Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day: Over 25 Irresistible Recipes for Every Chocolate Lover

Is there any dessert more universally adored than a decadent slice of chocolate cake? Its rich, deep flavor, incredibly indulgent texture, and utterly satisfying sweetness make it the ultimate dessert for marking life’s most precious moments – or simply transforming an ordinary day into something truly extraordinary. For all chocolate enthusiasts, here’s some delightful news to sink your teeth into: January 27th is officially National Chocolate Cake Day! It’s the perfect, much-anticipated excuse (though we hardly need one) to grab a fork and dive headfirst into layer upon luscious layer of chocolatey goodness.

This special day is dedicated to celebrating one of the world’s most beloved confections, a culinary masterpiece that brings joy to millions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for an exciting new challenge or a novice eager to create your very first chocolate triumph, there’s a perfect recipe out there waiting to inspire you. From classic fudgy creations that evoke childhood memories to innovative twists that surprise and delight, the possibilities are as endless as your cravings. As this deliciously anticipated day approaches, the only real question remaining is: which sensational chocolate cake recipe will you choose to bake first to honor this sweet occasion?

Prepare to explore a delightful array of chocolate cake wonders. This curated collection showcases everything from sophisticated flourless chocolate cakes that promise an intense cocoa experience with their dense, rich texture, to comforting, fudgy bundt cakes, perfect for sharing at any gathering. You’ll find recipes for molten lava cakes, elegant layered creations, and even inclusive options like vegan and gluten-free delights, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every preference and dietary need. Each recipe is a testament to the versatility and enduring appeal of chocolate, proving its status as a timeless favorite. So, preheat your oven, dust off your mixing bowls, and get ready to discover your next favorite chocolate cake recipe, ensuring this year’s National Chocolate Cake Day is truly unforgettable—one glorious, satisfying slice at a time!

Why We Can’t Resist the Allure of Chocolate Cake

There’s an undeniable magic to chocolate cake that transcends simple taste. For many, it’s more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic treat, bringing back cherished memories of childhood birthdays, joyful family gatherings, and comforting moments shared with loved ones. The deep, rich aroma alone is often enough to stir feelings of warmth, happiness, and anticipation. Beyond the emotional connection, there’s a scientific basis for our love of chocolate: it contains compounds that can trigger the release of endorphins in the brain, leading to a natural sense of well-being and pleasure. This makes a slice of chocolate cake not just a culinary indulgence but an experience that truly soothes the soul and deeply delights the senses. Its velvety texture, whether it’s a light, airy sponge or a dense, fudgy masterpiece, combined with the complex notes of cocoa, creates a symphony of flavors that is truly addictive. It’s a perfect blend of sweetness and often a subtle bitterness, sometimes enhanced with a hint of coffee or a pinch of salt to deepen its profile, making it a dessert that constantly evolves yet always provides profound satisfaction.

A Sweet History: The Enduring Evolution of Chocolate Cake

The journey of chocolate cake from a humble, bitter beverage to the universally beloved dessert we know and adore today is a fascinating tale. Chocolate itself has been consumed for thousands of years, primarily as a ceremonial and invigorating drink by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. It wasn’t until the 17th century that chocolate made its way to Europe, where the introduction of sugar began its transformation into a sweet indulgence. The very first rudimentary “chocolate cakes” began making an appearance in the mid-19th century, coinciding with the wider availability of cocoa powder and baking soda, which allowed for lighter textures. Early versions were often quite dense and frequently flavored with a variety of spices. However, the real breakthrough in chocolate cake as we recognize it came in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Advancements in baking techniques and the refinement of ingredients led to the creation of lighter, fluffier cakes and the development of rich, creamy chocolate frostings. Today, chocolate cake continues to evolve, with countless regional and innovative variations reflecting diverse culinary traditions and dietary preferences around the globe. Yet, its core appeal remains unchanged: a timeless treat cherished across cultures and generations for its undeniable deliciousness.

