The Evolution of The Turtle Launches KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates Signature Terrapin

KOHLER, Wis., July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolate story begins with turtles. And not just any run-of-the-mill turtle – a complex blend of chocolate; smoky, burnt caramel and finished with salted pecans hand-picked for their size and perfection. The turtle that went through rigorous testing, many recipe tweaks and extensive sampling was perfected by the renowned chefs at The American Club resort, and blessed by Kohler Co. CEO & Chairman, Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., to launch KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates in 2007.

At the time, Kohler Co. was seriously considering purchasing a chocolate company to add to its portfolio. In searching for the right chocolate company and the perfect turtle, Mr. Kohler was struck with the realization that taste seldom matched anticipation. It was then he decided the world needed a better turtle and instead of purchasing a chocolate company, he challenged his culinary experts at The American Club resort – the Kohler Co.-owned Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort in Kohler, Wisconsin –to create the finest version of the turtle in the world. The recipe was tested until the taste, texture and flavor profile was exactly perfect. This morsel evolved into the signature Terrapins the company is known for today.

"Most people don't immediately make the connection that Kohler Co., the leading manufacturer in kitchen & bath plumbing products also produces such beautifully-crafted and delectable chocolates," said Scott Silvestri, general manager of KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates and director sales & marketing for The American Club resort. "With everything Kohler Co. does, it does to the fullest and with dedication to set the bar at the highest level. Our chocolate business is no different and since we launched the Terrapin, we continue to challenge ourselves to grow with thoughtful, meticulously-tested delicious, high-quality chocolates."

Today, the original Terrapins have become the basis for an emerging chocolates business that refuses to clutter the marketplace; rather it seeks to explore limitless opportunity in taste and texture with natural raw ingredients. The Terrapins have since been expanded into four delicious varieties: Original Buttery, Blackstrap, Java and Cranberry.

KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates have continued to expand its line, most recently at this year's Fancy Food Show in New York City to include the Platinum – a dual-layered filled-shell with brown sugar caramel and pecan praline. The new addition to the KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolate line joins several other varieties including the signature:

• Original Buttery Terrapins, Kohler Co's version of the turtle. Expertly crafted, these turtles are set apart from the ordinary offering the perfect blend of chocolate, salted pecans and smoky, burnt caramel. Also available in Blackstrap, Java and Cranberry.
  
• Perfect as sparkling gems, Rare Facets are artfully-created to capture the complexity and beauty of 63% dark chocolate paired with flavors such as Pineapple, Sour Cherry, Cranberry-Raspberry, Blueberry, Mandarin Ginger and Pomegranate. 
  
• The Garden Ganache is the faultless chocolate for that person who truly appreciates a beautiful piece of art. Inspired by garden varietals, the colors of these hand-painted milk chocolates hint at their unique flavors – each elegant, artistic and delicious. The Garden Ganache top-selling flavors include: Raspberry, Creme Fraiche, Hazelnut Coffee and Macadamia Nut. 
  
• An experience for all the senses, KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolate Bars are available in Milk and Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut Crunch, Mint and Cherry Almond.

KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolate signature lines are available year-round at the Craverie Chocolatier Cafe and online at www.KohlerChocolates.com. The Craverie Chocolatier Cafe is one of 12 dining establishments throughout the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond, The American Club resort, located in Kohler, Wisconsin. The resort boasts four Championship golf courses at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run and a Forbes Five-Star Kohler Waters Spa. Stay up to date on resort happenings on Facebook, facebook.com/americanclub and on twitter,www.twitter.com/theamericanclub.

About Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate Group
The Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate profile includes The American Club, boasting the first and only Forbes Five-Star hotel property in Wisconsin, and world-renowned championship golf courses Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Acquired in 2004, its sister property, The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in the birthplace of golf, St Andrews, Scotland, is a AA Five Red Star property and recognized as one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. The Hotel stands astride the 17th hole of the Old Course and the North Sea. Just behind the 18th hole, Kohler Co. is renovating what will be known as Hamilton Grand, 26 of the world's most extraordinary apartments.

About The American Club resort
The American Club resort, a 2013 Forbes Five-Star Recipient and the Midwest's only AAA Five-Diamond resort-hotel was named #3 Golf Resort in North America, by Golf Digest Magazine. The resort is one of only 45 hotels in North America with both the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond distinction. Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, Wisconsin is the first and only Forbes Five-Star spa in Wisconsin and one of 37 spas worldwide to hold this distinction. The resort features 12 dining establishments from the Forbes Four-Star Immigrant Restaurant to traditional pub fare at Horse & Plow and rustic Italian at Cucina. The resort is located in the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin, one hour north of Milwaukee and two and a half hours north of Chicago.

SOURCE Kohler Co.