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Kcal 556 Fat 38.1g Fat(sats) 23.1g Carbs 40.9g (per 100.0g)'New Product Mondays' have been a common occurrence for us here in May 2011 and the trend doesn't stop today. Kicking us off this week we have a limited edition bar from Thorntons - the Dark Chocolate with Rose. This is the first of three chocolates being released this year to commemorate the '100 years' of Thorntons, with the other two following later on in 2011 (I've tried the other two aswell and boy are they great!!). All three of these chocolates will be being released in the Thorntons Chocolate Blocks Collection and are based on classic British flavours. Whilst I could understand the symbolism of the 'British Rose' I wasn't quite so sure most of us Brits would have Rose as classic flavouring in our food!? I'll let you debate that one.
Like all the limited edition Thorntons Chocolate Blocks this one came in the slightly smaller 80.0g bar form. Although I have questioned the colouring of some of the previous chocolate block flavours in the past, I thought the use of a light pink option was suitable for this particular rose variety. I feel I must also give acknowledgement to the fact that Thorntons have resisted going overboard in the celebrations of their 100 years of trading - the sticker you see on the top right of the box was the only reference aside from the on pack blurb. Inside the box the chocolate was kept in a layer of bright silver foil and was sectioned into the usual block sizes and with the same moulded markings providing decoration. Unsealed, the bar emanated some pleasant cocoa scents with detectable sweeter, fruity hints detectable every so often.
This bar came described as '64% Peruvian dark chocolate with crystallised rose petals' - an interesting and unique concept at least. I don't know if any of you girls or girls remember the last time I tried some flower flavoured chocolates, but it was the Zotter Labooko Ein BlumenstrauB (See HERE) and they turned out to be rather fine. Hoping that this rose chocolate could create a similar impression I went in to the taste test with an open frame of mind and I'm pleased to report that this was an enjoyable chocolate. The 64% dark was of a better than average quality and liked the way the initial cocoa flavours were built upon by tones of red wine and citrus fruits to create a nice edgy flavoured chocolate. The crystallised rose pieces were at times a little infrequent in number, but where present they tempered the sharpness of the chocolate with a fruitiness that had influences of sweet raspberry and cherries. The culmination of these bitter and sweet taste tangents created an interestingly flavoured chocolate, though one can't deny that the chewing of the crystallised rose pieces was an unwelcome textural drawback.
Overall one may question the choice of 'rose' to represent a traditional British food flavouring but we can at least feel solitude in the fact that the actual chocolate delivered was pretty decent. The blend of the dark chocolate and sweet rose influence is a combination that works, and I'm glad that Thorntons were able to create a decent enough synergy with the two. As I said above the only drawback for me was the nature in which the rose was implemented in it's crystalised form. Given that dark chocolate is most pleasantly consumed when left to simply melt on the tongue it might have made better sense to integrate the flavour using some sort of rose flavoured oil. That criticism aside there really isn't anything to dislike here if you are a fan of flavoured dark chocolates. Out of the three bars being released to celebrate the 100 years of Thorntons this might possibly be the weakest, but that is more a reflection of just how grand the other two are - reviews coming soon.
7.7 out of 10
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57 comments:
dark chocolate and rose eh!? It sounds intriguing but its not the sort of thing I would buy. I think my sister or my mum would be willing to give it a go, it might be one I buy for them if I need a small present at any point.
Jim jim jim!!! All over the chocolates as per usual good work boyo. This isn't a chocolate that appeals to me but its nice seeing your thoughts on it.
This isn't one I've seen attempted before. The score suggests its more average than unmissable.
Hey hun fab review once again. I can see what they were trying to do trying with the whole retro sweet thing but Rose flavoured isn't the best one they could have done. I personally think that rhubarb and custard would have been tops. They make nice white chocolate so they have something to work with already. One for the future maybe?
Rxxx
The warning bells were going off in my head when I read the title but its cool seeing that you thought it wasn't too bad.
Its odd they have chosen to go with something that is never going to be a universally popular flavour. I think we all know its doomed.