Bake It Like a Pro: Essential Tips for Your Best Chocolate Cake Ever

Achieving that coveted perfect chocolate cake isn’t solely about meticulously following a recipe; a few simple, expert tips can significantly elevate your baking game and ensure spectacular results every time. Firstly, the foundation of any great chocolate cake lies in its ingredients: always opt for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate. Superior ingredients will yield a richer, more profound, and truly exquisite flavor in your final cake. Consider the type of cocoa: Dutch-processed cocoa provides a darker color and a milder, less acidic taste, while natural cocoa is more acidic and results in a lighter hue and sharper chocolate notes. Secondly, it is crucial to ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and ultimately contributing to a wonderfully tender and consistent crumb. Thirdly, resist the urge to overmix the batter once the flour has been incorporated; overmixing can develop gluten, leading to a tough, chewy cake. Instead, mix just until the ingredients are combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. For a supremely moist cake, avoid overbaking! Use the classic toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. Lastly, patience is a virtue: allow your cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to frost them. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, and it allows the cake’s structure to settle for a beautifully finished dessert. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different frostings, from classic chocolate buttercream to a luscious ganache, a tangy cream cheese frosting, or even a light whipped cream, to find your absolute perfect pairing.

🍫 Dive into These Divine Chocolate Cake Recipes

Six Egg White Chocolate Cake

Don’t let leftover egg whites go to waste! This delightful chocolate cake recipe ingeniously uses six egg whites to create a light yet rich and incredibly moist texture. It’s surprisingly easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients like rich chocolate, creamy butter, fine flour, and sugar, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavor that’s both elegant and satisfying. Enjoy creating this delicious chocolate cake that’s perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.

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Chocolate Blackout Cake

Prepare for a deep dive into unparalleled chocolate intensity with this legendary Chocolate Blackout Cake. This recipe guides you through creating a truly decadent, multi-layered chocolate cake, generously covered in rich chocolate chips, and finished with a luxurious dark chocolate drizzle. Every single bite is an explosive symphony of cocoa, making it an absolute must-try for serious chocolate lovers seeking ultimate indulgence.

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Chocolate Kahlua Cake: A Boozy Bundt Cake Recipe

Elevate your dessert game with this amazing boozy bundt cake! This Chocolate Kahlua Cake recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, starting with a simple yellow cake mix and enhanced with delightful extras, including the unmistakable, rich coffee-liqueur flavor of Kahlua. Topped with a delectable Kahlua glaze, this cake offers a sophisticated, moist, and utterly irresistible treat perfect for adult gatherings and special celebrations.

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Chocolate Whipped Cream Cake

Indulge in pure chocolate bliss with this exquisite Chocolate Whipped Cream Cake. This recipe promises a cake that is both easy and quick to prepare, delivering a remarkably light and airy texture that is perfectly complemented by a rich and profound chocolate flavor. The delicate, cloud-like whipped cream frosting adds a luscious and creamy contrast, making every mouthful a truly heavenly and unforgettable experience.

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Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake Recipe

When it comes to classic and reliably delicious recipes, Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself, always delivers. This highly acclaimed recipe for Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is hailed as the ultimate chocolate layer cake. With its perfectly moist crumb, intensely rich chocolate flavor, and elegant presentation, it makes for the ideal birthday cake or a magnificent show-stopping dessert for any special occasion.

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Chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting

Experience the delightful and universally loved contrast of rich, deep chocolate cake paired with a tangy, wonderfully creamy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is celebrated for being one of the easiest chocolate cakes you can make at home, yet it consistently yields impressive and incredibly satisfying results. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you crave a comforting, indulgent treat with a touch of sophisticated flair.

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Death by Chocolate Dump Cake

For the most serious and dedicated chocolate lovers, the “Death by Chocolate Dump Cake” is an absolute dream come true. This incredibly easy and straightforward recipe uses only 5 simple ingredients, making it remarkably quick to prepare without compromising on intense, profound chocolate flavor. It’s a rich, fudgy, and absolutely irresistible dessert that lives up to its name, promising a blissful and memorable chocolate overload experience.

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Almond Flour Chocolate Cake

Discover a healthier yet equally indulgent way to enjoy your favorite dessert with this super easy, one-bowl Almond Flour Chocolate Cake. This recipe creates a wonderfully moist and deliciously rich cake that is also completely gluten-free, thanks to the wholesome almond flour. Made with carefully selected healthier ingredients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor or delightful texture, perfect for those with specific dietary preferences or anyone seeking a lighter option.

