Fresh Links
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Fresh Links *
Cocoa Butter Silk is Gone Soon
Cocoa Butter Silk is Gone Soon
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It gives a great temper virtually every time
It greatly reduces the number of steps to temper
It simplifies the complexity of tempering
Cocoa Butter Stops Shipping soon!
Cocoa butter silk is temperature-sensitive — summer heat turns safe shipping into a gamble we're not willing to take so we pause shipping each year until the cooler months return. If you've been meaning to stock up, now's the time — orders ship through April 30.
If you haven’t discovered the magic of tempering chocolate with cocoa butter silk yet you should read A Guide To Cocoa Butter Silk. It will simplify and stablize your tempering process.
Our Holiday Ordering & Shipping Guide is Refreshed
Give it a look. It will help you plan your holiday ordering to have the least pain and best outcomes. Also, John’s Series on Resolving Complexity in Making Chocolate is coming closer to completion. Check out the links on the side to read it in its entirety.
Refining - Resolving Complexity - Part 4
https://chocolatealchemy.com/blog/2025/11/26/refining-resolving-complexity-part-4Roasting - Resolving Complexity - Part 3
https://chocolatealchemy.com/blog/2025/11/19/roasting-resolving-complexity-part-3Recipes - Resolving Complexity - Part 2
https://chocolatealchemy.com/blog/2025/11/11/resolving-complexity-part-2-recipesChocolate Making 101 - Resolving Complexity - Part 1
https://chocolatealchemy.com/blog/2025/11/4/chocolate-making-101-resolving-complexity-part-1
Learn Profile Roasting in person from Alchemist John
Monday October 6th,
indi Chocolate
Seattle, Wa
🔎 The Alchemist’s Origin Mystery 🔍
Maybe we had too much chocolate, maybe too much caffeine. Either way, this month’s origin is a **mystery**—and we’re turning it into a game.
We’ve crafted a limited batch using a secret origin. No label. No hints. Just your taste buds and a little alchemical intuition.
**Think you can crack the case?**
Buy the kit, make it and Submit your guess by email. If you’re right, we’ll send you a **$20 coupon** toward your next purchase—just because it’s fun
Nothing to lose. Everything to gain.
And hey, even if you’re wrong, you still got chocolate.
🕵️♂️ **The mystery starts now.**
You can order kits till the 20th!
For Immediate Release
For Immediate Release - Alchemist turns gold into chocolate
“Eureka, I’ve done it!”
Late last week reports indicate the Alchemist was found frantically exclaiming and running around his laboratory. He was yelling that he had cracked the secret that has eluded alchemists for centuries.”
Once neighbors got the fires on his robe and hair put out and got him into some less revealing clothing they were finally asked how he was able to turn lead into gold.
“Why the duck would I want to turn lead into gold? Have you ever tried to eat gold? Duck that shite, only dumbass cheetos try eating gold and you can see this the kind of brain damage that causes.”
The Alchemist went on to explain.
“You know those pale ass criollo beans that everyone holds in such high regard. They are basically chocolate gold. Rare, hard to obtain, pretty and basically shite for being usable as they are, just like 24 carat pure gold. Valuable but basically useless.
It got me thinking. 18 carat gold is so much better than 24 carat gold if you actually want to enjoy it. Look at what the Oracle G has to say about gold.”
For everyday wear, 14K or 18K gold is generally considered the best choice due to its balance of durability, affordability, and appearance. While 24K gold is pure gold, it's too soft for everyday wear. 14K gold, containing 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy, provides a good balance of gold content and strength, making it suitable for rings, necklaces, and other daily wear. 18K gold contains 75% gold and is alloyed with 25% other more durable metals most often silver and copper.
“I’ve finally unlocked the mystery for making those pale criollo beans into something I want to eat. You mix in just the right blend of alloy beans and you have 18K chocolate.”
When asked when he was going to start making the 18K chocolate for people to buy, the Alchemist replied:
“I’m not making ducking chocolate. Do I LOOK CRAZY?”
<silence> the alchemist looks down.
“shut up. fine.”
