Located in Waynesboro, PA, their original shop and where they create their confections, and in Frederick, MD, both shops carry a full range of milk and dark chocolate temptations. The store in Frederick is nicely laid out with an airy feel, making it easy to view all of the chocolates available. The range and depth of confections are impressive.

On my first visit, I bought a 1/4 lb mix of several chocolates:

Dark Chocolate Turtle – walnuts and caramel wrapped in chocolate
Milk Chocolate Marshmallow
Dark Chocolate Caramel
Milk Chocolate Caramel
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cream

Visually, my choices had a wonderful natural gloss that only comes from high quality chocolate and scents of chocolate emanating from my small bag were a prelude to the first act. I tried the turtle first because it reminded me a bit of my childhood when my father ordered a pound of them each holiday season from a shop in Vermont.

The Dark Chocolate Turtle was very, very good with a combination of strong dark chocolate flavors, gently toasted walnuts, and buttery clean caramel flavors. Despina Leos’ milk chocolate has a smooth creaminess that is different from most American milk chocolate and I suspect it is sourced from Switzerland. The marshmallow was firmer than I expected, probably due to their being no fillers, and it was a satisfying counterweight to the milk chocolate.

I have a strong soft spot for chocolate caramels, so getting one of each was an obvious choice. They were tasty. As someone who prefers dark chocolate, the dark chocolate caramel got the nod of the two. However, those of you who prefer milk chocolate will not be disappointed.

On my second visit, I purchased a sampling of their truffles:

Pomegranate Truffle
Tiramisu Truffle
Champagne Truffle
White Russian Truffle
Raspberry Truffle
Coffee Caramel Truffle

Some were covered in dark chocolate while other were enrobed in milk chocolate. Most had a sprinkle of nuts or a drizzle of a different type of chocolate. Visually, they all looked appealing in the clear cases. Like the chocolates from my earlier visit, high quality ingredients were on full display. The chocolate exteriors remained firm in hand and a bit thicker than from other artisanal chocolatiers. The ganache interiors were moist and each had pure distinct flavors.

My only disappointment was learning they don’t have an online shop. Buying is only available in-store or by phone. I learned from the staff in Frederick, MD the chocolates and truffles are made only after an order has been placed. This is to ensure a recipient only receives the freshest chocolates. The firm’s attention to detail is impressive and I could definitely taste the difference. Despina Leos Chocolates is certainly worth a stop if your travels take you near Frederick, MD or Waynesboro, PA.

Despina Leos Chocolates
52 North Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701
866-869-8898
https://www.facebook.com/despinaleoscandykitchenfrederick
https://goo.gl/maps/2BZ5UivUaoYJ5rRa7

Despina Leos Chocolates
12 East Main Street
Waynesboro, PA 17268

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