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Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake

Indulge in the harmonious and exquisite blend of flavors with this delightful Chocolate Cherry Sour Cream Bundt Cake. This rich, deeply chocolatey cake is made extra moist and tender with the clever addition of sour cream, then crowned with a luscious, smooth chocolate ganache, and generously adorned with vibrant, sweet maraschino cherries. It’s a beautifully decadent bundt cake that’s perfect for special occasions or as a festive treat that truly stands out.

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German Chocolate Bundt Cake

This German Chocolate Bundt Cake is a truly rich and indulgent dessert, renowned for its classic and irresistible combination of flavors and textures. It features a moist, deep chocolate cake as its luxurious foundation, generously crowned with the iconic, decadent coconut-pecan frosting, and often finished with an additional luscious chocolate ganache. It’s a guaranteed showstopper and a crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering or celebration.

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Chocolate Ricotta Cake

Experience a uniquely rich and delightfully decadent dessert with this Chocolate Ricotta Cake. Made with creamy ricotta cheese and rich cacao powder, this cake boasts an incredibly moist, tender, and distinctly creamy texture, all while delivering a bold, intense chocolate flavor. It’s an elegant and surprising twist on traditional chocolate cake that promises a delightful and memorable surprise for your palate.

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Best Chocolate Flourless Cake

This “Best Chocolate Flourless Cake” is an absolutely delicious and surprisingly easy-to-make dessert, boasting an intensely rich and pure chocolate flavor. The innovative addition of finely grated almonds provides a wonderful, subtle texture that perfectly complements the dark chocolate, creating a sophisticated and profoundly satisfying treat. This versatile recipe is also fantastic for making perfectly moist gluten-free chocolate muffins, offering a delightful and inclusive option for everyone to enjoy.

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Healthy Chocolate Cake

Yes, a healthy chocolate cake is absolutely possible and utterly delicious! This innovative recipe for a Healthy Chocolate Cake results in a cake that is moist, dense, rich, and lusciously chocolatey, yet surprisingly good for you. Packed with wholesome, nutritious ingredients, it’s so satisfying and wholesome that you might even consider it healthy enough to enjoy for breakfast, offering guilt-free indulgence any time of day.

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Old Fashioned Southern Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

Experience an authentic taste of Southern comfort with this Old Fashioned Southern Chocolate Coca Cola Cake. This incredibly easy chocolate cake recipe doesn’t even require a mixer, making it accessible and convenient for bakers of all skill levels. The unique addition of Coca-Cola creates a supremely moist and tender crumb with a subtle, irresistible flavor, all crowned with a rich, classic chocolate frosting. It’s a true classic that brings back nostalgic memories.

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Sacher Torte

Immerse yourself in Austrian culinary heritage with this authentic Sacher Torte. This classic and elegant chocolate cake impresses with its beautifully dark, shiny chocolate icing and a wonderfully moist dough, delicately infused with a layer of tangy apricot jam. Serving a delicious slice of Sacher cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream creates a truly perfect ensemble in terms of both exquisite looks and unforgettable, harmonious taste.

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Hershey’s Chocolate Cake

Discover the ultimate crowd-pleaser with this Hershey’s Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Cake, a recipe often cited as a beloved family favorite for its consistent deliciousness and rich flavor. This particular version takes the classic to the next level by livening it up with a vibrant, zesty coconut lime buttercream frosting, offering a refreshing and delightfully unexpected twist to the deep chocolate base.

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Chocolate Orange Cake

Delight your senses with this surprisingly flavorful and incredibly aromatic Chocolate Orange Cake recipe. The unexpected, bright hint of orange zest and juice perfectly complements and cuts through the richness of the deep chocolate, creating a vibrant and utterly irresistible dessert that no chocolate lover can possibly resist. Topped with sweet mandarin oranges, this cake is as visually appealing as it is deliciously satisfying.