<mumbles>
“I guess I can make something up.”
<low grumbling>
“But they’re going have to do some work themselves. Tell ‘em to go get the April Kit of the month and they can taste it there. Maybe I’ll even include a piece of 18K chocolate for them to taste.”
When pressed for more information he grumbled more about “stupid ass gold eating fascist cheeto” and said we should talk to “his ruzz”.
There you have it folks. Gold into chocolate....no cheetos required.
March Kit of the Month
Bolivia Three Tribes 70%
Black friday is happening.
Get All the Information you’ll need to save.
Cocoa Butter Silk Is BACK!
Cocoa Butter Silk Is BACK!
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It gives a great temper virtually every time
It greatly reduces the number of steps to temper
It simplifies the complexity of tempering
Cocoa Butter Silk is BACK!
With the return of cooler weather we’re able to ship Cocoa Butter Silk again. Follow the link below to order.
If you haven’t discovered the magic of tempering chocolate with cocoa butter silk yet you should read A Guide To Cocoa Butter Silk. It will simplify and stablize your tempering process.
October Kit of the Month
Cinnamon Milk Chocolate
Remember that Halloween chocolate you hoarded as a kid? We're bringing that back, but with a twist. This month's kit is all about rekindling your love of creamy milk chocolate, with a warm cinnamon embrace.
Imagine you're wrapped in a cozy sweater, the scent of apple cider in the air, and you're savoring a piece of homemade cinnamon milk chocolate that puts those old Halloween bars to shame but reminds you why you loved them. That's what we're going for here.
This kit isn't just about making chocolate; it's about loving chocolate. So while you're making it take a second to remember why you fell in love with chocolate in the first place. Was it the first bite of a milk chocolate bar? The way it melted on your tongue?
As always kits ship on the 20th, You can find out more about our kits here or buy one on our store.
42
42
Ever wondered what the meaning of life tastes like?
Spoiler: it's perfectly toasted oats, kissed by the Maillard reaction.
This month’s kit is a 42% Toasted Oat chocolate that had the alchemist a wee bit sleep-deprived chasing the perfect Maillard magic. Turns out it was worth it. You’ll have to try to it find out for yourself though. Like always, all the ingredients are included in pre-portioned amounts. You get to do the fun stuff.
Shipping Sept 20th for all you hoopy froods out there. Don't panic, and don't forget your towel.
Ps. yes we know we’re dorks, we’re fine with it.
🍫🔥 Ever tried using craft chocolate for s'mores and ended up with a block that just won’t melt? We’ve been there. That’s why we put together this kit, with homemade chocolate that’s crafted to melt perfectly for those gooey, delicious s’mores. Perfect for your next campfire or cozy night in. #SmoresNight #CraftChocolate #HomemadeKit
Check out this new interview with Alchemist John on UpFlip about the business of Chocolate Alchemy. Get an inside look at our space and all the projects we have going.
Kits ship out March 20th > go here to buy.
Kits ship out January 20th.. you’ll have plenty of time to make some chocolate for your valentine. go here to buy.
Last year was our first-ever Black Friday event, and this year, we're doing it again, but with our own twist. We’re as over inflation as you are. So...
🔥 Use code DUCKINFLATION23 for a sweet 23% off on all edible products on our retail store from Nov 25th to 28th! (Excludes equipment, sorry!)
🛒 Code: DUCKINFLATION23
📅 Valid: 12:00am Nov 25th - 11:59pm Nov 28th
🏬 Retail Store Only
🔄 Unlimited Uses
❌ Not for Equipment
Ruzz: What is this month’s kit of the month?
John: It is a riff off a spiced chocolate and ....
Ruzz: Hang on now lazy boy. Haven’t the last two months been a ‘riff off spiced chocolate’?
John: Uhm, well, <looks sheepishly around>, yeeaaaahhh....but it is. Ok, you got me. It’s tradition to make a holiday spiced chocolate around the holidays, but it isn’t a traditional spiced chocolate like last year or the year before. It is a riff off it.
Ruzz: What the hell are holiday spices?
