Nacional 73% by Michael Laiskonis

Award Winning | Limited Edition

Michael Laiskonis, our first guest Chocolate-Maker-in-Residency, experimented with our Dominican Nacional profile. This is one of our first cacao recipes of the Rizek Historical Selection, a collection that celebrates the depth and excellence of Rizek Cacao.

The Dominican Nacional has Ecuadorian DNA with Dominican blood. Originally native to Ecuador, the Nacional trees possessed the distinctive Arriba flavor. These trees were introduced into the Dominican Republic between the 1960s-1970s. Rizek Cacao selected and analyzed unique clones from previous centuries based on historical significance and genetic exclusivity.

Grafted onto robust Dominican rootstock in the Estación Experimental Tropical - EET, the Dominican Nacional’s taste brings out the notable and celebrated genetic taste; strong floral notes, with a slight vinegar taste, but very fruity.

We are excited to taste the final result of this relationship that started 10 years ago in our farm La Esmeralda.