Highlighting Origins: The Language of Scent and Flavor held on May 9, was a sensory experience carnival! Our primary goal for the evening was to close the distance between “expert” and participant- to remove the perceived barriers between the professional taster or “nose” and the layperson through first-hand experience on a level playing field. We invited our frequent collaborators The NA Sommelier and Filigree & Shadow to help us tell a sensory story through fragrance, tea, beverage, and chocolate to demystify the tasting experience and turn participants into makers, blenders, and chocolatiers for the night.

A Matter of Taste workshops always spark new ideas and conversations, and our Highlighting Origins: Insight Chocolate tasting event on March 26 deliciously centered chocolate sourcing, growing, and making; with a lively conversation on how we can engage with chocolate and cocoa in ethical and responsible ways.  Our speakers reinforced that cacao is a critical part of regenerative farming and forestry. Tasting sample after sample, participants left the evening with a new appreciation for the richness of the chocolate conversation (and their own set of tasting bars to enjoy with friends!