John: What do you mean? Holiday spices?
Ruzz: Savage. Must be an American thing.
John: So? You have holiday spices.
Ruzz: <deafening silence> ... Like.. Pumpkin spiced Iced Capps?
John: <contemplates suicide> No. They are warming spices. Like cinnamon and nutmeg and cloves. But those are not really in here this time but the impression totally is. So far everyone who tastes its, really likes it. It is a really soft toned, light milk chocolate with warm flavors that dance around your mouth and are not challenging at all. A kinder, gentler spiced milk chocolate as it were.
Ruzz: Ok, I think I can work with that. But flavours is spelled with a u. What is the spice?
John: Canadians! I’m keeping that under wraps. They have to subscribe or buy it as a one off kit to find out. Can we tell them it would make a great holiday gift for people’s loved ones that have a melanger?
Ruzz: You just did.
John: You are just going to copy our conversation, aren’t you?
Ruzz: <deafening silence>
Good news
Cocoa Butter Silk is back in stock! It’s finally cool enough to ship again. Those of you who know, know, and those who don’t should read our Guide to Cocoa Butter Silk for a breakdown of how magic it is, and how much more reliable and effortless your tempering will be if you use it.
I love the fall season so damn much; the cooler weather, fall colors, the quieter time and yummy foods. I’m been putting information together on the Alchemist’s Academy of Unconventional and while looking over ideas saw a simple one I thought was not quite up to what I want to offer in the Academy, but is still Unconventional so riffing off our now traditional Halloween spiced chocolate, the chocolate for the Kit of the Month is a nuanced holiday spiced chocolate (think pumpkin pie and such) combined with a titch of chili and nutty toasted sesame. Certainly unconventional but also deeply satisfying and approachable. If you are not getting the monthly kit, here is your chance to give it as an early holiday gift or just get it once (yeah, you don’t have to subscribe to get it) as a gift to yourself.
Ask The Alchemist 319 - Sugars.
Find out about how the various kinds of sugar impact your chocolate. Is crawling sugar good or bad? What do do about it?
Ask The Alchemist #317
We had some fun getting AI to write rap songs and other variations on how viscosity is measured, but to find out how it impacts the flow of your chocolate you’ll have to read the latest Ask The Alchemist, #317
New bean alert! 🌱
Introducing Philippines' Davao de Oro Organic 2023, an origin I've not had since....well, EVER
The aroma is sweet and tangy like dried red fruit. The flavor starts off full and deep, with a moderate chocolate level and that distinct savory umami flavor that only seems to come around once in a while. I find a hint of peated smoke and slight minerality that puts me in mind of a young whisky. If you are looking for something a touch different, give this a try.🍫🔥
The Flux Winnower is here!
What the Flux Doc Brown?? You asked and we have answered. For over a year now we have been teasing about a new winnower and it is finally here! Stainless steel, check. Viewing port, check. Easy to clean, check. The full system is available or if you have one of our Aethers, we offer an upgrade kit. Both are available now.
Read the announcement post or go buy one.
Curious about code delta?
Learn All about Brewing Cocoa Below
💸💸💸 Life’s expensive enough, so we’re offering free shipping on orders $100+ in the Lower 48. Wholesale orders $100-$450 also qualify.
Full Details:
Retail orders over $100 get you free economy shipping in the 48 USA states.
Wholesale orders between $100-$450 get you free economy shipping in the 48 USA states.
Shipments will be insured but shipped by the least expensive method, which often takes 8-12 days.
Free shipping offer is not available outside the 48 USA states.
You can request a 10% shipping discount in the cart notes if your order is $100 or more and you are outside the free shipping area.
If you need faster shipping, you must choose a different shipping method.
If you do not want free shipping, you can choose a different shipping option to support the offer.
It is that time of year again when it gets too warm to reliably ship Cocoa Butter Silk. Time to get those last orders in. We’ll stop making it at the end of April until it cools off again in the Fall.
Click the image above to order Cocoa Butter Silk while you can.
