‘Tis the season… for boozy candy! Trader Joe’s really knows how to do the holiday sweets and loves to add booze for that extra kicker!
Unwrapping the Buzz
Trader Joe’s has always been a trove of unique treats, and their latest offering, Boozy Little Chocolate Truffles, is no exception. These aren’t your average chocolates; they’re a spirited journey through four types of alcohol-infused truffles: London Gin, Scotch Whisky, Navy Rum, and Prosecco in White Chocolate. What could be better for the holiday season?
The Alcohol Content: A Tease or a Treat?
Boasting a modest alcohol content of 2% (and occasionally a tad higher at 2.2%), these truffles are more of a tease than a threat when it comes to getting buzzed. Let’s face it, the sugar rush will likely hit you faster than the spirits. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, we’re here for the flavor fusion, not the inebriation. But you might have to be legal alcohol buying age to buy them in your state.
The box I bought does have the standard alcohol warning label on the back but honestly at 2% you could eat a whole box and not even feel anything. The booze is there for flavor.
A Quartet of Flavors
The assortment is presented as nine pieces of each type, summing up to a generous count of 36 truffles. Each variety, encased in a soft chocolate shell, harbors an oozy, boozy, truffle core. Here’s a breakdown of each flavor:
- Prosecco in White Chocolate: The Prosecco truffles, enrobed in their luscious white chocolate coating, are a standout in Trader Joe’s Boozy Little Chocolate Truffles collection. These truffles embody a symphony of sweetness, where the rich creaminess of the white chocolate meets the light, fruity notes of Prosecco.The experience of biting into one of these truffles is akin to a delightful celebration, captured in a single, decadent moment. The white chocolate’s inherent sweetness beautifully harmonizes with the bubbly zing of the Prosecco, creating a flavor profile that is both elegant and playful.Texture-wise, the truffles are a triumph. The outer layer of white chocolate yields to a soft, almost melting center, where the essence of Prosecco lingers pleasantly. It’s a delicate balance, where neither the chocolate nor the alcohol overpowers the other, but rather they work in tandem to enhance the overall taste experience.
These Prosecco in White Chocolate truffles are the kind of treat that would be perfect for special occasions or as a sophisticated addition to a dessert platter. They also make for an excellent conversation starter, bringing a touch of novelty and indulgence to any gathering.
- Scotch Whisky in Dark Chocolate: The antithesis to the Prosecco truffles. Each truffle is a journey in itself, starting with the robust exterior that gives way to a surprisingly soft, almost ganache-like center, where the whisky is cradled. The balance here is key, and it’s executed perfectly: the dark chocolate’s bitterness cuts through the whisky’s potency, resulting in a harmonious blend that’s rich without being overpowering. This combination showcases the craftsmanship behind these truffles, ensuring that each bite is a new discovery of flavor.What I particularly love about the Scotch Whisky truffles is their ability to transport you. With each piece, there’s a sense of indulgence, a brief escape into a world where only taste matters. They manage to capture the essence of a cozy evening by the fire, a glass of fine whisky in hand, translated into a chocolate experience.
- Navy Rum in Milk Chocolate with dark chocolate stripes: A pleasant, albeit less memorable member of the group compared to the Scotch whisky ones. The milk chocolate with a dark chocolate drizzle is a classic touch, and the rum’s presence is unmistakable. Yet, it falls a bit short in terms of distinctiveness, placing it third in our ranking.
- London Gin in Regular Chocolate: This one’s a wildcard. The unique, sweet pine-like flavor of gin makes its presence known amidst the chocolate. It’s an acquired taste. This was my least favorite of them all.
Final Verdict: A Sweet Adventure with Room for Improvement
Overall, Trader Joe’s Boozy Little Chocolate Truffles offer a delightful and unique experience, deserving a solid 7 out of 10. Each truffle variety presents a playful exploration of flavors, melding the worlds of chocolate and spirits in an innovative way. The Prosecco in White Chocolate truffles shine as a sweet highlight, while the Scotch Whisky in Dark Chocolate provides a rich, indulgent contrast. The Navy Rum and London Gin varieties, while enjoyable, don’t quite hit the same high notes, leaving a bit of room for refinement in terms of distinctiveness and flavor balance. This collection is a commendable effort by Trader Joe’s to bring a touch of spirited fun to the dessert table, making it a worthy pick for those looking to indulge in a chocolate adventure with a twist. These make a great gift or stocking stuffer so buy a few boxes!
INGREDIENTS:
MILK CHOCOLATE (SUGAR, WHOLE MILK POWDER, COCOA BUTTER, COCOA MASS, SOY LECITHIN (EMULSIFIER]), DARK CHOCOLATE (COCOA MASS, SUGAR, COCOA BUTTER, SOY LECITHIN [EMULSIFIER]), CREAM (MILK), WHITE CHOCOLATE (SUGAR, COCOA BUTTER, WHOLE MILK POWDER, SOY LECITHIN [EMULSIFIER], NATURAL VANILLA FLAVOR), GLUCOSE SYRUP (WHEAT), BUTTER (CREAM (MILKI), PROSECCO, GLYCERIN, LONDON GIN, NAVY RUM, SCOTCH WHISKY, GRAPPA PROSECCO, INVERT SUGAR SYRUP, LEMON OIL, JUNIPER BERRY ESSENTIAL OIL.
CONTAINS MILK, SOY, WHEAT.
MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF ALMOND, BRAZIL NUT, COCONUT, HAZELNUT, PECAN, PISTACHIO, WALNUT.
DIST. & SOLD EXCLUSIVELY BY: TRADER JOE’S, MONROVIA, CA 91016
These boozy chocolates are the perfect host gift! I bought six. I may go back and get a couple more.
For the price I was pleasantly surprised and would rate them a 9 out of 10. They would make great host gifts or used in a party as treats. I hope I can find some when I go back.
I saw them at the store just yesterday. Your store may or may not still have them…