Coffee and chocolate is quite possibly the proof that the universe loves us and wants us to be happy. Combine them and you have a heavenly pairing that will seduce you into caffeine filled wonder.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE TASTING 
 
After preparing your cups of coffee, select the chocolate that you would like to taste. Be sure to fully embrace each step on the sensory journey. 

Take your cup of coffee and slurp some of the liquid from a teaspoon, making sure the liquid sprays equally around your mouth to so all the different notes can be detected.  Savour all the aromas and flavours.
Sniff the chocolate and savour the aroma before breaking off a diamond, listening for the snap. Take a small piece and let it melt slowly in your mouth.  To fully appreciate the chocolate’s scent, make sure you inhale through your mouth and out through your nose – this allows for the flavours and aromas to fully penetrate your senses. Think about the aroma, the texture, the length of time it takes to melt.  When you have finally swallowed the chocolate, consider the flavour and how long it lingers.
 
Immediately take another slurp of coffee and note how the flavours combine with the chocolate you have just tasted. Do the flavours and aromas complement or contradict each other?  Perhaps one releases more detectable flavours from the other?

PERFECT PAIRINGS

Burundi Ngozi Murama Long Black - this is a complex coffee with a spicy, almost tannic quality. The result of pairing with Lindt EXCELLENCE Dark Chilli is akin to a spicy meal, cooled by a rich red wine. For added taste perfection wait for the chilli to bite before taking a second sip of the coffee.
 
For Lindt EXCELLENCE Intense Orange there are different tastes to discover depending on the time of day. For a daytime taste sensation try a Bolivia Copacobana Americano, the citric notes of orange, mangoes and peaches make the chocolate’s candied orange and almond notes come alive for a wonderful morning treat. For an evening rich experience try a Sumatra Takengon Americano – a bold, smoky coffee reminiscent of a freshly rolled cigar. The hints of leather and spice react well with the orange and citrus chocolate notes.

Experince for yourself! Lindt will be running chocolate pairing with coffee, tea and beer in the Lab at The London Coffee Festival. Click here for more information on the Lab programme. 

Words by Kay Lockett