated to discussing current affairs ... any interest in this???
Comments & Questions ...
Steven - Melting the chocolate and milk is more effort than your standard sachet as it has to be done slowly and takes longer to blend. Its worth the extra effort if you have the time though.
Richard - If you are cautious about the price why not ask for it as a birthday or holiday treat? £8 = 8 servings.
Estelle - No I haven't seen the new slabs. Am I being blind? I dont see them on the HC site.
Kim - Haha no. Writing isn't part of my day job at all. It's more numeracy focused if anything. No I'm not in the chocolate business ... personal care would be more accurate.
Fiona - I was a bit slow I know. I got there eventually though.
Nigel - The predictions weren't that great this weekend chap. I think Liverpool for a bit too big for their boots. The Rooney goal was special wasn't it.
Andrew - I should probably get around to reviewing some real chocolate at some point :D
Kels - Agreed it would be nice to see what they could do with a white chocolate mix. I would hope it was better than the Options one.
Lauren - For the moment I will park the hot chocolate reviews. I can imagine I will revisit them very soon mind you. Sweeping up the chocolate bits with brioche sounds like a fine idea to me.
Ian - Some funny articles there chap. Cheers for sharing them with us. It would appear that chocolate is healthy indeed.
Emma - Haha I would love to claim I was those things (especially wise haha!), passive probably isn't a word that describes me best though :D What book is this by the way?
Katie - My mother was actually the person who recommended the 'bits at the bottom' to me. She wasn't wrong either. Sorry for showing off, they do deliver very fast though.
Paul - Not sad at all chap. I just hope it lives up to your expectations.
Andrew - I do like my brews :D If I see that product I will give it a try.
Selina - I wont be doing any more hot chocolate reviews for the minute. I'm a bit warn out of them. I will do some more soon though dont worry.
Thea - Indeed I had no option but to make these with only milk :D I think there is just a difference between the brands that see themselves as convenient, on the go offerings and something like this which is a pure gourmet offering.
Karen - Its always good to hear that some of my readers think consistently.
Alan - Those mugs are cool looking aren't they. I used to have a brown Smarties one when I was a nipper. I might buy a new one off ebay for work :D
Rachel - Indeed! I totally agree with you regarding the convenience/luxury thing (see what I said to Thea above).
I will see what I can do regarding the highstreet hot drinks. It sounds like an interesting one to do.
Ana - I think I would probably just end up eating spoonfuls of hot chocolate mix if I tasted them before making them up into a drink :D That would be a bit of a waste.
Andy - Those were the flavours they sent me chap. They know my tastes and chose those two.
Anon - Link to your blog? Is this spam?
Gabby - I have had a few requests for these now so I will try get them done in the future.
James - Unfortunately I can't promise that chap as its the awards next weekend.
Niel - Chocolate beer? That reminds of the Zotter chocolate I once tried. Thanks for the article.
Roxy - I can only award the mark that something deserves eh!? Thanks for the kind words about my review again. Don't worry, not long until the awards are coming.
Thanks for the comments and thoughts everyone. I will take onboard your requests etc. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Next week is another week packed full of chocolatey goodness.
JIM
Hi Jim, I'm a bit late in reading this but good review :) I've tried HC hot choc before and it is indeed very good. I got a sachet of the caramel one with one of my tasting club boxes once, very nice.
What's this about a news page? Do you mean just chocolate related news?
Also will you be reviewing the Kitkat strawberry shortcake from Jlist, Jim?
Another great review mate. I will order some mix now and save it for an occasion when I have the proper amount of time to take care making it. Well done for completing the hot chocolate mission lol.
Alun
I had the most amazing hot chocolate from costa yesterday. I had cream, marshmallows and this amazing wafer thing to alongside it to. Mmmmmmmm
hu5 4ja
As a Diabetic type 2 I was interested to see if for once I could indulge but the packaging does not indicate the sugar contents nor the saturated fat content it just says fat - so it looks like no help again for diabetics
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