When I was contacted by Rescue Chocolate about their cause, I admit to being a bit overspent with reviews, news requests, and other GDF business … but after looking at their website, there was no way I could say no. First, I confess, it is hard to turn down chocolate samples (though I have been known to do it). But second, Rescue Chocolate donates 100% of net proceeds to animal rescue organizations around the country.

Everything about this company is adorable … the cause, the packaging, the chocolate. When the shipment arrived I was seriously overwhelmed with cuteness; the deliciously rich taste was simply icing on the cake.

The first thing we sampled was the Bow Wow Bon Bons. Meticulously enclosed in a little reusable case with magnetic closure, the bon bons themselves were petite two bite delights with big flavor and hand-crafted appeal. The box contains four chocolate treats: PB&J, 72%, Cinnamon, and Salted Peanut ...

The PB&J was like a mini choco-sandwich. The “J” was more of a gelatin, while the peanut butter had a nice little crunch. Since I am not as big of a PB&J fan as my husband, this one had more appeal to him. I preferred the next bon bon …

The 72% had a soft filling that was very smooth, silky, and slightly fruity. This was a spot on blend that most dark and semi-sweet chocoholics would love.

The Cinnamon is, I believe, the 72% spiked with cinnamon. I am a cinnamon addict, so the spice flavor was mild for me, but did add a nice influence.

The Salted Peanut was a true love at first bite. It had a definite Reese’s vibe, but with a contrasting salty bite and just the right amount of crispy crunch.

We contained ourselves until the next day, when I broke open the two bars which were sent to us …

Pick Me! Pepper is a solid chocolate dark chocolate bar (perhaps around 70% dark) that is spiked with pasilla pepper, mulato pepper, “spice,” and fleur de sel. The first bite was a bit startling, but as my taste buds “warmed” up to it, I began to really enjoy this melodic rather than harmonic mix. The flavor migrated, rich, sweet, salty, hot … the flavors don’t really blend but rather danced one right after the other. Though there was a bit of heat, the pepper fades relatively fast, which I liked. Rather than a cayenne fire remaining to be extinguished, the aftertaste was sweet, warm, and cacao rich.

Peanut Butter Pit Bull was more of a truffle bar. This was quite possibly my favorite, and I believe it is the big bar version of the salted peanut truffle (since it had been a day since we had the truffles, I couldn’t directly compare). The center is somewhat like a peanut butter cup, but softer, and with a slight cocoa flavor. It also had a smattering of light crispies within to mix up the texture. The Rescue Chocolate team loves the contrast of salt with chocolate, which I too really enjoyed for a nice change of pace, but be forewarned that even the PB bar has the occasional sweet and salty bite!

The packaging on these bars is just wonderful. With each one I felt as if I was opening a hand-wrapped gift, and inside each bar was further enclosed in a perfectly fitting plastic bag that could be resealed to keep the bar fresh … and to keep me from feeling the need to devour the whole thing at once!

The only drawback is the price. That’s always the kicker isn’t it? For a splurge or a gift, I could easily pay the $4.95 per bar (especially the peanut butter bar!) in the name of a good cause, good overall product, and good-tasting chocolate. But with shipping on top, it really adds up. If I could purchase this chocolate locally (which some of you can), I would certainly turn to it regularly for gifts in my dog-loving community. For now, I will keep it in mind for special gifts and perhaps to help fundraise for the animal rescue in my area!

If you are interested in supporting Rescue Chocolate and in eating chocolate, visit their website at www.rescuechocolate.com for more information and to purchase.

This is a third party review by Alisa Fleming, author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide & Cookbook (also available as an eBook). 

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