The Chocolate Kit of The Month For April is:
50% Ivory Coast
10% Bicolor deep roasted to 300 F
15% cocoa butter
25% sugar
15 grams vanilla
Mother’s day is coming up next month. If you need one, here’s your excuse to get this amazing kit. This month’s kit weaves together all those glorious and wonderful feelings that we all know and love about chocolate and the special people in your life. It is also about not taking things for granted. Although overlooked a lot (and taken for granted), this crop of Ivory Coast is just bursting with flavors of coconut and vanilla. I tweaked how sweet it is so it is oh so approachable without being cloying then carefully blended in a touch of deep roasted Bicolor and a titch of vanilla to round out and blend all the flavors. If all goes right, and all tasters agree, it will make you go “what in the world have I just put in my mouth...and can I have more? Pretty please?” It is one of those cases where the whole is way more than the sum of the parts.
WOW....Just F#$&ing Wow. Get your shades out folks, this one is BRIGHT!
The aroma is fun interesting mix of persimmon and apricot. The immediate impression I get is one that is so very juicy and lively. The chocolate level is not very high but there is a BRIGHT, clean tartness that puts me in mind of certain lambic style beers with a punch of lime.
It is kind of hard to believe we are still seeing the effects of Covid but we are. We’ve been out of Deodorized Organic Cocoa Butter for 6 months but it’s finally back in stock. Retail and Wholesale amounts available.
Pro Tip: A lot of makers feel if you want to let your cocoa shine, try deodorized.
Also the addition of cocoa butter will affect the mouth feel, melting point and other textural components of your finished chocolate. Use anywhere from 0-20% cocoa butter.
I have teamed up with Madie (our awesome Order support person) to create this month’s kit in conjunction with Women’s history Month and to support of Women in Chocolate. She’s chosen our Belize 2022 and blended it with our really unique Bicolor Pataxte that’s she’s fallen in love with.
You can of course make it yourself but you’ll have to suss out the roasting of the Bicolor or you can just get the kit and we will send you everything you need to make this really amazing chocolate. I really hope you choose the later to show Madie your support.
Order the Kit of the month now, it ships march 20th
Welcome Code Delta, Three blends in one. Our newest Alchemist’s Blend Brewing Cocoa. Delta is the Greek symbol that in mathematics has come to mean change. We have developed this series to show how different expressions of the same blend can change and show different faces like light through the facets of a prism.
Our March Profile Drum Roasting seminar is filling up. Learn the techniques to control your roast, live and in person with Alchemist John. Learn More here or Sign Up Here.
We are so thrilled to have a new offering out of the wilds of Bolivia.
May I present Wild Bolivia Rio Beni Direct Trade 2022.
Look how tiny these flavor powerhouses are!
There is so much going on here. It is so very earthy, with a dank funk (meant in the BEST way) that for me isn't off putting but instead alluring. The acidity and astringency are there but very much in the background. As you start to savor the chocolate and roll it around in your mouth you may note a lingering bitterness of green walnuts and an incredible clean sweetness that perfectly balances and integrates the entire profile. Least you not get the point, the flavor is a complex combination of bold, sweet and earthy that I find deeply satisfying. Basically look at the round and full spider chart. That's how it tastes.
Very limited Supply of Heirloom Wild Harvest Bolivia Tranquilidad
We have a VERY limited supply of the incredibly popular Heirloom Wild Bolivia Tranquilidad. Before we even announced them half of our stock disappeared to folks that lovingly pestered me to let them know when it was arriving.
There is light raisin with its deep sweetness and pronounced tangy acidity. Once you start to savor the chocolate and roll it around in your mouth you will note a solid backbone of bitterness and a virtually perfectly balanced astringency. The finish is long and sweet, redolent of dark juicy fruits and a smooth, soft, lingering lighted roasted pine nut suppleness that goes on and on.
Chocolate Making Kit of The Month, January 2023
This month we challenge two commonly held notions in our Chocolate Making Kit of the Month: Shelf life of beans, and Roasting. We were making test roasts late into the night and are going to shake things up a bit with this amazing Alto Beni Kit. It ships on the 20th, so you still have time to sign up. If you don’t already know about the Kit of the Month —Click here.
