For the Love of Candy

Name: Chewy Black Licorice Bites
Manufacturer: Switzer
Rating: 5/5

I had the good luck to come across a bag of Switzer’s black licorice. I am quite happy to report this lives up to my experience with the chewy cherry twists.

These are licorice bites, a little bigger than a quarter, with holes in the middle. It comes in a black plastic bag, and it is delicious. It’s a mild licorice with a strong molasses flavor and a nice citrusy hint to it. It’s also delightfully chewy without any waxiness. Switzer has the best licorice. My mom found both this and the chewy cherry twists at Cracker Barrel, so if you’re looking for some of this licorice-y goodness for yourself, check there.

Name: Chewy Cherry Twists
Manufacturer: Switzer’s
Rating: 4.5/5

In one of my first entries I wrote about how I wasn’t wild about Twizzlers. I had sort of written off the whole non-red-licorice genre then, but happily this has changed my mind.

Switzer’s is actually a St. Louis company that originated in the 19th century; I’m a St. Louisan myself so I’m always happy to support a hometown company. It’s even better when said hometown company makes something delicious.

Chewy Cherry Twists are long, red, and shiny, and come in a red bag, but the similarities to Twizzler’s end there. The twists have a bright burst of cherry flavor–a flavor that tastes suprisingly organic–and a rounded, not too sweet aftertaste. It isn’t too stuff to chew comfortable, and in fact is a nice blend of stiff and elastic that works quite well. They’re absolutely delicious.

Why only 4.5, then? It still has a slight waxiness to it. That may be part of the licorice experience, though.

Okay, I am finally back! I was having problems logging in, but I have things sorted out. Friday I’ll have a review of Switzer cherry twists and next week look for a review of some of Bissinger’s individual chocolates. So glad to be back!