KAICAO bean to bar and design your chocolate experience

Explore Madrid’s Unique Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Factory

The KAICAO bean-to-bar experience in Madrid offers a fascinating look into the craftsmanship behind artisan chocolates. Priced at $53.36 per person, this 1 hour 30-minute tour takes place at C. de la Encomienda, 15 and is designed for those curious about chocolate production from start to finish. The tour begins at 4:00 pm, making it a perfect afternoon activity, especially since the venue is near public transportation and holds a maximum of 10 participants—ensuring an intimate experience.

This tour is particularly praised for its friendly guides who demonstrate their passion for chocolate and explain each step with clarity. It appeals to a broad audience, including families, chocolate enthusiasts, and those interested in sustainable, fine cocoa products. Review scores of 4.6 out of 5 reflect high satisfaction, especially for the delicious tastings and educational content. While the tour is not very long, it offers a rundown of the chocolate-making process, making it an ideal choice for a midday or early evening outing in Madrid.

Key Points

• Learn how chocolate is made from cocoa beans to finished bars in just 90 minutes.
• Taste roasted cocoa beans and various chocolate products, including options suitable for diabetics.
• Small group size (up to 10 people) ensures personalized attention and engaging explanations.
• Passionate guides share insights into cacao origins, harvest, and post-harvest processes.
• The experience ends with a product tasting and the opportunity to purchase chocolates directly from the factory.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility.

The Start: Meeting at the Heart of Madrid

The tour kicks off at C. de la Encomienda, 15, located in the Centro district of Madrid. The meeting point’s convenient location near public transportation makes it easy for visitors to reach. The start time of 4:00 pm fits well into Madrid’s lively afternoon schedule, giving ample time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

Discovering the Cocoa Fruit and Harvesting Methods

The tour begins with an introduction to unroasted cocoa, where guides explain the cocoa fruit and the harvest and post-harvest processes. This segment helps participants understand where cocoa comes from before it transforms into chocolate. The guides highlight the special cacao origins used in their factory, emphasizing sustainable sourcing and quality selection.

Selecting and Roasting the Finest Cocoa Seeds

A key part of the bean-to-bar process is seed selection and roasting. The guides describe the profiles they’ve developed to maximize flavor. Visitors witness how the roasted cocoa beans are shelled, and the process is made tangible with the hands-on activity of tasting roasted beans—a highlight praised for its freshness and flavor clarity.

From Roasted Beans to Chocolate Bars

Following the shelling, the tour takes participants through the rest of the production steps needed to turn roasted cacao into chocolate bars and other products. The process showcases artisan techniques and careful craftsmanship that differentiate KAICAO chocolates from mass-produced options. The guides explain each step clearly, making the process accessible and engaging.

Sampling and Tasting the Final Product

The culmination of the tour is an extensive tasting session, where various chocolate bars and products crafted from fine cocoa are available. Visitors appreciate the wide variety—including options suitable for vegans and diabetics—which highlights the factory’s focus on inclusivity. The chocolates are described as spectacular, with many noting the high quality and delicious flavors.

The Opportunity to Purchase Artisan Chocolates

At the end of the tasting, participants have the chance to buy chocolates directly from the factory. This not only supports the small-scale craft but also allows visitors to take home fresh, authentic products. The product lineup is praised for its artisanal craftsmanship and minimal sugar options.

The Guides and Their Passion for Chocolate

The guides receive high praise for their enthusiasm and expertise. Their friendly manner and clear explanations make complex processes easy to understand. Their passion for chocolate shines through, making this tour both educational and enjoyable for all ages.

Practical Info for Visitors

The small group size ensures a more personalized experience. Since the tour is held in an air-conditioned space, it remains comfortable regardless of Madrid’s weather. The cost is reasonable, considering the quality of the tastings and the insights provided. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, offering peace of mind for planning.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike larger factory visits, the KAICAO bean-to-bar tour emphasizes craftsmanship and sustainability, with a focus on origin stories and flavor profiles. The hands-on tasting of cocoa beans and the chance to purchase directly from the producer give this experience a personal touch. The small group size fosters a more intimate and relaxed environment, ideal for learning and sampling.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most

This tour suits anyone with an interest in chocolate, food production, or artisan craftsmanship. It’s especially fitting for families, as children can enjoy the interactive tasting of roasted beans, and for adults who want to deepen their understanding of fine cacao. The informative guides and delicious samples make this a memorable afternoon activity.

Final Thoughts on the Kaicao Bean-to-Bar Tour

The KAICAO factory tour offers a well-rounded look at how cocoa beans become delicious chocolates. Its small size, passionate guides, and interactive tastings separate it from more generic visits. While it’s a shorter tour, the depth of information and quality of samples make it valuable for anyone interested in artisan chocolate-making.

Visit this Madrid-based factory to see, taste, and learn about the entire process—a chance to appreciate the craft behind every bite of your favorite chocolate bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes, from the start at 4:00 pm to the end back at the meeting point.

What is included in the tour price?
Visitors enjoy a guided walkthrough of the process, tastings of roasted beans and various chocolate products, and the opportunity to purchase chocolates directly from KAICAO.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is praised as great for children and adults alike, especially because of interactive tastings and easy-to-understand explanations.

Are there options for people with dietary restrictions?
Some chocolates are suitable for vegans, and diabetic-friendly options are available, making the experience inclusive.

How do I book the tour?
The tour is booked on Viator, with an average booking period of 19 days in advance. You can choose to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience.

What should I expect at the meeting point?
The meeting point is C. de la Encomienda, 15, conveniently located in Madrid’s Centro district, with easy access via public transportation.