Thorntons FAIL. Can they not do anything right? Sorry but they are one of the most frustrating companies ever. They just don't seem to know what they are doing anymore. Grrrrrr.
Dx
One question?
Why not just do a turkish delight flavour?
I think it must be an old persons thing this rose flavour as I've never seen a chocolate with rose combination before. It must be Thorntons trying to catch on with the whole nostalgia thing - I can't see it being a flavour they will keep around for to long I shouldn't think.
I'm not going to criticise Thorntons here because at least they are trying to do something new. It would have been easy to have picked something like fudge as a traditional British flavour. You got to give them some kudos for attempting something new.
I don't get why you are trying to be all secretive about the other two flavours that are coming out. You've told us all before, the only one you didn't mention was this Rose one.
I almost feel like saying you are due to a round of applause for reviewing an actual chocolate bar for once. I can't actually remember the last time you reviewed a bar of chocolate - well done.
Ooooh this sounds luuuuuuuverly. I like the sound of the sweet rose taking the bitterness off of the dark chocolate. You know me, I don't like dark chocolate unless it is paired with something sugary like toffee, caramel etc. If they ever get this in stock in the tiny thorntons shop in my town I will certainly try it someday.
Thanks for the review J. Rose isn't something I would choose to flavour my chocolate with but I imagine some women might be intrigued by it.
I think I will stick with the more traditional flavours me.
Jim I don't know if you have picked up on the new flake bar they have coming out. Its called the Flake Allure
You can see the picture of it here http://www.sweetretailing.co.uk/images/sized/img/new_sweets_chocolates/200_flake_allure-200x200.JPG I think it sounds nice to me.
I would of thought they could have celebrated a bit better than just releasing three limited editions. What a good opportunity they are missing out on reminding people how good they are and how much heritage they have.
They must have more plans than just this.
If they start up that 3 blocks for £5 deal again I might give this one a go. For nearly £2 on its own though its a bit excessive for something I in all likelyhood wont like.
Hey J
How good was the football yesterday for the neutral lol. Absolutely amazing scenes huh!? I can't believe that Birmingham went down after winning the carling cup but they have been rubbish ever since so I sorta can. The only one I think didn't deserve to go was Blackpool. They even gave your lads a good game yesterday. Lets just gloss over the Liverpool result lol.
Sorry for wittering on about footie but I couldn't ignore it could I :)
Rose flavoured choc? Lol nah not for me.
Cheers
N
Whats happened to the pistachio milk chocolate they used to make? It was like the only decent pistachio chocolate around and it looks like they have rid of it.
That is such a stupid decision if they have. Especially if its to make way for flavours no one wants like this.
The way Thorntons are going they are going to be lucky to make it to 105 years old. I fear for them at the moment, I really do.
Good on them for trying something new but it isn't a flavour that I ever would have requested.
Am I the only one thinking it would have made more sense them re-releasing an older chocolate that they used to make rather than a new one? If you are celebrating one hundred years of making chocolates I think that would have made far more sense.
BTW Jim I noticed the links back to the Zotter reviews. Speaking of them do you have any of their new chocolates coming up soon mate? If you haven't anything in the pipeline can I request a few please.
Getting well keen on the Thorntons reviews recently jim. Why all the reviews all of a sudden?
Lol part of me doesn't want to write negatively about this bar because I want to encourage Thorntons to keep on making new flavours. Lets just gloss over the that I didn't think this one was very nice when I tried it.
That bakewell tart chocolate can't come out soon enough. I will pass on this rose one thanks :P
Keep the Thorntons reviews coming J. It's cool that you are focusing on a British make for once. Escpecially one of our longest standing ones, making it to 100 years old is an oustanding feat for any company.
I could think of a hundred so called British flavours that I would have liked to have seen them try before rose.
How stupid of them to pick that, I bet it bombs saleswise.
I still don't think anything is going to beat the milk chocolate tonka bean bar they make. I was so so sceptical when I first read your review on that one but after trying it I think its near enough my favourite milk chocolate. Its defo my fave milk chocolate in terms of chocolate I can buy everyday. Hotel Chocolat or Valhrona might pip them if we are talking generally though.
