The best results are obtained with a clean palate. To get the true sense of the taste, sip or rinse with water or lemon juice before you indulge. Start with the milk chocolates and then move on to the dark chocolates.

Store chocolate in a cool, dry place, no need to refrigerate. Savoring chocolate at the right temperature heightens the taste experience. Before your first bite, ensure a perfectly balanced release of the cocoa and sugar flavors...

The chocolate surface should be glossy and smooth with no visible blemishes. Dark chocolate typically has a deliciously deep brown hue, while milk chocolate boasts shades of light brown with golden tones.

When fine quality chocolate is broken, you should hear a crisp, definitive snap. The chocolate should not crumble or bend.

The smell of gourmet chocolate can be as rich as the taste. Fresh chocolate smells sweet and well, chocolaty. Close your eyes, breathe, and take in its tempting characteristics flowery lavender scent, fruity blackcurrant aromas...

Higher-end chocolate feels silky smooth to the touch. Chocolate melts at body temperature so it will begin to soften immediately.

The smell of gourmet chocolate can be as rich as the taste. Fresh chocolate smells sweet and well, chocolaty. Close your eyes, breathe, and take in its tempting characteristics...

Higher-end chocolate feels silky smooth to the touch. Chocolate melts at body temperature so it will begin to soften immediately.