Single-origin chocolate is made with cocoa that comes from one, identified source. You’ve probably seen this type of chocolate in specialty candy shops or at the supermarket, displayed with other premium confections. As interest in single-origin chocolates has intensified, chocolate tastings have become more widespread. If you love culinary entertaining, and want to try something a little different than a wine tasting or wine and cheese pairing, consider holding a chocolate tasting event.

First, shop around for five or six different varieties of chocolate you’d like to feature at your gathering. For new chocolate tasters, focus on single-origin varieties will give you more of an opportunity to distinguish the key different flavors and aromas each individual type of chocolate is known for. Also, choosing darker chocolates with a higher cocoa content will train your tastebuds to discriminate between the varieties.

Alternatively, if you’re more interested in exploring the range of chocolate from white to dark, choose two each of white, milk, and dark chocolates to sample. Organize the offerings from lightest and mildest to darkest and strongest.

Just as you would when hosting a wine tasting, provide water and plain bread or crackers as palate cleansers, and tasting cards for your guests to use for note-taking.