Have you ever thought about reviewing the traditional turkish delight they make?
My older bro swears by it being the best around. It comes in those small 'Thorntons Classics bags'.
Props to you for trying this Jim. I wouldn't have been so keen to try a chocolate that had been flavoured with flowers lol.
Jim out of interest do you HAVE to review everything that these companies send you? Like do you have a contract or something? That would suck majorly if you do. Theres nothing worse than having to eat something you dont like imo.
Did you see that story the other day about thorntons blaming their poor profitability on the sunny weather :) lol it did make me laugh. I've know companies to blame bad weather before, but never on the sunshine. Since when has hot weather ever stopped anyone from picking up a chocolate bar. Its never stopped me anyway.
I swear Thorntons have lost the plot.
Honestly what the hell are they thinking with a rose choc? Sometimes I wonder if they are purposely trying to run themselves in to the ground. A monkey could run this company better.
What a day of football it was yesterday huh Jim? Did you watch it mate?
I enjoyed your review here but I think some of the feedback you have been getting about it is unfair. I wish people wouldn't judge whether a product is good or not depending on what they think it tastes like. I think you can only give a valid opinion if you try it first hand.
Out of all the things they could have done .... they choose rose????? Throw us a bone here Thorntons. Pathetic.
I think the opposite to you jim. I would have liked to have seen them make these bars a little more spcecial looking man. I think this was a big opportunity for them to make a big fuss about a pretty hefty achievement. 100 years isn't something to be sniffed at. If I were Thorntons I would be bragging about it loads more.
Its hardly like there are many older chocolate companies out there that thave survived that long.
It certainly sounds like an interesting chocolate and somehow it made me think about giving floral chocolates another try. The only floral chocolate I've ever tried were from Lindt and Dolfin and they didn't get along with my taste buds. But after reading today's review, I'm thinking about giving the Labooko a try.
Hey jim, Ive misssed a whole week of reviews while I was on holiday lol but they were certainly interesting now Ive read them!
I think this is an interesting bar, not a flavour that i particularly like but I think some people are underestimating it.
It is a pretty traditioonal English flavour and I imagine theyve got their inspiration from things like Parma Violets and Rose and Violet Creams which would easily have been the height of fashion a hundred years ago and are still widely around today along with the parma violets. In fact when I was on holiday (in the Lake District) I bought a lovely box of handmade chocs from a very old chocolatier in Bowness - and in my box were a rose cream and a violet cream. It wont be to everyones taste but I think itll appeal to more people than people think :)
Hi All,
I hope everyone had cracking weekends - I did so myself, it felt a right old shame dragging myself in for work this morning :D
At least I can console myself with some lively/lovely debate on the review today. Thank you all for the input as normal.
I understand the angle some of you are taking on the rose flavour theme. It is pretty unconventional for the younger generation I think, It isn't like you see too many sweets like Parma Violets or even Turkish Delight making too many appearances these days.
Cool to hear you guys are continuing to enjoy the new products coming up - I got a tight call to make next week whether to go for a 'Hotel Chocolate Monday' or yet another 'New product Monday' ... let me know your thoughts on that.
Rachel - That is a suggestion I like! Anything with the word custard in would get my attention!
Daisy - They are doing plenty of things right .... unfortunately they are doing so many things wrong at the same time.
Steven - No idea. It would have stopped a fair few people freaking out about the Rose thing though huh!?
Henry - Hopefully I should get a review on that coming up shortly. I just need to get one first :D
Nigel - It was an incredible day wasn't it. They were saying on the news this morning that the situation changed on who was going up/down 14 times over the course of the afternoon. Thats pretty crazy. Sorry to hear the chocolate today is a little less exciting for you :D
Will - I don't think the pistachio is gone chap. You sure they just weren't out of stock when you looked.
Karen - They are being very generous with the samples this year. I don't think they care what I say about them, I think they just want the site exposure :D
Jess - I have tried a fair few of their Turkish Delight things before and highly rate them. Check out my review of their Turkish Delight impulse bar. I seem to remember it scoring quite highly.
