Art Pollard Interview Part 3: The Bars ~ Food Interviews

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Art Pollard Interview Part 3: The Bars

StumbleUpon Stumble This Post

This is part 3 of 5 of an interview with Art Pollard of Amano Chocolate. Be sure to start reading with Part 1. Leave your questions and thoughts in the comments. Art will be available to comment on anything you have to say

Art will give away one of each of his bars to five random commenters - one winner per post. All winners will be drawn on Saturday morning, July 12. All comments are eligible up until the time the winners are posted. While you may leave multiple comments on a post, only one comment per person per post is eligible to win.


Photo by J. Pollack Photography
How did you end up with the 3 main flavors that you have: Ocumare, Madagascar, and Cuyagua?

Well the Cuyagua valley and the Ocumare valley were both areas that I’ve been interested in for quite some time and the same goes for the Madagascar. I happen to have come across one particular farm in Madagascar that produced beans that I thought were very special. I grabbed what I could of that. It was something similar with the Ocumare and Cuyagua.

Ocumare is a valley right on the coast of Venezuela. They have moderately limited production capabilities as far as cocoa and Cuyagua is not too far from there and they produce significantly less than Ocumare and so the amount of cocoa available from these areas is pretty small.

In the end, they have the flavor profiles that I like. That’s how I make chocolate. I have to like it. I found a review from one person comparing our chocolates to somebody else in the industry and they thought that I’d received my inspiration from somebody else. I got a good chuckle about it because I don’t eat that particular chocolate. Nothing against the chocolate maker, it’s just when I’m looking for chocolate, that’s not what I readily reach for. Though it’s a perfectly fine chocolate.

What it reminded me so much of was literature classes in school. People say, “Oh the author received inspiration from this source or that source,” when in reality, the author was doing whatever they felt like. When I make chocolate, I make it to how I like and I don’t base it on anybody else out there. I just do it to my particular taste and I truly hope that other people enjoy eating the same sorts of things that I do.

Do the different batches taste different?

Every year the crop is different and that could be either good or bad depending on the weather and other circumstances of the plantation. A lot of your commercial chocolates made by the large chocolate companies try to make things in such a way that you end up with consistency from year to year and batch to batch. For me, I call that the Peter Principle of chocolate. If you’ve ever seen the book on the Peter Principle, it talks about people rising to the highest level of mediocrity and I think it that tends to be what happens. You end up with the situation where when something comes along that is truly great and special, it has to be treated in a way that lowers its quality rather than lets it shine.

What we try to do is to let every batch speak for itself and just try to really let it shine to the best of its ability. Because of that, there are going to be variations from year to year and even batch to batch. For that matter, in our beans that we get from Madagascar, we see a sizable variation from bag to bag. We see that from beans we get from other locations as well. When we are making each batch of chocolate, we need to be really cognizant of the flavor difference and where we want to take it.

Is lack of consistency a problem when trying to sell a consumer good?

The flavor won’t be totally different. It will be fairly similar, but there will be flavor differences in lots. Rather than trying to bring a lot down to meet a specific specification, what we try to do is let each lot be the very best it can. It can be very complicated at times because you have to be really cognizant as to the flavor differences from bag to bag and how that will affect the batch as a whole. You also have to be cognizant of the fact that a lot of the flavor changes that you see are not going to necessarily really show up until three or four steps down in the process. During manufacturing, you have to modify the practices and every time you do so, you have to have a vision of where you are going five steps down the road because how you treat something at one point may not affect the flavor immediately but it will affect the flavor at the end point. It gets to be rather complicated.

Sometimes you just have to sit in a quiet room for a while and ruminate on it until you see the path you want to take.

Have you thought about producing flavored chocolate?

We are all about chocolate. There may be flavored chocolate that we may do in the future. I don’t see that happening for a number of years, mainly because we try to select the world’s greatest cocoa beans and let them really speak for themselves. As much as we respect those that want to flavor their chocolate, that’s not for us at any point in the near future. I’m never going to say we are never going to do it, you never know.

