This bar opens with genuine intrigue — a velvety, slightly matte finish with visible inclusion pieces gives way to an unexpected aroma of warm, yeasty bread, almost straight from the oven, before cacao steps in behind it. It’s an aroma unlike anything else in MayHawk’s range.
On tasting, savoury notes lead the way, with cinnamon and a touch of salt arriving together before the cacao follows. Sweetness is minimal and only really surfaces towards the end, with no bitterness or acidity to speak of — a remarkably balanced profile for a bar built around so few ingredients. The snap is excellent, and ground pumpkin seeds hit immediately, giving way to a smooth, velvety, fast-melting texture with an outstanding mouthfeel and a soft bite from the very first taste.
What’s most striking is the sheer complexity on offer. Given how minimal the ingredient list is, the depth and layering here feel disproportionate — closer to eating a considered dish than a simple chocolate bar. The first bite is genuinely a little disorientating, in the best way: it takes a moment to work out exactly what’s happening on the palate, and that sense of discovery carries through the whole bar. There’s a clear precision behind the balance of savoury, spice, salt and cacao that doesn’t feel accidental.
The packaging deserves a mention too — outside the artwork designs are really unique, and the gold wrapping inside the box adds real anticipation before you’ve even broken a piece off, and it suits the sense of craft that runs through the whole product.
This is a bar that rewards attention, and easily one of the most interesting releases from MayHawk to date. It’s hard not to be excited to try whatever they release next.
MayHawk Website – Heritage Editions
Overall Rating: 9 out of 10