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Vegan Chocolate Cake

For those seeking a plant-based indulgence, this Vegan Chocolate Cake is a truly decadent and guilt-free dessert. It’s wonderfully rich, incredibly moist, and deliciously fudgy, boasting a tender crumb paired with a silky-smooth, creamy, and undeniably buttery frosting that is remarkably hard to resist. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires only simple, accessible ingredients, proving that vegan desserts can be just as luxurious and satisfying as their traditional counterparts.

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Chocolate Mug Cake

When a sudden, intense chocolate craving strikes, this homemade Chocolate Mug Cake is your ultimate quick and easy solution. Ready in just 5 minutes total from start to finish, it’s surprisingly healthy for an indulgence and incredibly delicious, delivering a rich and profoundly satisfying chocolate flavor in a perfectly portioned single serving. It’s the ideal instant treat for any time of day, offering pure bliss on demand.

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Chocolate Caramel Cake (from Scratch Recipe)

Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this incredible Chocolate Caramel Cake, crafted entirely from scratch. This magnificent recipe delivers luscious, sweet layers of pure chocolatey bliss, perfectly balanced with the rich, buttery, and utterly decadent goodness of salted caramel. Topped with a generous swirl of exquisite salted caramel frosting, this combination is simply divine and an absolute showstopper for any dessert table, promising an unforgettable taste experience.

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Best Chocolate Bundt Cake

This “Best Chocolate Bundt Cake” is truly impressive, captivating with its intensely rich chocolate flavor and elegant, fluted form. Its wonderfully moist and silky texture literally melts in your mouth, while the delightful chopped chocolate bits embedded throughout the cake add an extra layer of pure chocolate experience and satisfying bite to every single mouthful. It’s a perfect and visually stunning dessert for any gathering or celebration.

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Chocolate Bundt Cake With Cream Cheese Filling

Experience the best of both dessert worlds with this delightful Chocolate Mocha Bundt Cake, featuring a luscious and unexpected cream cheese filling. If you’re a devoted fan of both rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake, this extraordinary stuffed bundt cake is absolutely sure to become your new favorite indulgence. The deep, aromatic mocha cake beautifully complements the tangy, smooth cheesecake center, creating an irresistible and perfectly balanced dessert.

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Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Dulce de Leche

This exquisite Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a layered masterpiece, boasting a rich chocolate cake base, a creamy and tangy cream cheese filling, all generously coated with silky frosting and a decadent drizzle of authentic Dulce de Leche. The harmonious combination of intense chocolate, smooth creaminess, and sweet caramel creates an unforgettable and complex flavor profile that is truly perfect for any special occasion or celebration.

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Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Combine two beloved flavors into one sensational dessert with this delectable Chocolate Strawberry Cake. This recipe features a rich, dense, and brownie-like chocolate cake as its foundation, perfectly complemented by luscious layers of sweetened whipped cream and an abundance of fresh, juicy strawberries. It’s a beautifully balanced and vibrant dessert that’s absolutely ideal for spring and summer celebrations, or any time you crave a refreshing yet indulgent treat.

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Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Surprise your taste buds with this wonderfully moist and deceptively flavorful Chocolate Zucchini Cake. This is a true chocolate lover’s dream, featuring a rich chocolate cake base with tons of deep cocoa flavor. Generously studded with melt-in-your-mouth semi-sweet chocolate chips and elegantly topped with a decadent chocolate ganache glaze, the zucchini adds incredible moisture and tenderness to the crumb without imparting any discernible vegetable taste.

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Chocolate Banana Cake

Transform a simple box chocolate mix into a deliciously moist and decadently flavorful treat with this incredibly easy Chocolate Banana Cake recipe. The natural sweetness and inherent moisture from ripe bananas beautifully enhance the chocolate flavor, creating a wonderfully tender and rich crumb that tastes entirely homemade. It’s a quick, convenient, and supremely satisfying dessert that’s perfect for using up overripe bananas.

