Scotland’s Finest…Chocolate

It’s National Chocolate Week, and to honour one of our favourite flavours and ingredients, we have prepared a rundown of some of Scotland’s finest producers and suppliers.

Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier

Award-winning artisan chocolatier, Iain Burnett is responsible for creating some of the most delicious Velvet Truffles that you will ever sample. It took him over 3 years to create his recipe using natural and fresh ingredients. His small dedicated team of chocolatiers are trained in-house to meticulously hand-crafted chocolates. Single-origin cocoa from the volcanic island of São Tomé in the South Atlantic is used to create the distinct flavour, and this is mixed with an unblended fresh Scottish cream from a particular herd of cows in Perthshire. Visit the St. Andrews shop to enjoy the full experience or order online. 

Our Favourite: The Velvet Truffle Classic. Simple, Moorish and ensures that no truffle will ever be the same.

Ailey Mae’s Raw Chocolate

Just half an hour away from Edinburgh in North Berwick, Ailey and Martin Covey hand make small batches of chocolate using unroasted cacao. They have a range of bars, truffles and hot chocolates. Flavours of bars include Raspberry & Salted Caramel, Maple Pecan, Coconut, Cardamom & Lime and Orange & Brazil Nut, with ever-changing limited editions. All of their creations are gluten free, dairy free and additive free and are sweetened with agave. Visit the website or Facebook page for more information or pop into the delightful Steampunk cafe for a cup of delicious coffee and a bit of chocolate. 

Our Favourite: Raw Chocolate Bar Orange and Brazil Nuts – think Terry’s Chocolate Orange, but better.

Belter and Cole

Also based in East Lothian, Belter and Cole use local ingredients when they are available, and fair-trade when they’re not. With as few unpronounceable ingredients as possible, the small team don’t use preservatives and make chocolate in small batches. All the chocolate is gluten free and all the Plain chocolate is dairy-free. Visit their Etsy Shop or their Facebook page for more information. 

Our Favourite: Coconut Chocolate, enough to make you feel like you’re on holiday…for a moment.

The Chocolate Tree

The Chocolate Tree is Edinburgh’s only bean to bar chocolate maker, working in small batches using superior natural ingredients, ethically sourced and organic. The team create innovative, stunning, exceptional chocolate – from bars to filled chocolates and from hot chocolate to spreads, they’ve got you covered. Visit the team at their Bruntsfield Shop in Edinburgh or shop online.

Our Favourite: The Hazelnut Spread – think Nutella, but oh, so much better. Perfect on toast slathered on pancakes or for using in baking.

Charlotte Flower Chocolates

Charlotte Flower Chocolates produce hand-made chocolate on the southern shore of Loch Tay, in Highland Perthshire.  We are continually inspired by the extensive palette of flavours available in fine chocolates from around the world, as well as the natural flavours available in the stunning natural landscape around us, and we love the alchemy of bringing those pure and natural flavours together. Workshops are available to customers in which they can learn about the process of making chocolate and create handmade truffles. Available Online or from specialist shops including from Cranachan and Crowdie, Edinburgh.

Our Favourite: Hebridean sea salt caramels

The Pittenweem Chocolate Company

The Pittenweem Chocolate Company is an artisan and family-run chocolatier based on the East Coast of Scotland. Run alongside the chocolate shop runs a cafe, perfect for a day trip out of Edinburgh and of course, a cup of their famous hot chocolate. Dark, white, hazelnut, dark soya or intense “Caliente” chilli chocolate, they’ve got it all. Shop online or visit the shop and cafe in Pittenweem.

Our Favourite: Single Malt Whisky Liqueurs – a little hit of all things Scottish.

Coco Chocolate

Edinburgh based Coco Chocolate are one of the country’s most refined chocolatiers. Specially designed to complement Dalmore whiskies, the chocolates are an ideal gift for any whisky lovers in your life. Visit them online, at their Bruntsfield shop, chocolate school or on one of their monthly tasting evenings.

Our Favourite: their Gin and Tonic flavoured chocolate definitely gets the go ahead from us – flavoured with juniper, lime and lemon, it’s the perfect way to round off a long day.  

Your Chance to win…

Stay tuned on social media for competitions running throughout the week…like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or Instagram. #NationalChocolateWeek