I think a lot of the flavored chocolates that you see are created because of the fact that most chocolate companies in the world buy their chocolate from another manufacturer. If everyone is buying their chocolate from three or four or five major companies and another handful of smaller companies, the way they have to differentiate themselves it is to do things like flavoring their chocolate.

At the same time, there is a great historical tradition of flavoring chocolate going all the way back to Montezuma, if not earlier. If somebody wants to flavor their chocolate, from my perspective, that’s fine, but I hope that our chocolate is good enough that no one is tempted to do that or to feel that it is needed.

What’s your favorite bar?

I do not have a favorite. Isn’t that terrible? It’s like when you have kids and you end up not having a favorite kid. You might be tempted to, but you just don’t and it’s not a matter of being politically correct (don’t know if that’s quite the right word), but just not wanting to select one. It’s just a matter of the fact that you see the beauty and the talent and the positive attributes of each of your children and it holds the same for your chocolate. Each one of our bars that we’ve released so far stands up very well on its own and has its own unique characteristics. As to which one I’ll reach for at any given time, it is entirely dependent on my mood.

Continue to Part 4
.

27 comments:

Unknown said...

It never struck me before, but makes perfect sense after reading this. Chocolate has similarities to the wine industry. If each finished chocolate is coming from a specific farm, there are going to be variations in flavor from year to year.

The large chocolate companies are producing a generic blend rather than a specific vintage.

K8 said...

I hope that someday I find a true passion for my work like this.

Lori said...

I love that he compares these three chocolates to his children. It seems that his attitude is right along these lines...give them lots of love and help them be the best they can be, and everything will turn out right. Makes sense to me.

Anonymous said...

I am going to have to try these asap!

Unknown said...

D. -- Yes, I have no particular favorite. I believe all of our bars are exceptional -- though in very different ways. The Ocumare is rich and complex with some beautiful fruity notes. The Cuyagua (from two valleys over) is much less fruity and more spicy (though not in the same sense as that of people who add chilies and other spices to their chocolate.) This is caused by Cuyagua being more remote from the already remote Ocumare and not having as much cross breading that causes some of the fruity notes. Madagascar is a wonderful example of how fruity chocolate can be and is truly loved by pastry chefs. They all have their wonderful attributes and it truly depends on my mood as to which I'd choose at any point in time.

-Art
Amano Artisan Chocolate

Temperance said...

I like the personal touch,but it can be hard finding teh right chocolate fo you.

Anonymous said...

I have to admit, I've never tried Amano chocolate being a college student on a limited budget, but with every new installment of this interview, I'm becoming more and more impressed by how much work and thought you've put into making this the best chocolate it can be, and now I really have to try a bar (or three). :)

Jenn Kim said...

If chocolate is like wine, does it get better as it ages??

Unknown said...

Jenn Kim: Yes. To a certain degree, chocolate does get better as it ages. Especially during the first three weeks after manufacture, the chocolate mellows and the flavors become more well rounded. I have had test batches of beans that I have done for example where I was not at all happy with the test batch when it was immediately completed but the finished chocolate was wonderful 3 weeks later. The aging process continues for about six months after which, it tapers off. Some have noted that there is a peak for some bars (as with wine) at which point the flavor is best but unfortunately, there really isn't any way to predict that and it varies depending on the beans used, formulation, etc.

-Art
Amano Artisan Chocolate

Kathryn said...

In response to chuck, yes, chocolate and wine are similar like that. Funnily enough, chocolate has a lot of similarities to the beer industry as well.

It seems strange when you think about it.

Unknown said...

The different names of the chocolates are very interesting and unique -- definitely better than a plain old Hershey's bar... I'm going to have to try these!

Lisa said...

Now you introduce art and literature to the equation. I'm swooning! I do admire the blend of science and art, creativity and earth's bounty in the production of fine wine or artisan chocolate.

Gina said...

I'm always impressed by how much work and passion great chocolate makers put into making their chocolate. Art is no exception.

Anonymous said...

WE definitely consume too much chocolate around our house. Have never heard of Amano, where can I buy it in the San Francisco area?

thanks

Bronwyn said...

mmmmmm, fine chocolate. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Tiffany said...

So you don't 'add' flavors to the chocolate, but the description of each bar is what is inherent in the beans from that region?

