Stone Grindz is such a hidden gem in Arizona's chocolate scene. Part of this no doubt is because they don't really have a retail space. They do pop up at area farmers markets in the cooler months, but they don't partner with many retail/restaurant groups to stock their AWESOME fine chocolate. Honestly, I wish the reps they had at the farmers markets were better because most people discovering Stone Grindz for the first time have no idea that this is considered world-class chocolate.
I learned about them a couple of years ago in the local media. I read an article about how the owners basically had no background in chocolate-making, kind of fell into it, and are now internationally celebrated. In 2016, after years of hard work and determination, Stone Grindz Chocolate was a finalist at the Good Food Awards in San Francisco. Although they didn't win that first year, they returned a year later in 2017, with much different results. Stone Grindz won a Good Food Award and not one, not two, not three... but four International Chocolate Awards.The following year, they won another Good Food Award and a whopping five International Chocolate Awards, including a Top Three at the World Competition in Italy. Finally, in 2019, Stone Grindz won their third Good Food Award, along with an incredible ten International Chocolate Awards, this time including two Gold Medals at the World Competition in Italy for their Ucayali River, Peru and Suntory Whiskey & Asian Pear Caramels, which were essentially named the best chocolates in the world in their respective categories. And the rest is history!
As you can see from their website, they have a number of different products on offer. For myself, I prefer the truffles over the bars. The bars are good but the truffles are so unique that I am always driven to order them. The Suntory Whiskey & Asian Pear Caramels really are divine. More than the taste, they're just photogenic. These are perfect gifts around the holidays!
As you can imagine, supplies are limited and you never know what will be in stock. If you are planning something as a gift, I would recommend ordering as far as in advance as possible. Nationwide shipping is available (ice packs!) and they used to offer local delivery in the Scottsdale area if you spent a certain amount. Given how busy they get, I am not sure what the offer is currently.
Stone Grindz Chocolate is not cheap but is money well spent for a local product that has been recognized multiple times on the international stage. read more