Carla - Haha no, there are never contracts, its not that serious :D I would feel very guilty if I didn't review something they sent though. Pretty much everything I ever get sent I aim to get up on here. Thats why I turn so much stuff down.
Sam - The 'hot weather' does seem to sound more an excuse that anything doesn't it. Hmmmm I guess we will see with their next quarter results.
Chris - see what I said to Nigel. Indeed it was a crazy day.
Mysterio - Haha those are some strong words :D
Michael - Indeed I think they have got other stuff up their sleeves for the 100 years. I will write a bit on this below.
Ana - I can highly recommend those Labooko chocolates I have linked in, though one thing you may wish to know is that I have done so more because of the chocolate quality than the actual flower power :D Just something you might want to keep in mind.
Alan - Welcome back! Was your holiday nice chap? I think you are right about the choice of the rose flavouring, I think they are trying to recreate those type of sweets with this one. I think you are going to really like the Bakewell Tart chocolate they have coming up. It is very good.
Just RE: 100 Years of Thorntons ...
Although times have been tough on Thorntons recently it is great to see Thorntons bring up their century! Congratulations to the company. Lets hope they do come out with a few more bits and pieces than just these three bars - you may all remember the Jubilee Egg I had this year! That was of the 100 years range - I would expect different bits n bobs to be coming out celebrating all year.
Thanks for the comments/thoughts etc.
JIM
Thank you and yes I did, even though it rained almost non stop lol. Im looking forward to the other two flavours.. I actually visited Bakewell in Derbyshire a year or so ago, home of the original 'real' bakewell tart or rather bakewell pudding.. its actually quite different to the more common varieties around now. We were quite excited as we all like Bakewell tart, unfortunately this pudding has quite a unique and rather acquired taste lol. Its worth trying though even if its just to say youve had a real bakewell pudding lol
Has anyone seen the specially commissioned box of chocs Thorntons has done for the 100 yrs? It tied in with the Jubilee egg, but it was a wooden box, with a real silver cover, and the chocs were all handmade etc. Sadly it cost £100!
Can I join the group of people confused by the use of rose please :-) Never heard of this one before now.
I think its the ultimate 2in1 for lazy people that are trying to make a romantinc gesture. You know, normally you would buy roses and chocolates seperately!? Well I think Thorntons have tried to combine them in to one product so you can buy both in one. Lol do you think I'm on to something anyone?
The Thorntons love in continues then does it Jim ;) Are they playing nice with you now that you are saying nice things about their chocolates again. I hope they don't see your review of their white chocolate cookies, it wasn't like you held back on the venom with that review.
Rose flavoured sweets were very common when I was younger. This is going to be a must try for an old codger like me :)
I understand the youngsters on here might think it sounds all very odd but it was a very popular flavouring for sweets back in the day.
I think steven has made a very good point about why they didn't do a turkish delight flavour chocolate. Everyone knows that most turkish delight is rosewater flavoured. I just think calling it dark chocolate with rose is going to put a lot of people off because it wont sound familiar. What a silly decision.
I know I'm not one to ever really heap praise on Thorntons but this one really does sound disgusting. I don't have anything against this company but they are making a right mess of things with their chocolates at the moment. Not only are they making more and more cheaper crappy chocolates, but when they do put some focus on their more expensice classier ones they produce crap like this. They need their heads banging together at Thorntons HQ.
As good as this sounds I am way way more excited about the lemonade one they have coming. This one feels like its more for the older folk whereas the next two on the way are more for us younger people. I just bloomin hope they are as good as we want them to be.
I'm in no way trying to take credit for this but do you remember a few months ago that I said Thorntons should make some Brit themed dessert chocolates. It was on your review of the desserts gallery a few months back. It looks like they read what I said hey ;)
My sister and I bought a bar of this at the weekend and split it. I understand some of the concerns about it being unusual but it tastes pretty nice to be honest. The small bits of rose are like jim says, they aren't like rose petals lol, they are just like small fragments of fruity tasting sugat. They do a nice job of taking the red wine acidity out the bar if you ask me. My sister wasn't that keen on it but she dones't like dark chocolate that much. She just wanted to have some because it was pink lol.
