Rumsey’s Chocolates

I couldn’t believe my luck when a selection of Rumsey’s chocolates arrived at my door. The small family-run business is headed by Master chocolatier Nigel Rumsey, who has been creating award-winning handmade chocolates since 1991.

The chocolates were beautifully presented in a gold box tied with black ribbon. As with the majority of products, I gave my mum (co-blogger) a couple to sample so that we can share with you two opinions. In this case, we couldn’t have agreed more. The box contained a generous selection of individual chocolates and their flavours were displayed on a small postcard which was included in the box. However, not all the chocolates inside the box were listed, which wasn’t a problem because most of the flavours were easily identifiable.  Often when sampling chocolates, we do not check its flavour beforehand.  This means we try and guess the flavour of the chocolate, enabling a greater concentration on taste for a more thorough review. We’ve picked a few of our favourites which are highlighted below.

Champagne

Champagne 

The square chocolate looked smooth, dark and pretty topped with flecks of gold. It is large in size and smelt of dark chocolate. Upon the first bite the chocolate starts to melt quite easily which is excellent as I hate chocolate which will not melt! The chocolate has a smooth, rich, dark taste. The centre is yellow, the texture is thick – you can actually see the bite marks – smooth and again easily melts in the mouth. Biting off most of the surrounding chocolate I get to taste the centre on its own to try to establish the flavour. It’s not a strong flavour but guessed that it is a champagne truffle. Some champagne truffles can be rather strong and ‘alcohol’ tasting, perhaps this could do with slightly more champagne flavouring (or whatever is used) but that is not a criticism. Maybe a little more would spoil it altogether.

Cafe Supreme

Cafe Supreme

This chocolate was lovely too and I wouldn’t be disappointed with a box of them. Although both this chocolate and the champagne one were very similar, this one had a dark chocolate truffle centre. I’m not sure if the centre was meant to have a coffee taste as its name may suggest but I didn’t taste it.  This does not matter as it is very pleasant. The outer chocolate and centre has the same smooth texture which just melted easily in my mouth. This was a very nice chocolate actually

I’m usually pretty good at identifying different flavours but this chocolate really threw me off course.  It’s taste was a flavour I recognised and one I cannot decide whether I love or hate and it was only after Googling Rumsey’s chocolate that I realised it was Marmite! The flavour had a hint of toffee with a slight bitterness like that found in Marmite. The texture was very soft as if it contained actual Marmite spread and was similar to the centre of a truffle. I am not particularly fond of the spread so I was pleasantly surprised by Rumsey’s Marmite chocolate as I very much enjoyed it. This is certainly a unique and interesting flavour which should be tried by all.

The chocolate was large in size like most of Rumsey’s chocolates and contained a cluster of nuts and raisins, a great combination of ingredients.  I couldn’t tell which type of nut it was but there certainly wasn’t a shortage of them. I originally thought they may have been peanuts but their size suggested brazil. Cashew didn’t even cross my mind but then I am no expert in nuts. The milk chocolate contained an equal amount of raisins which certainly provided a variation of textures and flavours.

Each chocolate was of good quality, which meant they were highly satisfying and can be enjoyed just a couple at a time in a moment of indulgence. They are a world away from less pleasing supermarket chocolate which I often find myself scoffing until I feel sick. Rumsey’s opened their first coffee shop in Wendover, Buckinghamshire in 2004 and its success led to a second branch opening in Thame.  We both enjoyed Rumsey’s chocolates so much we will certainly have to go. Those unable to visit can still enjoy Rumsey’s chocolates by purchasing them through their online store. Rumsey’s chocolates would make the perfect gift but make sure you order before the 20^th December to get them before Christmas!  If I was given a box of these chocolates I wouldn’t be disappointed at all.

Living life, loving cake,

H & A x