Unknown said...

Tiffany:

Yes, the flavor differences between the bars are almost entirely dependent on the beans we are using to make that bar. How we process the beans can vary from bar to bar slightly because each bean is different and how you bring out the optimal flavor for each bean is different so our "recipe" if you will changes slightly but no, we aren't into adding flavors to things unless we have very specific reason to. We don't want to get caught up into the "let's flavor chocolate" fad.

-Art
Amano Artisan Chocolate

Anonymous said...

Sounds delicious. I like how you concentrate on the chocolate rather than the flavor. All three sound great from your description in the post.
traceyrtch@gmail.com

Matt B said...

This is really interesting! I'm curious - how big is a "batch?" If someone was regularly consuming your chocolate, would the flavor be changing day-to-day, or does a batch of bars last for longer?

Ashley said...

I love the idea of not making flavored chocolate, & just letting the natural chocolate taste be the star.

Anonymous said...

I also saw the similarities in the wine making /chocolate making process...

And I'm amazed that you don't have a favorite, but it makes sense!

Carrie said...

I love that Art only makes a chocolate that he likes. Kind of like Stef and the mint and peanut butter ban on cupcakes. I agree you need to like and enjoy what you are making.

Michele P. said...

I am surprised that he doesn't have a preference or a favorite. Another thing that was interesting is the regions he gets the beans from, my husband is from Guatemala, and had worked in agriculture growing up on his family's lands. He's often told me of the differences year to year in the crops, whether subtle or striking-and the way it could make or break the product. (coffee in his case)

Anonymous said...

[size=72][color=red][url=http://www.go4you.net/go.php?sid=24]ENTER ON SOFTWARE PORTAL[/url][/color][/size]

[size=46][color=red][url=http://www.go4you.net/go.php?sid=24]DOWNLOAD SOFT![/url][/color][/size]

[img]http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/4762671/2/istockphoto_4762671-software-box.jpg[/img]

[size=46][color=red][url=http://www.go4you.net/go.php?sid=24]OEM SOFTWARE[/url][/color][/size]

[size=72][color=red][url=http://www.go4you.net/go.php?sid=24]DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE[/url][/color][/size]

[size=72][b]Online Migo soft programm Windows[/b][/size]
[size=72][b]Online Migo soft to Windows[/b][/size]
[size=72][b]Online Migo software programms PC[/b][/size]

http://www.google.com/

Anonymous said...

[size=72][color=red][url=http://www.go4you.net/go.php?sid=23]WEB SEARCH ENGINE![/url][/color][/size]

[size=48][color=red][url=http://www.go4you.net/go.php?sid=23]That? What? When?[/url][/color][/size]

[img]http://www.seo-sacramento.com/images/search-engine-optimisation.gif[/img]

[size=72][color=red][url=http://www.go4you.net/go.php?sid=23]WEB SEARCH ENGINE![/url][/color][/size]

[size=48][b][/b][/size]
[size=48][b][/b][/size]
[size=48][b][/b][/size]



