Internships at our company are unpaid (except in free chocolate and bragging rights), but the reward at the end of this chocolate road is the chance to become a real chocolatier in the company’s employ. Cody Whaley is nearing the end of his year long journey into the world of gourmet chocolate making; after presenting his truffle collection in October, he will become our first employee.

Cody started his internship with us in October 2008 with only a dream of becoming a chocolatier. The 23-year-old had little experience working in a kitchen, but he had a well-developed pallet for tasting flavors and a deep desire to learn. He studied under Hedonist chocolatier and owner Jennifer Posey. They started with kitchen basics such as knife skills and cleanliness, moved through chocolate tempering, packaging and wrapping, then worked up to more advanced techniques like preparing chocolate bark, enrobing chocolate truffles and making their ganache centers. To prepare for his final project, the conception and creation of a signature chocolate truffle collection, Cody collaborated with Jennifer on several pairing projects with Finger Lakes wineries. He found himself drawn to the bittersweet flavors and was inspired to create “Cody Whaley’s Dark Chocolate Collection.”

Cody Whaley, Hedonist Intern

Cody’s collection features five exclusive dark chocolate truffles handmade with fresh ingredients. The flavors include imperial stout, bittersweet cardamom, a pleasant anise, a fun ginger truffle with pop rocks and an interpretation of the classic rum raisin. This unique collection celebrates his chocolate journey and is the culmination of his experience thus far.

Join us for the premier of Cody Whaley’s Dark Chocolate Collection on Saturday October 17th from 6-8pm at the Hedonist kitchen and retail location: 674 South Avenue, Rochester, NY. This event is free and open to the public. Sample the new flavors, enjoy selected pairings and talk with their creator about his exploration of the craft world of artisan chocolates. You can also congratulate him on his new position as Hedonist chocolatier, which begins on October 21. If you can’t make it to the premier, we are hosting additional chocolate tastings leading up to the event, find details at: http://www.hedonistchocolates.com/catalog/events.php