For the second year in a row, Scapegrace and Wellington Chocolate Factory have come together to create New Zealand’s most delectable limited-edition chocolate bar. Featuring Scapegrace’s award-winning gin and Wellington Chocolate Factory’s Peruvian and Dominican cocoa, the team have created a perfectly balanced citrus chocolate bar that will be sure to capture the hearts of chocolate lovers around the country.
After the incredible success of the collaboration in 2021, both Scapegrace and Wellington Chocolate Factory (WCF) knew that they wanted to work together again. Mark Neal, Scapegrace marketing director says, “We surprised ourselves last year with the winning combination of gin and chocolate, something I wasn’t sure how would work, but was intrigued to explore. To be frank, we nailed it so it was a no-brainer for us to recreate this in 2022.”
Neal continues, “We took the backbone to our signature gin (including pine notes of juniper and the slightly spicier/sweet notes of coriander) and layered WCF’s chocolate with our signature citrus flavours. It is a smooth, rich, citrus juniper match made for heaven. Despite both products having completely different profiles, once again, they worked seamlessly – ultimately complementing each other and producing a deliciously unique chocolate bar.”
The Scapegrace Gin Dark Chocolate which boasts a distinct and delicious taste that mimics fresh G&T. Gabe Davidson, Co-Founder of WCF describes it as a ‘top-shelf bar’. “At WCF, we want to take chocolate fans on a flavour journey, and this bar delivers that in a surprising way; using ingredients not usually associated with chocolate. Starting with our Dominican and Peruvian base, you quickly taste juniper, nutmeg, coriander, finishing with orange and lemon peel. Anyone who knows good chocolate and high-end spirits will not be left disappointed with this bar.”
The Scapegrace Gin Dark Chocolate Bar is best enjoyed when paired with a bespoke cocktail, created to celebrate the collaboration. Mark Neal says the drink plays off the heritage of Peru, its native cuisine and produce, and the country’s proximity to both the sea and Rainforest.
“We’ve called it the Huascaran Soda, taking its name from being the highest mountain in the Andes’ which also signifies the point of divide between Peru & the Amazon Basin. Its flavour profile evokes tropical Custard Apples, Cape Gooseberries & Alpine Salt,” says Mark Neal.
Huascaran Soda recipe
45ml Scapegrace Classic Dry Gin
25ml Fresh Golden Pear Juice
1 Teaspoon Tart Cherry Jam
1 Dash Orange Bitters
Pinch of Sea Salt
Topped Soda
Method: Shaken, Fine Strained & then built over ice in a highball and Garnished with Candied Orange & dried Tart Cherries.
The limited-edition Scapegrace Gin Dark Chocolate Bar is available here and at selected retailers from 27 January while stocks last.