I didn't for one minute think they had really flavoured a chocolate with rose. I thought it was going to represent something else but obviously not. I think it's just a little too weired for my, there are so many to choose from in these square bars there are another 5 I can think of right away that I would prefer to buy instead. Ho hum on to the next one.
Jeezo! Everyone is being a bit harsh on old Thorntons I think. At least they are trying something a bit different. If they brought out a new bar with nuts, people would complain that "not everyone likes nuts" - well everyone DOES like caramel, but if they made a new caramel bar then you'd all complain that it was boring. Make up your minds! Jim really liked the bar anyway, so I'm sure it's fairly tasty.
Also Thorntons do make some wonderful chocolates. Not everything they sell is amazing, but there are certain things that are great. Personally I think as an old British company we should be supporting them. I hope they don't go under, that would be pretty sad.
Well I haven't seen Thorntons do this one before. Not sure I will bother with it though. Sounds a tad odd man.
It feels so underhwhelming them just releasing a bar in this range to celebrate 100 years. They have to be doing something else right?
I dunno, these chocolates are just all so samey and unspectacular, like there is nothing special about them at all. I just hope they are doing something else alongside these bars.
If I were them I would have made some more of these retro flavours. This is indeed a sort of flavour combination they used to do with older sweets (think Parma Violets etc). If you look at the other two flavours they are promising later, its these older style sweets that are the theme.
I picked this one immediately for the 3 for £5 deal, it was the other two I had trouble choosing lol! And it was even better than I hoped. The chocolate was excellent, a little too bitter, but one of the other two I got was vanilla (bean?) that was very sweet, so alternating them solved that problem :)
lol @Jonathan yep the flower theme was part of the appeal, I'm nuts about roses, tbh I'm used to also thinking of it as a flavoring, though I'm young, from Indian sweets. So I didn't think twice when I saw it in chocolate, my reaction was more like how smart Thorntons were to think of it and play up the classic British association. I actually loved that they crystallized the bits because it took the edge off the bitterness and made the texture that bit more interesting, plus the roses weren't the sickly sweet/air freshener type, like in so many Turkish delights (and some ghastly rose cremes I once had), more a strong rosy flavor. I even tried saving some to make it to our common room for sharing/taste testing, but totally failed lol. It's not worth missing out on trying for yourself, maybe buying one to split up and each try a square so if you don't like it no big loss.
@Will I saw a pistachio one in there, I had a tough time picking between that one for my milk chocolate among the 3, but the banana won out.
Alan - Great to hear you had a good time. The Bakewell chocolate is based on the cakes we get mass produced these days so the people of Bakewell might get stroppy :D Where did you see this £100 box of chocolates chap? They must have to be pretty special to justify the price .... haha they are a bit premium :D
Jonathan - Haha you made me laugh there. I don't think that was quite the angle they were coming from with this one :D
Ashley - I'm getting more samples from them yes. I've not always been complimentry about them though. Its hardly like I am lavishing with continual praise is it.
Lucy - I do indeed remember that. Who knows it could well have been what you said that sparked the thoughts in their mind.
Terry - Im really glad to hear you enjoyed this one though I don't see the sense in your sister trying it if she didn't like dark chocolate :D
Linz - I think you make a good point, it is better that we encourage them to think outside the norm even if we don't necessarilly like what they are making. It would be a terrible, terrible day if Thorntons got in real financial trouble. There aren't many of these brands brands still around anymore.
Joe - They are doing plenty more I think. Watch this space.
Thea - I'm not so sure everyone would be as adventurous as you but good on you for being willing to give it a try. I too saw the pistachio bar just the other day so I don't believe it has been cut from the line up either. It just must have been out of stock Will ... I suggest looking again next time you are in.
Thanks for the comments everyone.
JIM
The £100 box was on the Thorntons website, dunno if they are still there, but they were a very limited edition if I remember rightly (I could be wrong). It did look fabulous but I think the price was a little high.
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