Nuance Chocolate — Attraction in Fort Collins

On a grand tour of Wyoming and Colorado chocolatiers, Nuance was far and away the highest quality and tastiest maker of my most favorite of foods. Where the vast majority of these shops simply make their chocolates in house (if that!), Nuance crafts their own bean to bar chocolate, then uses that same chocolate to create giant and absolutely delectable ganache based truffles! The latter were my reason for seeking out Nuance, but once in the shop, I was astounded to see nearly 50 different bars! They have everything from single origin to inclusion or flavored varieties, milk, and even white.

I had to try Chantilly Cream, a milk chocolate made with cream instead of milk (!!!), but there were plenty other varieties that caught my attention: glazed coconut, goat milk, coffee and cream, even a whole line infused with whiskies. They also offer bitters, brewing chocolate, various coffees and cocoas, even nibs. I took home a bag of nibs, and have been enjoying them over fruit and yogurt daily. I eat a lot of cacao nibs, and these are some of the best I have had.

While their website advertises a limited selection of truffles, in store I had my choice of 20+. I selected six, but had I known what a dream they would be, definitely would have gotten more! As it is, I have sadly finished them within a week! All were stunningly rich and not-too-sweet, but if forced to choose favorites, I would say Peanut Butter, Toasted Almond and Apricot, and Honey & Lavender win Best in Show. Of note, some are even dairy free for your vegan friends!

Prices are $8.50 to $12.50 for bars, $3.80 for truffles, and pretty standard to the market for everything else. The humble craft paper box is so sweet and rustic with it's crimson raffia bow, and I appreciated the time the employees took to note the variety of each truffle for future reference. There is a little seating outside, and they offer curbside pickup, too. They took social distancing very seriously, only allowing three customers in the store at a time. My only regret was hearing someone order a toffee truffle, and realizing I had somehow missed out on that? How?! I suppose I'll just have to travel back to Colorado sometime to get one. Nuance merits the trip...

Amazing chocolate.....incredibly rude staff. My family stopped in today for a little treat while we were in the area. First of all there are no signs indicating where to line up for the flights vs general ordering. Naturely, we made our way to the register in the very small and busy space, since we noted the staff was busy with other patrons and we assumed that would be the place to wait patiently, out of the way of the door. However, we were immediately chided like disobedient children for making this assumption. The older gentleman who came up to help us then proceeded to give the spiel before commencing the tasting menu. My mother asked him a question to which, he curtly asked if he "should continue my description". Then, I was very full from lunch and not wanting to consume an excessive amount of chocolate so I asked to split the tasting plate with my husband. To which the same gentleman became irritated and stated they were too small of pieces to share....which is not true by the way, splitting would have been sufficient...the real reason is they charge per person not per flight. Finally, we went back up to the bar to order a 4 piece of truffles to take home. While they were being boxed my husband made his way to the cash register, having learned our lesson. Once they were boxed, I was trying to explain to the young man that my husband was at the register waiting to pay to which he demanded that I need to go to the register on the other side of the room to pay for them. I finally just said ok. Overall the experience was irritating and we left feeling insulted. If the flow is going to be that big of an issue for the staff then maybe they should consider redesigning or placing signs to...

This place is a treasure. There are few places like Nuance anywhere; not in big cities, expensive enclaves, or the swankiest neighborhoods. And I want to personally thank them. The owners are committed, intelligent, passionate, community focused, conscientious, sustainably oriented, chocolate lovers. They care deeply about everything they do and that is reflected in all of aspects of their business. Their employees are educated, smiling, interactive, safe and fun. When you care about health in front of people, I suspect you do the same when people aren't looking.

I don't wish owning a retail or restaurant as a business on anyone right now and Tobi and Alix have the entrepreneurial spirit not only to be able to endure this pandemic, but to emerge from it even better! They succeed despite online trolls and a truly toxic political atmosphere, and they do it with kindness and grace. As a customer, I cannot ask for more with the exception of an outstanding product. They have that in spades.

I almost forgot to talk about the chocolate! I've traveled all over the world. I seek culture through epicurean delights and I feel qualified to say this is the best chocolate I have ever had, anywhere. For those who are looking for it, the name "Nuance" is apt. Enjoying a single origin flight and a rich and deeply satisfying true hot chocolate is nearly intoxicating.

Go there. Order something made with passion and in cooperation with other local businesses. Indulge in a true hot chocolate. I'm confident you'll agree.

Thank you Nuance Chocolate. You are the best of us...and you're chocolate is...