The International Chocolate Salon has announced the winners of its 2013 Top Truffle Artistry Competition.

Twelve judges representing a mix of editors, including Candy Industry's Bernie Pacyniak, authors and topic experts each sampled an array of truffles and then voted for their favorites in a variety of categories, including: best ingredient combinations, best use of color and best truffle, and of course, Outstanding Salon Selection, among others.

One judge wrote, “Amazing assortment of artisan crafted truffles and chocolates. It was truly a challenge to choose among the many outstanding submissions. Kudos to all of these talented chocolatiers. I found the packaging fromFlying Noir Chocolates most intriguing and fun. Thanks for thinking outside of the box in your presentation.Luxx Chocolat Irish truffle was not only beautiful from the outside, but also a terrific presentation from the inside with its three layers of colored ganache. The blend of flavors added to the overall excellence.”    

While Flying Noir won first place in the most categories, they did not take home the most coveted title, which was Outstanding Salon Selection. That went went to the Moonstruck:Oregon Distillers Collection.

One judge said, “Moonstruck's Oregon Distillers Collection was unique and wonderful.”

And another wrote, “Moonstruck ranked in top. Spectacular selections this year!”

While yet another wrote, “Moonstruck Oregon Distillers Collection [of] very fine "spirited truffles" will make a wonderful gift for any occasion.”

Below is a list of the first place winners in each category. For a full list of the first, second and third place winner, visit the the International Chocolate Salon website.

Top Truffle Artistry Winners, 
Chocolate Salon Awards Competition, 2013:

Best Packaging

• Flying Noir Chocolate Survival Kit

Best Ingredient Combinations

• Delysia Chocolatier Jalapeno Tequila Truffle

Best Taste and Flavor
Flying Noir Caramel Story 6-pc.

Best Texture   (tie)

• Fera'wyn's Artisan Chocolates CUPPA 5-piece box
• Flying Noir Caramel Story 6-pc.

Most Unique

• Flying Noir Chocolate Survival Kit

Best Art Design

• Flying Noir Chocolate Survival Kit

Best Shape or Moulds (tie)

• Flying Noir Chocolate Survival Kit
• Flying Noir Caramel Story 6-pc.
• Chocolot Boxed Set of 6 Truffles
• Luxx Chocolat Black Forest

Best Use of Color (tie)

• Chocolot Boxed Set of 6 Truffles
• Flying Noir Chocolate Survival Kit

Best Truffle    

• Fera'wyn's Artisan Chocolates Limoncello 2-piece box

Best Brand or Chocolatier  

• Flying Noir Caramel Story 6-pc.

Outstanding Salon Selection

• Moonstruck: Oregon Distillers Collection

Judges:

• Roseann Tully, Intermezzo Magazine           
• Bernard Pacyniak, Candy Industry Magazine          
• Carole Bloom, Author of 11 chocolate and dessert cookbooks
• Athena Yang, Forays of a Finance Foodie
• Jack Epstein, Chocolate Covered Boutique 
• Jennifer Olvera, "Food Lover's Guide to Chicago," Serious Eats, Zagat
• Janet Rudolph, DyingForChocolate.com      
• Alexandria Christakos, Draegers Market      
• Katreece Montgomery, Chocolate Addict
• Lynn Wong, Viva Cocolat Boutique   
• Emma Krasov, Art and Entertain Me JetSet Extra
• Jennifer G. Che, Tiny Urban Kitchen

Candy Industry would like to thank all the companies that participated, and offer its sincerest congratulations to all the winners.