Behind the Scenes: How Butlers Crafts Creamy White Chocolate in Dublin

The Rich History of Butlers Chocolates

For over 90 years, Butlers Chocolates has been producing some of the most delectable, high-quality chocolates in Ireland. Based in Dublin, Butlers offers a wide array of chocolate confections that have gained renown both domestically and abroad.

Butlers was originally founded in 1932 by Marion Butler as a small café and chocolate shop. Using only the finest ingredients from Europe and around the world, Marion handmade all the chocolates with care and attention to detail. Word quickly spread about the delightful flavors and textures of Butler's chocolates.

A Family Legacy Passed Down Through Generations

Today, Butlers remains a family-owned business that is now operated by the third generation of the Butler family. Headed by Mary Anne Butler, Butlers now exports its chocolates to over 35 countries yet retains its focus on quality ingredients and chocolate mastery.

The company’s most popular offering is the Butlers Chocolate Collection – an assortment of molded chocolates in a variety of flavors including truffles, pralines, caramels, buttercreams, and more. Showcasing chocolate excellence at its best, it makes the perfect gift.

Innovation in Flavor Profiles & Productions

From its humble beginnings, Butlers now produces over 70 tons of chocolate per week yet approaches each batch with craftsmanship and care. While staying true to many of the original recipes created by Marion Butler, the company also continually innovates to create new flavor profiles and chocolate masterpieces.

For example, one of its newest products is the handmade Irish Whiskey Chocolate Truffles that envelops the smooth velvety texture of chocolate with hints of whiskey for a sophisticated, rich taste.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at White Chocolate Production

One of the rarest cocoa butters used in chocolate production is that from white cacao seeds. To make white chocolate, cocoa butter from these rare white cacao seeds are blended with milk and sugar for an ivory-colored chocolate that is rich and creamy.

At the Butlers factory in Dublin, white chocolate production occurs in a separate workstation from other chocolate lines in order to prevent any cross-contamination. Entering the pristine, white workspace feels like walking into a laboratory dedicated to crafting the perfect batch of white chocolate.

Precise Control Over Temperatures & Ingredients

To achieve the right texture and flavor consistency across all its chocolate products, Butlers controls every variable with precision. This includes monitoring temperatures, cooking times, and mixing to exact specifications.

Creating white chocolate is particularly delicate since it contains no cocoa solids. The percentage of cocoa butter, milk powder, sugar and flavors must be calibrated precisely to get the desired result once cooled and set.

Meticulous Hand-Finishing Touches

After white chocolate has been properly tempered, molded and cooled, Butlers chocolate artisans manually hand-finish each piece. Using tools like pastry brushes, heated metal smoothers and customized molds, they perfect the glossy finishes and decorative detailing on items like the white chocolate Irish cream truffle.

It is this degree of hands-on finesse and experienced craftsmanship that makes Butlers one of the world’s premium chocolate brands today. Just as Marion Butler herself did nearly a century ago, each piece still passes through the hands of those dedicated to chocolate excellence.

FAQs

How long has Butlers Chocolates been in business?

Butlers Chocolates was founded in 1932 in Dublin, Ireland by Marion Butler. In 2023, the company celebrates over 90 years of chocolate excellence.

Where can I buy Butlers Chocolates?

Butlers Chocolates are sold online through the company's website as well as in gift shops and select retailers around the world. Over 35 countries import Butlers chocolates including the UK, US, Australia and China.

What makes Butlers white chocolate different?

Butlers uses rare cocoa butter from white cacao seeds to produce its creamy white chocolate rather than palm kernel oils that some mass manufacturers use. Combined with milk, sugar and flavors like Irish Cream, it results in a superb white chocolate experience.

Does Butlers offer chocolate factory tours?

Yes, Butlers invites the public to book tickets for tours of its Dublin chocolate factory available most days of the week. Guests can observe up close how chocolatiers make various chocolate treats by hand.