Foundry Chocolate Vanuatu x Thomson Manuka Smoke Whisky 70% (Special Release)

Where there's smoke... There's desire.

Chocolate makers Foundry Chocolate have introduced Thomson Manuka Smoke Single Malt whisky to their Pinalum, Vanuatu chocolate and the combination is an elegant voyage down the river of delight.

Together, this power couple exudes a palate-seducing flood of sensual malt-laden luxury, creamy caramel character and just a playful tickle of spice and smoke.

Foundry Chocolate celebrate the unique personalities of the world’s finest cacao by crafting and ageing micro-batches of two-ingredient chocolate, and once a year, they play matchmaker in their little Mahurangi foundry.

This very limited-run 70% bean-to-bar chocolate began with cacao from a little pocket of forest in the hills of Malekula Island.

David then steeped these superb cacao nibs in a lavish torrent of New Zealand’s own Thomson Manuka Smoke Single Malt Whisky.

Then they got to work in their little chocolate factory to create a bar brimming with smouldering sensuality.

This year’s bespoke packaging illustration has been designed by Janelle to represent the cascading flavour journey of the bar.

It's only once a year the husband and wife team release their limited special edition whisky infused treats, with each bar and micro-batch numbered by hand, once they're gone, they're gone.

Foundry Chocolate

Foundry celebrates the remarkable personalities of the world’s finest cacao by crafting and ageing micro-batches of two ingredient chocolate, but just once a year they throw caution to the wind to create something wildly different in their little foundry in Mahurangi, New Zealand.

Thomson Manuka Smoke Whisky

Thomson Whisky, based in Riverhead, Auckland, seek to satisfy the treasure hunter within. Committed to quality over volume Thomson Whisky release only a limited number of hand- selected whiskies each year and is proudly 100% NZ owned and operated.

Thomson love what they do; making craft whisky for the modern enthusiast. Artisan. Premium. Progressive. By traditional methods for contemporary ends – it’s all about a passion for the spirit, creativity, and respect for the process.

Manuka Smoke Single Malt is a distinctly NZ dram using native Manuka Wood smoke. It's made from 100% New Zealand grown malted barley, which has been kiln-smoked with native Manuka wood and distilled through copper pot stills. This single malt whisky offers flavours of natural smoke, cinnamon, clove, and Manuka oils on the palate.

Cacao Origin

Located on the lush and remote Malekula Island, the small group of famers from Pinalum Village have been specialising in fine flavour cacao since 2015.

Organised by the tireless Olivier Fernadez from Gaston Cacao and managed by local villager Lily Buktan, this well run operation is challenging the traditional supply chain model that drives commodity prices down. With their work, the price that farmers individually get in hand is up to two to three times above the previous market practice.

Ingredients

Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Thomson Manuka Smoke Single Malt Whisky.

Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free and 100% Plant Based.

Also alcohol free, as the way Foundry make the chocolate ensures all alcohol is evaporated off, while still retaining complex whisky flavour notes.