Vosges Exotic Caramels

If you are looking for a gift for just about anyone, I have the gift idea for you -- the Vosges Exotic Caramel Hatbox.  Not only is the box very pretty, with it's two swing out levels and pretty tied ribbon, but it contains come of the best caramels I have ever tasted.  There are 2 each of 9 different caramels, ranging from spicy to fruity.  Here's are my tasting notes on each:

• Rosey -- Spicy, but not hot.  Aromatic floral hint.  Caramel rounded it all out and tempered the heat.
• Crema -- Mild, nutty.  Nice crunch from cashews.  Very sweet.
• Leather -- Crunchy!  Nice touch of bitterness set off by rich, sweet caramelized sugar flavor.
• Tart -- Burst of tartness at start.  Freshness and brightness from orange.  Nice Balance.  Not at all boozy.
• Sunshine -- Floral.  Interestingly slightly sweet & sour.
• Leaf -- Bit of astringency.  Herbal.  Not too sweet.
• Maple -- Nutty, nice maple flavor.  Mild but not too sweet.
• Verde -- Not spicy.  Good crunchiness from pumpkin seeds.  Slight lingering heat on sides of tongue.
• Blush -- Sweet & salty -- what's not to love?

There wasn't a bad one in the bunch.  Even ones that I thought I might not like were exceptionally good. (Rosey with it's pink peppercorns and rosewater sounded like it might not be my thing -- but I loved it!)  The combinations were subtle enough that the caramel was never overwhelmed, but strong enough that each caramel definitely tasted unique.  I really loved these and would happily eat them again and again.

I was sent these by Vosges for review, but you can purchase them from the Vosges website.

Comments

[Alexandra]

Those sound fantastic...I may have to put them on my Christmas chocolate wish-list...lol...
Or just buy them for myself

[Chocolate]

This seems to be a fantastic chocolate gift. I have never seen such a wrapping before. Very creative.

[Karen E]

I ordered these after reading your review and I must say I was somewhat disappointed. It was a lot of pretty packaging around some not-so-10-worthy caramels. Perhaps the problem is that (as much as I am a die-hard caramel lover) this category can never quite equal straight-up chocolate, even exotic varieties like some of the white chocolates you review. Your other ratings I have largely agreed with, but caramels- let's face it - are pretty much sugar syrup inside - so they lack the deep, full sense of QUALITY that pure chocolate offers.

[free butterfinger]

I never to fond of caramel, but this one is worth to try, thank you for the info.
_sammy