Pump Street Uganda 78% Dark Caramelised Hazelnuts Review: A Nutty Delight

If you love the crunch of nuts in your chocolate, the Pump Street Uganda 78% Dark Caramelised Hazelnuts bar is a must-try. This single-origin dark chocolate from Uganda is studded with caramelised hazelnuts, creating a delightful contrast between rich, fruity cocoa and sweet, crunchy nuts. In this review, we'll break down the flavor, texture, and overall experience of this artisan chocolate bar.

Pump Street Chocolate is known for their bean-to-bar craftsmanship and innovative flavor combinations. The Uganda 78% bar is no exception, showcasing the unique terroir of Ugandan cocoa beans while adding a playful twist with caramelised hazelnuts. Whether you're a dark chocolate enthusiast or a nutty chocolate lover, this bar offers something special.

First Impressions and Packaging

The bar comes in Pump Street's signature minimalist packaging, with a clean design that highlights the origin and cocoa percentage. The wrapper features a subtle illustration of hazelnuts, hinting at the treats inside. Unwrapping the bar reveals a neatly molded chocolate with visible hazelnut pieces embedded throughout. The aroma is immediately inviting: deep cocoa notes with a hint of roasted nuts and caramel.

The bar is divided into six chunky pieces, making it easy to break off a serving. Each piece is generously studded with caramelised hazelnuts, ensuring every bite has a satisfying crunch. The chocolate itself has a glossy sheen, indicating proper tempering.

• Tip: Store this bar in a cool, dry place (15-18°C) to maintain its snap and prevent the nuts from becoming stale.

Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Dark Chocolate and Caramelised Nuts

The Uganda 78% dark chocolate base is fruity and slightly tangy, with notes of red berries and a hint of citrus. This bright acidity is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the caramelised hazelnuts. The nuts themselves are crunchy and coated in a thin layer of caramel that adds a buttery, toasty flavor without overwhelming the cocoa. As the chocolate melts, the nutty crunch gives way to a smooth, lingering finish with a touch of honey.

Compared to other dark chocolate with nuts, this bar stands out because the hazelnuts are caramelised rather than just roasted. This extra step adds depth and a subtle sweetness that complements the 78% cocoa's natural bitterness. The result is a well-rounded bar that appeals to both dark chocolate purists and those who prefer a touch of sweetness.

Texture and Mouthfeel

The chocolate itself has a smooth, creamy mouthfeel typical of well-conched single origin bars. The hazelnuts provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. The caramelisation gives the nuts a slightly brittle texture, which shatters when bitten, releasing bursts of caramel flavor. The overall experience is both indulgent and texturally interesting.

Some tasters may find the nuts a bit large or unevenly distributed, but this adds to the artisanal feel. Each piece offers a slightly different ratio of chocolate to nuts, keeping the eating experience engaging.

How It Compares to Other Pump Street Bars

Pump Street offers several nutty chocolate options, such as the Madagascar & Sea Salt 55% and the Maple Pecan 55%. While the Madagascar bar is milkier and saltier, the Uganda 78% is darker and fruitier, with the caramelised hazelnuts providing a more pronounced sweetness. The Maple Pecan 55% leans into maple and pecan flavors, whereas the Uganda bar lets the cocoa shine alongside the nuts.

For those who enjoy single origin chocolate, the Uganda bar is a great choice to explore the distinct profile of Ugandan beans. It's also an excellent introduction to dark chocolate for those who usually prefer milk chocolate, thanks to the sweet nut addition.

Who Should Buy This Bar?

This bar is perfect for dark chocolate lovers who enjoy texture and nutty flavors. It's also a great gift for someone who appreciates artisan chocolate with a twist. If you're a fan of chocolate with nuts, this bar delivers a premium experience that mass-produced options can't match.

If you're new to Pump Street, consider pairing this bar with the Rare Batch Box to explore a variety of their offerings. The Uganda 78% Dark Caramelised Hazelnuts is a standout in their lineup and a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation.

The Pump Street Uganda 78% Dark Caramelised Hazelnuts bar is a delightful marriage of fruity, single-origin dark chocolate and sweet, crunchy hazelnuts. It's a well-crafted artisan chocolate bar that offers a unique flavor journey. If you're ready to try it for yourself, head over to our store and explore this nutty delight along with other exceptional offerings like the Rare Batch Box.