As a new company we have yet to accumulate many frequently asked questions. So here are some predictions of what we think they might be. Rest assured that we will add questions to the list as they become frequent.

Chocolate & Cacao FAQ

Q. How is your chocolate made?

A. We select and import premium cacao beans in small quantities. We sort and roast them in our custom roaster until the peak flavors of the bean are released. We then winnow and separate them from the shell and add them to our refiner. In the refiner they are heated, blended with sugar, and ground to release the cocoa butter and reduce the particle size to achieve the desired texture. Once that is achieved we switch to the conche which slowly stirs the chocolate to bring out the best flavors of the beans.

Q. Why is it important to know the origin of the bean?

A. Such as the grape is to wine, the cacao bean is to chocolate. The origin of the bean is the signature of the flavor of the chocolate. Documenting those flavors with the origin is what any good explorer would do and that is why we want you to know the origin and let you be the judge of what you like best. We take you around the world of cacao in each batch we make.

Q. What is artisan chocolate?

A. Artisan Chocolate is a term or classification that small chocolate manufacturers have been labeled within recent times. The simple definition of artisan is non-industrial. Industrial chocolate is manufactured using large amounts of beans of many origins that are blended and processed in a way to achieve consistent flavors across their branded products. Artisans are less likely to achieve identical crafts, thus giving each creation a unique signature.

Q. What is the difference between Cacao and Cocoa?

A. Cacao comes from the Latin name Theobroma Cacao and is the name it originally went by. There are many opinions as to how it became known as cocoa, but it happened some time after it was brought back to Europe. Cocoa is also referred to as the drink made from the cocoa powder that is separated from the cocoa butter and blended with sugar and milk. You say cocoa, I say cacao!

Q. What are the benefits of Chocolate and Cacao?

A. There have been many studies lately that have highlighted the many benefits of our staple ingredient, cacao. Some of those higher on the charts have to do with the antioxidant properties of the polyphenols which are health beneficial. There are many other benefit claims; however, our best claim is that it tastes good thus it must be good for you. We like to think of it as an indulgence with benefits!

Q. Does Cocaine come from Cocoa?

A. You would be surprised how many times we get this question and it is one that I would already consider frequent. No, it does not come from any part of the cocoa tree nor has any relation other than two C’s an O and an A, that’s about as close as it gets.

Factory & Operations FAQ

Q. Is your factory open to the public?

A. Yes, we are now open on Fridays from 10 - 6 during the holidays. Hours are subject to change and we do plan to hold special events, so we encourage you to sign up for our email list to hear about them first. Click Here To Subscribe

Q. Do you make truffles and candy?

A. There are two art forms associated with chocolate, that of the chocolate maker and that of the chocolatier. The chocolatier uses chocolate to create their art, we use cacao beans to create ours. We leave the art of truffles and candy making to the chocolatiers as they are the true artists of confections.

Q. Are your products in stores?

A. Yes, please visit our In Stores page to find a retailer near you. Still can’t find it? Tell your local chocolate source about stocking Black Mountain Chocolate in their store.

Q. Do you sell wholesale?

A. Yes. If you want to sell our chocolate in your store, please contact us for more information.