[url=http://ubajdaabrame.yoyohost.com/blog-395-how.html]how to cook up crack[/url]
[url=http://katadasimone.freehostia.com/disney-pixar-car-how-to-draw.html]collosal sea scallops how to cook[/url]
[url=http://numanholostj.freehostia.com/369-the-song-what-is-life.html]how to camouflage paint your rifle[/url]
[url=http://salimafinov4.freehostia.com/blog-52-how.html]how to hack web servers[/url]
[url=http://saalimaoznob.freehostia.com/]how to write love oriya - blog 1[/url]
[url=http://olivijakorni.freehostia.com/map.xml]map[/url]
[url=http://lindapodruzh.freehostia.com/yd-how.html]how to paint sand with acylics[/url]
[url=http://tatianastras.freehostia.com/how-to-say-kiss-in-spanish.html]what is deep emotional love[/url]
[url=http://ilhamkolobro.freehostia.com/wiki-what-is-fusion-art.html]how to cook stuffed mushrooms[/url]
[url=http://julianagogol.freehostia.com/blog-356-how.html]how to write to criss angel[/url]
[url=http://ridvanborovi.freehostia.com/wiki-how-to-tie-head-wrap.html]how to tie head wrap[/url]
[url=http://ioanntuljako.freehostia.com/http://ioanntuljako.freehostia.com/?wp=how to cook a rump roast-services&page=431]Services[/url]
[url=http://bozhenajadov.freehostia.com/]how to write winning cover leters - blog 1[/url]
[url=http://ridapirozhko.freehostia.com/]how to draw geometric figures - blog 1[/url]
[url=http://nadzhvadudin.freehostia.com/wiki-how-to-tie-an-oblong-scarf.html]corinthians what is love[/url]
[url=http://mahafishkov1.freehostia.com/aipmyz-how.html]how to draw sailor kakyuu[/url]
[url=http://dzhabirzhari.freehostia.com/wiki-19.html]how to hack a secured network[/url]
[url=http://oskarmurzin4.freehostia.com/167-how-to-write-farsi-script.html]how to switch colors on paint[/url]
[url=http://astratatarni.freehostia.com/how-to-cook-indian-food.html]how to run a mini market[/url]
[url=http://simeonletugi.freehostia.com/wiki-57.html]how to write a good slogan[/url]
[url=http://mijasvinolup.freehostia.com/]how to paint a basement wall - blog 1[/url]
[url=http://lukjancherno.freehostia.com/]how to write a painting contract - blog 1[/url]
[url=http://jadvigaevtih.freehostia.com/]how to cook stuffed rigatoni - blog 1[/url]
[url=http://salemkashiri.freehostia.com/blog-100-what.html]what is life of lcd tv[/url]
[url=http://jamhaushak31.freehostia.com/http://jamhaushak31.freehostia.com/]how to hack internet bank accounts[/url]
[url=http://alinajavorov.freehostia.com/]how to run charity golf tournaments - blog 1[/url]

Anonymous said...

http://enlarge.bigheadhosting.net/adult-dating-personals-ohio.html italian online dating profile [URL=http://aeroduct.freehost123.com/adult-singles-dating-cohutta-georgia.html]adult singles dating cohutta georgia[/URL] man singles friendly friends
http://outmatches.0catch.com/sex-dating-in-bivins-texas.html free adult dating coughran texas [URL=http://aeroduct.freehost123.com/online-dating-russian-women.html]online dating russian women[/URL] american singles chat rooms free chat
http://affixes.xhost.ro/free-adult-dating-kenbridge-virginia.html sex dating in bray california [URL=http://enlarge.bigheadhosting.net/rich-men-online-dating.html]rich men online dating[/URL] dating in indonesia
http://affixes.xhost.ro/sims-online-dating-games.html sex dating in osgood indiana [URL=http://affixes.xhost.ro/adult-sex-dating-free-uk.html]adult sex dating free uk[/URL] jewish dating haleiwa hawaii
http://pyromanias.webng.com/free-jewish-dating-services.html adult dating online dating personals [URL=http://coying.wtcsites.com/adult-dating-paypal.html]adult dating paypal[/URL] french dating france french singles
http://playmate.fansitehost.org/online-dating-website.html crack addict dating how long [URL=http://cousinship.sporshok.org/native-indian-dating.html]native indian dating[/URL] american us american dating friends
http://downpours.fansitehost.org/dating-services-boston.html speed dating houston [URL=http://enlarge.bigheadhosting.net/dating-sites-with-credit-scores.html]dating sites with credit scores[/URL] adult dating personals no registration
http://tweezed.0catch.com/sex-dating-in-coyote-new-mexico.html sex dating in denver iowa [URL=http://ravishers.freewebhostx.com/muscle-girls-dating.html]muscle girls dating[/URL] sex dating in troy missouri
http://enlarge.bigheadhosting.net/internet-dating-sites-facts.html sex dating in allentown washington [URL=http://henpecking.hostse.com/dating-free-online-games.html]dating free online games[/URL] sex dating in saffron walden essex
http://henpecking.hostse.com/sex-dating-in-vidal-california.html free mexican dating [URL=http://stances.freewebhostx.com/public-rules-goverment-meetings-ca.html]public rules goverment meetings ca[/URL] sex dating in noma florida