Maison Cacao Unveils New Chocolate Experience with Terroir Collection No.3

Delving into Maison Cacao's Terroir Collection No.3

Maison Cacao, a distinguished chocolate brand originating from Kamakura, is renowned for its commitment to freshness and quality. Founded by Shingo Ishihara, the brand presents a unique opportunity to explore the subtle differences of cacao through their innovative Terroir Collection. Each month, a new flavor of their signature生ガトーショコラ (Nama Gateau Chocolat) is unveiled, showcasing the specific characteristics of cacao cultivated and blended with meticulous care. The latest addition, No.3, will be available starting March 1st.

A New Chocolate Experience

Maison Cacao aims to offer a fresh chocolate tasting experience by highlighting the terroir—the environment where cacao is grown, emphasizing elements such as soil, climate, and regional history. This month, Maison Cacao introduces the concept of "Single Terroir," a dedication to the rich biodiversity found in specific areas where cacao thrives. Utilizing unique techniques that blend cacao to the 0.1% precision level, Maison Cacao ensures every bite highlights the rich and vibrant flavors distinct to the selected single origin.

Unique Packaging and Flavor Notes

One of the standout features of this collection is its limited edition packaging created from washi paper embedded with cacao husks. The No.3 variant, priced at 3780 yen (including tax), specifically focuses on the Santander region of Colombia, recognized for its delightful climate that nurtures the cacao plants.

The No.3’s flavor profile is accentuated by a balanced mix of floral notes, honey-like sweetness, and vibrant acidity, presenting an elegant and joyful aroma that captivates the senses. The chocolate embodies the complex characteristics of the cacao beans grown in this unique terroir, ensuring that each piece reflects the beautiful and delicate nuances of its origin.

The Essence of Terroir

Understanding terroir is crucial for anyone appreciating fine chocolate. It embodies all the factors that contribute to the unique qualities of cacao, from the soil composition to the local climate and ecosystem, encapsulating the heart and culture of the region. Colombia's diverse geography, characterized by the Andes mountains and rich mineral springs, provides an ideal environment for cultivating cacao, resulting in beans bursting with captivating flavors and aromas.

The artisans at Maison Cacao combine their comprehensive knowledge of terroir with years of experience, enabling them to elevate the natural qualities of their ingredients into something truly extraordinary. This level of expertise creates exquisite chocolates that can only be produced in this particular region with these particular beans.

Meticulous Blending Techniques

At Maison Cacao, the blending process is both an art and a science, featuring precise adjustments to the proportions of cacao mass, cacao butter, milk, and sugar to create a rich and balanced flavor profile. The team employs innovative combinations of local beans, taking advantage of their vibrant and colorful characteristics to form a unique chocolate experience. The process, though labor-intensive, results in an unparalleled couverture—the perfect embodiment of local craftsmanship and dedication.

Where to Buy

Starting March 1st, a limited number of 500 pieces of the Terroir Collection No.3 will be available at all seven Maison Cacao stores and their online shop. Each piece comes with a unique serial number. After this limited stock runs out, it will no longer be available.

Sales Locations include:

- MAISON CACAO Kamakura Main Store (1-9-33 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa)
- MAISON CACAO Kamakura Komachi Store (2-9-7 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa)
- MAISON CACAO Marunouchi Store (1F Shin Tokyo Building, 3-3-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo)
- MAISON CACAO NEWoMAN Yokohama Store (1F NEWoMAN Yokohama, 1-1-1 Minamisaiwai, Nishi, Yokohama)
- MAISON CACAO GranSta Tokyo Store (1F GranSta Tokyo, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo)
- MAISON CACAO Haneda Airport Store (2F Marketplace, Haneda Airport Terminal 1, Ota, Tokyo)
- MAISON CACAO JR Nagoya Takashimaya Store (B1 Nagoya Station, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya)
- Maison Cacao Online Shop here.