Discover the Dark Art of Chocolate Making

• Sarah Milne
• 29 June 2017

88 Degrees

Two Angus chocolatiers – Carlotta's and 88 Degrees – are regularly performing cocoa bean alchemy

The range of fine chocolates being made all round Scotland has been an impressive addition to the country's thriving artisan food scene, and Angus is well represented in the sector.

Carlotta's Chocolates is run by Charlotte Benvie, who learned her craft under UK Chocolate Master Ruth Hinks. Carlotta's dark chocolate bon bons, awarded a Great Taste Gold Star Award, are a perfect pairing with coffee, while the hand-rolled truffles are a real customer favourite. As well as her range of chocolate goodies, Charlotte also offers full or half-day chocolate making courses at her base in Brechin to anyone looking to learn the dark art of chocolate making.

Over in Kirriemuir, Johanna Woodhead of 88 Degrees (named for the perfect temperature at which to serve an espresso) manages to perfectly combine the role of artisan chocolate maker and running what has become a landmark café.

Her philosophy of keeping it natural and not contracting out what she can do herself has been a constant for the 13 years the business has been running. With a background in hospitality, Johanna and husband Phillip still do everything themselves, from design to chocolate production.