Err7 - Am I Right?
Who hasn't lost a roast due to the deadman switch? As deeply important as it is for safety, it is a drag to loose a batch of beans. With this upgrade kit you will now get an audible warning to catch your attention so you can continue the roast. It also beeps again when you are nearing the final countdown so you can add more time.
Only a Drum, Motor and some Heat.
In Ask the Alchemist #312 Alchemist John brings the heat. In Part 3 of the Iron Triangle series John explains in detail why there is no simple answer to the question of a safe, affordable and cheap drum roaster. Read It!
Kit of The Month
Peppermint Patty + Candy Crush Love Child
December 2022 - This month we’ll be doing our riff on a festive peppermint chocolate with the addition of powdered candy cane, pure peppermint oil to make it pop and crushed candy canes at tempering just to make sure it is indulgent enough. You’ll be adding powdered candy canes (infused with peppermint oil) as a portion of the sugar into a luscious, deep and rich 60% Organic Uganda Kisinga based chocolate and then topping when you temper with a little extra crushed candy cane for a little extra pop. York’s peppermint patty has a hot weekend with Candy Crush? Yeah, this is their love child!! - Go get it!
Click the image to get the recipe.
Sign up for the Chocolate Making Kit of the month . Ships November 20th!
Alchemist John and I (ruzz) sat down to talk about some cool stuff he’s working on. To listen to it check our youtube or IG.
It’s Apple Season
Have you made your own nut butter using your melanger yet? Even better, have you ever made your own chocolate nut butter? It is surprisingly easy and unsurprisingly, very satisfying. This was the perfect time to try, since we are celebrating apple season here in Oregon!
I recently created a chocolate peanut butter using the Rico Grinder and Spectra 11, based on the Alchemist’s recipe from Ask the Alchemist 176. I chose Bolivian Alto Beni beans because I anticipated their chocolate forward flavors would pair nicely with the local crispy Liberty apples. Let’s just say it made the perfect after school snack for my two kids since they each ate an entire apple dipped into the chocolate peanut butter.
Happy Autumn and apple season!
-Rebecca, Director of Operations
Save 15% over at the retail store…
order your silk Soon!
It’s that time of year again when it’s getting too warm to economically ship cocoa butter silk so you best stock up! click the link above to go buy some, or check out our guide on how to make your own.
PERU UCAYALI RIVER IS BACK...... Click the image above to buy some now or read more about it here.
Curious about Chocolate Beer? Alchemist John did the deepest of dives.. Click the image to read it.
We’ve never done a Black Friday sale but Alchemist John is feeling punchy this week so here we go!
UGANDA SEMULIKI FOREST 2020 DIRECT TRADE - ORGANIC - LIMITED TIME OFFER
New Bean Alert!
Mexican Bicolor / Pataxte / Jaguar/ Macambo Cocoa
We’ve got an interesting new bean available. You can read the full write up about Mexico Bicolor / Pataxte / Jaguar/Macambo Cocoa or follow these links to purchase it.
If you do make some interesting stuff please tag us, we’d love to see what you create!
Sampler Packs
Did you know you can buy 4 or 8 ounce sample packs of beans, nibs, and even brewing cocoa? A very affordable way to experiment and experience some new beans.
Kit of the Month
January 2021
This months kits ship tomorrow, January 20, 2021 and they are MEXICO CHIAPAS beans. Remember if you haven’t already signed up for your kit of the month you get 5% off your first month. Follow these links to find out more.
Make sure you have your orders in!
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Milk and Cream Chocolate Kit of the month - Ships Nov 20th!
Click the image above to go or click here
Cocoa Butter Silk is back in stock
A few links for you kids. If you want to rush right over and order some… go here!
Other wise starting with our guide is your best bet. You can find out why silk is amazing, learn how to make it yourself and much more. ——>
What happens inside Chocolate During Tempering
Our Youtube Channel
We’re almost to 10,000 subscribers. Subscriber 10,000 gets a $100 Gift Card so maybe you want to subscribe ツ
It is that time of year again.