Sur del Lago
Sur del Lago is one of the oldest and most interesting regions of cocoa cultivation in the world. It is located in the northwest of Venezuela, in the tropical lowlands southwest of Lake Maracaibo in the state of Merida. This region offers cocoa farmers very favorable climatic conditions for growing high quality cocoa. The cultivation areas are surrounded by tall shade trees, there is tropical heat and there is sufficient water.
Sur del Lago is harvested from Criollo and Trinitario trees and is known for its ripe and intense flavor.
Sur del Lago belongs to the noble cocoas of Maracaibo. The name of the Sur del Lago-beans is also the name of the region of origin.
Over the millennia, many different species of cocoa trees have been brought to this region, resulting in a very wide variety of natural genetic crosses of different species of cocoa trees today, resulting in beautifully rounded chocolate flavors.
Aromatic profile
The bean is fine and delicate with low acidity and low astringency. You will find as well floral nuances, the cocoa flavor can reach a very short bitter note in the finish.
| Aroma intensity | Meaning |
| 0 | none present |
| 1 | just a trace, may not be found again |
| 2 | present in the sample |
| 3–5 | clearly characterizing the sample |
| 6–8 | dominant |
| 9–10 | maximum, you experienced in the sample |
