Other Delivery Chocolate Boxes That Were Enjoyed
Uzma Chocolat’s Signature Exotic Box for $49: Originating from Chicago, this chocolate box was a late arrival to the January tasting panel, thus missing the opportunity to be a top pick. Nonetheless, it stood out among the latecomers. The box, advertised as halal, features South Asian flavors with intensity and balance. A ginger bonbon was particularly intense, while the date-plum “khajoor” offered a unique texture and flavor experience. The lapsang and assam tea flavors added delicate accents.
Lily & Sparrow’s Bonbons for $45: This North Jersey chocolatier, Lily & Sparrow, less than a year old, impressed several panel members. Chocolatier Amanda Sanabria is noted for her ability to create vibrant fruit flavors, with bonbons featuring passionfruit and lemon pistachio. Although not as complex as those from Melissa Coppel or Kreuther, the mastery of fruit filling places it on a short list of standout creators. One taster remarked, "This is a chocolatier to watch."
AndSons 24-Piece Chocolate Box for $75: As expected from a Beverly Hills chocolatier, this beautifully packaged box mixes glossy bonbons and chocolate-enrobed squares. The molded bonbons, such as bright passionfruit, orange, guava, and speculoos, were highlights. Although not overwhelmingly memorable, it is a lovely, flawless collection. The bonbons were even more appreciated when paired with coffee from the Coffee and Chocolate Set from Atlas Coffee Club.
United Flavors 24-Piece Chocolatier’s Selection for $89: This Virginia chocolatier also arrived late for the full panel’s assessment but left a lasting impression, particularly for a vanilla soufflé square with a texture described as between sea-foam and cloud. Molded bonbons were crafted with care, though lacking the complexity of other noted chocolatiers.
Eclat 16-Piece Signature Assortment for $48: A favorite of Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert, this Pennsylvania brand offers a wide selection, including Frank Lloyd Wright–themed bars and wafer-thin Mondiants. The preferred box contained enrobed squares and spheres, highlighting flavors like Sichuan or Aleppo pepper, with hints of beer or booze.
Boxes Not Recommended
Compartés’ 20-Piece Signature Truffles Gift Box for $59: Known for creative candy bars with flavors such as doughnuts and coffee, Compartés’ truffles did not make a strong impression despite their appealing packaging.
Forté’s 24-piece Signature Truffles for $110 and Exquisito’s 24-Piece Artisan Collection: Both highly praised, these boxes arrived in less-than-ideal conditions, raising questions about shipping or production issues.
Creo 24-Piece Signature Chocolate Collection for $84: Despite Creo’s innovative chocolate bars, the signature box, mainly enrobed truffles, struggled with flavor and texture control, a significant flaw at this price point.
