I first tasted this at the olive groves in Chile. It was great in that exotic locale, but I always wait until I come home for the real taste test—the sobering grey of Ann Arbor adds a dose of reality to any rosy memory. Thankfully, tasting it at home was every bit as enjoyable, so good we have decided to have a special blend bottled under our label.

The latest bottling, from the summer 2009 harvest (since Chile's in the southern hemisphere, they pick in summer, not fall, like the northern hemisphere oil makers) is a big oil. It has a wonderful aroma that reminds me of almonds and a really beautiful bitterness in the finish that may catch you with a punch of late breaking pepperiness. To me it has the same sort of appeal of the bitter end of dark chocolate. It's lively, engaging, intriguing. Not strong but vital, alive. My mouth tingles long after I’ve finished eating it.

This product is certified organic.

If you'd like to try our other Zingerman's oil, click here.