Ratio The Beer Bar Dark Chocolate Review: An Unusual Take on Dark Chocolate
Ratio Cocoa Roasters’ Beer Bar pairs a 63% cocoa base with malt-and-oat inclusions, taking inspiration from traditional brewing ingredients rather than trying to recreate beer itself. Made in Melbourne, Australia and certified vegan, it sits somewhere between a classic dark chocolate bar and a texture-driven specialty chocolate.
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Origin: |
Melbourne, Australia |
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Cacao %: |
63% |
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Weight: |
70g |
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RRP: |
~$15.00 AUD |
Appearance
The bar presents as a deep dark brown with a slight satin gloss and a faintly oily feel to the touch. At approximately 5mm thick, it delivers a clean, confident snap despite lacking traditional scoring grooves, instead breaking naturally wherever pressure is applied.
One side is generously covered with the malt-and-oat inclusions, while the reverse features Ratio’s distinctive geometric mould pattern, a design shared across the brand’s range that gives each bar a recognisable identity. A slight surface bloom was visible but had no impact on the eating experience.
Presentation remains consistent with the wider Ratio range, favouring an artisan feel over polished premium packaging.
Aroma
The aroma is led primarily by dark chocolate, with subtle fruit notes sitting above the cocoa. Despite its brewing inspiration, little obvious malt or hop character emerges before tasting.
Taste & Texture
It opens with a surprisingly savoury profile. The rolled oats and malted barley provide an immediate crunch that contrasts well against the smooth chocolate, creating more textural interest than many inclusion-heavy bars.
The chocolate melts at a measured pace and remains smooth throughout without becoming grainy. Bitterness and sweetness are well balanced, allowing the cocoa to remain present without becoming overly aggressive.
While the brewing inspiration doesn’t translate into obvious beer flavours, the combination itself works better than expected. The inclusions contribute roasted, cereal-like notes that add depth and distinguish the bar from a more traditional dark chocolate.
We found the richness naturally encouraged restraint rather than indulgence, making it a bar that rewards slower enjoyment rather than casual snacking.
Aftertaste & Finish
Cocoa remains the dominant flavour after swallowing, lingering longer than the grain elements. A gentle roasted note persists before gradually fading, leaving a clean finish without excessive bitterness.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Yes. Although the brewing inspiration doesn’t fully translate into the flavour profile, the combination of dark chocolate, malted barley and rolled oats creates a genuinely interesting eating experience.
This isn’t a novelty bar that relies on its name alone. Instead, it succeeds because of its texture and roasted cereal character, offering something different without losing sight of the chocolate itself. It feels rich enough that you’ll naturally savour a few pieces rather than finish the bar in one sitting.
For those expecting obvious beer flavours, it may not completely deliver. For anyone looking for an original dark chocolate with satisfying crunch and balanced bitterness, it’s an enjoyable surprise.
More about malt and texture than beer, but interesting enough to seek out again.
Editor’s Note
We revisited this bar over several evenings to understand whether the novelty wore off. Instead, it remained consistent throughout, with its appeal coming less from the beer concept and more from the interaction between the roasted grains and dark chocolate.
Adrian, Editor at All That Is Cool
