Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Chocolate Tastings
Do you offer virtual or in-person tastings?
- We do both! Virtual tastings reach people throughout the country and across the globe. Most in-person events are in the Chicago area where we’re based, but we’re always happy to travel to your event if that’s appropriate.
How long does a tasting last?
- Tastings typically last 45- 60 minutes depending on questions and participant interaction. The more the merrier!
What kind of Chocolates do you use?
- We work with over 50 award-winning craft chocolate makers and carefully curate each event’s selections. We carried about 150 different bars at the café, so we love picking just the right bars for your group, the theme, and what’s fun and different.
- We use ethically sourced, direct trade chocolates that not only taste great, but support the grower communities.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions like Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free and Nut-Free?
- Yes, no problem!
Who will lead the tasting?
- All Cocoa + Co Tastings are hosted by founder, Kim Hack, a TEDx speaker, sommelier and entrepreneur.
What subjects or themes do you offer for your tastings?
- We offer 8 different themes:
- Each includes specific information about the History of Chocolate, the Bean-to-Bar Process and stories about the Makers & Bars that helps illuminate the particular theme you’ve chosen.
How many people can participate?
- We typically offer tastings to a minimum of 15 people, and as many as 100 people in-person and 250 for virtual tastings. But, we’ve done both smaller and larger groups as needed.
How much does it cost?
- Tastings typically include 4 full-sized craft chocolate bars and run $68/person (+ shipping if virtual). There is a $12 upcharge for the Rare Beans theme because the bars and beans are so exclusive.
- Groups over 40 may be able to use bite-sized pieces instead of full-sized bars, bringing the cost down to $35/person. Happy to discuss your needs.
How does shipping work for virtual tastings?
- We ship directly to participants throughout the Continental US. For all other destinations, we ship bulk to the client for them to distribute. Cold packs are needed during warm months.
What have people said about your tastings?
What makes your tastings different?
- Honestly, tastings are only as good as the person leading them and the chocolate they’ve chosen. Kim’s joy, humor and expertise have been widely recognized and appreciated by past participants, the chocolate industry, and diverse forums like TEDx and Renaissance Weekend.
- Kim has been working with craft chocolate makers since 2003 and draws on her experience and relationships to curate the perfect selection of chocolates for your group’s event.
Other types of Chocolate Events
What is a “Choctail Party” like?
- “Choctail Parties” are in-person events designed to foster social interaction between participants, using chocolate pairings as a catalyst. Think a cocktail party with chocolate and a bit of learning thrown in.
What do you do for big groups like meetings and conventions?
- We completely customize each of our events for larger groups. Some examples include creating an interactive tasting booth for an international business meeting, a desert-course tasting for a non-profit gala, a brand activation during a large sporting event, and a chocolate wellness event. Let’s get creative and come up with the perfect chocolate-centric event for your group!
Booking Details
How do I get started?
- Just fill out the contact form, call us or email to get the ball rolling
How much lead-time is needed?
- If it’s a regular chocolate tasting, then a month in advance is optimal.
- If it’s a large event that we will customize for your specific needs, we ideally need at least a couple of months.
- That said, there are always to speed things up when needed (they just cost more).
When is payment due?
- A 50% deposit is due when the estimate is approved so we can move forward to secure the specific chocolates needed. The balance is due at the time of the event.
How are you associated with the Cocoa + Co. Café in Chicago?
Kim Hack founded Cocoa + Co. in 2003, and opened the Cafe in 2015. She sold the café operations in the fall of 2024 and continues to teach and talk about chocolate through Cocoa + Co. Tastings.