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Peppermint Buttermilk Dark Chocolate Cake (egg & dairy-free)

Indulge in a surprisingly healthy yet utterly delicious treat with this Peppermint Buttermilk Dark Chocolate Cake. This soft, moist, and flavorful cake is unique as it is free from gluten, eggs, and dairy, making it perfectly suitable for a variety of dietary needs and preferences. The refreshing hint of cool peppermint perfectly complements the rich, deep dark chocolate, offering a delightful and unexpected twist on a beloved classic flavor combination.

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Malted Chocolate Stout Cake

Experience a truly sophisticated and wonderfully rich dessert with this Malted Chocolate Stout Cake. Amazingly moist and deeply flavored with the unique, complex notes of stout beer, this cake is elegantly crowned with a creamy, delectable malted chocolate frosting. It’s a perfect cake to make any day feel exceptionally special, offering a complex and unforgettable taste for adult palates seeking a gourmet treat.

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Rich Sourdough Chocolate Cake with Raspberries

This Rich Sourdough Chocolate Cake with Raspberries offers a unique and incredibly flavorful way to utilize sourdough discard. The cake is wonderfully rich, exceptionally moist, and loaded with a deep, complex chocolate flavor. The bright tartness of fresh raspberries perfectly balances the sweet, chocolatey base, while the addition of sourdough starter imparts an incredible depth and subtle tang that never fails to impress. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic.

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Chocolate sour cream pound cake

You won’t believe the incredible deliciousness and irresistible texture of this Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake! This deceptively simple recipe creates an extraordinarily moist and profoundly rich cake, with the sour cream adding a tender crumb and a subtle tang that perfectly enhances the deep chocolate flavor. It’s a comforting and elegant classic that’s always a hit and perfect for dessert or even brunch.

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Chocolate Oatmeal Cake

This Chocolate Oatmeal Cake is not just a beloved family favorite; it’s a perfectly moist, delightfully fluffy, and incredibly satisfying dessert that hits all the right notes for your sweet tooth. The wholesome addition of hearty oatmeal contributes to its exceptionally tender texture and imparts a comforting, homestyle feel, making it an ideal treat for any day of the week, especially when you crave something both nutritious and delicious.

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Refined Sugar Free Chocolate Birthday Cake

Celebrate guilt-free with this Refined Sugar-Free Chocolate Birthday Cake! This incredible cake is wonderfully moist, naturally sweetened with wholesome fruit, and completely flourless, making it a fantastic and truly healthy chocolate cake option. It elegantly proves that you don’t need refined sugar to enjoy a truly delicious, rich, and celebratory dessert that tastes absolutely amazing.

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Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Don’t let the name fool you – this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a classic for an incredibly delicious reason! The secret ingredient, mayonnaise, subtly contributes to an astonishingly moist, rich, and velvety chocolate crumb, all without adding any discernible flavor of its own. Topped with a luxurious, creamy buttercream frosting, it offers the ultimate chocolatey indulgence that will surprise and profoundly delight everyone who tries it.

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Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

This Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe is a true celebration of deep, complex, and sophisticated flavors. It yields a wonderfully moist and exceptionally tender cake that is intensely chocolatey, exquisitely infused with rich malty and roasty notes from the iconic Guinness stout. Elegantly crowned with a luxurious Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s a sophisticated dessert perfectly suited for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion that calls for a truly distinctive treat.

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Chocolate Root Beer Bundt Cake

For a truly unique, nostalgic, and surprisingly delicious dessert, you must try this Chocolate Root Beer Bundt Cake. This rich chocolate cake is wonderfully infused with the distinctive, classic flavor of root beer, then generously drizzled with a sweet and tangy root beer glaze. It’s a root beer lover’s dream come true, offering a delightful and unexpected twist on traditional chocolate cake that’s both fun and incredibly delicious, guaranteed to impress.

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Fallen Chocolate Espresso Souffle Cake with Boozy Cream

Indulge in the sophisticated charm and unique texture of this Fallen Chocolate Espresso Souffle Cake. This elegant dessert features a delightful crackly top and, much like a classic soufflé, rises beautifully in the oven before gracefully falling to create a dense, fudgy, and intensely flavorful texture. Lightly sweetened and rich with bitter cocoa and invigorating espresso, it’s perfectly complemented by a decadent, optional boozy cream, offering a refined and utterly irresistible treat for discerning palates.

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