Dominican Republic chocolate

18 Dominican Republic chocolates from 2 independent UK chocolatiers, from £6.

The Dominican Republic is one of craft chocolate’s workhorses — a large, reliable source of well-priced organic and fair-trade cacao that many UK bean-to-bar makers cut their teeth on. Most is Hispaniola-type Trinitario, in two styles: unfermented “Sánchez” (earthier) and the fermented “Hispaniola” (fruitier and finer). Expect warm, approachable chocolate with raisin, brown sugar, mild red fruit and a clean cocoa base. Its huge certified-organic output makes it a mainstay of ethical, affordable bars. For UK buyers, a Dominican single-origin is a dependable, crowd-pleasing craft bar — fruity enough to be interesting, smooth enough for everyone — and often the best value in a maker’s range.