Introduction – Why I Bought It
I’d heard so much about Cuna de Piedra but hadn’t tried any of their chocolates before. So, when I saw their booth at the 2024 Northwest Chocolate Festival, I couldn’t resist grabbing the last box of their Nuestra Colección de BonBons for $35. The packaging, with its sleek, all-black aesthetic, immediately caught my attention. I wasn’t sure of the flavors or even the price, but it was unlike any other bonbons I’ve seen. I love trying new and unexpected things, so I knew this collection would be a unique experience.
A Bit About the Cuna de Piedra
Cuna de Piedra is a Mexican chocolate company founded by Enrique Perez and Vicky Gonzalez in 2019. Their mission is to elevate the quality of life for everyone involved in the chocolate-making process, from the farmers to the consumers. They source 100% Mexican cacao, honoring the country’s rich cacao heritage while supporting local communities. I was impressed to learn they work exclusively with farmers who manage their own fermentation facilities, ensuring that the full value stays within the local community.
Packaging
The box measures 21 x 9.5 x 3.5 cm. Its clean, all-black design is striking and memorable, with the raised “Cuna de Piedra” ribbon adding a premium touch. However, for the price, the box and plastic dividers could be a bit sturdier and made of higher quality materials. I appreciate the QR code for learning more about the chocolate, but I’d love to see a minimalist card detailing the brand’s vision and a clear flavor guide. Matching the flavors to the bonbons was a bit tricky, even with the reference picture on Instagram and their website. Still, the overall look is modern and speaks to the brand’s design aesthetics.
Appearance
These bonbons are visually stunning. Each is a perfect square coated in a fine black powder that looks like charcoal but doesn’t carry any bitterness. I suspect it’s a type of processed or roasted cocoa powder. The decorations are simple but striking, featuring caramelized cocoa nibs, crystallized orange or grapefruit, and unique toppings like base malt grain and smoked chili.
Variety
The collection includes truffles made with cacao percentages ranging from 63% to 85%, creating a satisfying diversity between dark, intense ganaches and lighter, creamier ones. With flavors like Pataxte, Smoked Dry Chili, Mezcal, Beer, and Café, the diversity in profiles—from smoky and spicy to rich and fruity—is exceptional.
Aroma
Opening the box, I was greeted by a mix of aromas: earthy cocoa notes with distinct boozy hints from the Mezcal and Beer truffles. The floral and fruity scents from the White Pearl Cocoa and Flower of Jamaica were especially inviting, creating an aromatic prelude to the tasting experience.
Taste – Flavor Notes
This box is an absolute treat for those who enjoy bold, unique flavors. Here’s a breakdown of each truffle:
- 73% Comalcalco: Fruity and smooth, with notes of tropical fruit, sweet berries, and hazelnut, finishing with a clean chocolatey aftertaste. A well-balanced and approachable introduction to the collection.
- 85% Soconusco: A complex journey with flavors of tropical fruits (like banana), green tea, subtle floral and dairy notes, and a hint of astringency. The aftertaste lingers beautifully, making this one of the most memorable.
- White Pearl Cocoa: Made from the rare Perla Blanca variety of cacao from the Soconusco region, this truffle has the creamiest chocolate mousse texture with floral and fruity notes and zero bitterness—a surprising feat for 77% cocoa. The caramelized White Pearl cocoa nibs elevate it. I’d buy an entire bag of just these nibs if available.
- Flower of Jamaica: Crafted from the Creole Jamaica flower (hibiscus) native to Mexico, this truffle has a tart cranberry-like flavor, balanced with bitterness and a hint of astringency. A beautiful showcase of a unique floral ingredient.
- Café: A lively blend of white chocolate and coffee ganache, made with Buna Coffee Dalia Blend and Comalcalco cacao. It’s indulgently sweet with a complex depth that coffee lovers will appreciate.
- Rested Mezcal: A smoky, fruity truffle topped with crystallized orange. The deep smokiness and sweetness blend perfectly, making it ideal for fall.
- Young Mezcal: While both Mezcal truffles have 63% cacao, this one is sweeter, with more pronounced alcohol notes and subtle smokiness. The crystallized grapefruit provides a bright contrast.
- Beer: My personal favorite. The roasted malt flavors and mild bitterness from the stout beer pair wonderfully with dark milk chocolate, bringing notes of coffee, jasmine flowers, and lingering caramel sweetness.
- Smoked Dry Chili: A unique blend of orange jelly and smoked chili with a gentle, gradual heat and a sprinkle of spring salt for balance. Just the right level of spice.
- Pataxte: With a nutty, crunchy texture reminiscent of gianduja, this truffle was a fun departure from the others. The cacao nibs are exceptional, adding a satisfying contrast to the smooth ganache.
Texture
The texture variety was as satisfying as the flavor. The ganache is smooth and creamy in most truffles, while the Pataxte offers a delightful crunch. The caramelized toppings add a nice snap, and the crystallized fruits give a chewy, tangy twist.
Quality
Cuna de Piedra’s commitment to high-quality, ethical sourcing shines in every bite. The cacao is sourced from renowned Mexican growers, including Don Malaquías Pérez and the Rayen Cooperative, ensuring the farmers receive fair compensation. The bonbons reflect the company’s dedication to quality craftsmanship.
Ethics
The brand’s dedication to ethical practices is evident. By working directly with farmers who ferment their own beans, Cuna de Piedra ensures that value remains in the local communities. Their mission to support Mexican farmers and preserve cacao heritage is inspiring.
Conclusion
Would I recommend this collection? Absolutely. This is a rich, adventurous experience for those who appreciate unique flavors and textures. I’ve never been to Mexico but trying so many unique ingredients from there made me want to visit. I also want to try their bars now.
The only minor drawback was the packaging. While sleek, the box and plastic dividers could use a sturdier design. A more detailed flavor guide would also help identify each bonbon with ease. It’s a small improvement that could enhance the experience.
The rare ingredients and creative pairings make it stand out, and the ethical sourcing is a huge plus. If you love high-quality chocolate with bold, distinct flavors, Cuna de Piedra’s bonbons collection is well worth trying.
Chocolate Scorecard
- Packaging: 3.5/5
- Appearance: 5/5
- Flavor: 5/5
- Mouthfeel: 4.5/5
- Quality: 5/5
- Ethics: 5/5
- Overall: 4.67/5
Where to Buy
Unfortunately, the Cuna de Piedra bonbons have limited availability due to their short shelf life and fresh ingredients. You can purchase them directly from Cuna de Piedra’s online store for 425 MXN, but they only deliver within Mexico. Alternatively, you might find them at select chocolate festivals where Cuna de Piedra participates. I was lucky enough to pick up my box at the Northwest Chocolate Festival, but if you’re outside Mexico, keep an eye out for upcoming festivals that might feature this remarkable collection.
