Curating Chocolate with Spencer Hyman of Cocoa Runners (Ep. 50)

“I passionately believe that if we want to save the planet and be healthy we have to go back to savoring and not scoffing.”In this episode we talk with Spencer Hyman, co-founder of Cocoa Runners. Cocoa Runners is a website that sells many of the world’s finest craft chocolate bars, including bars from over 150 makers from over 40 countries. Prior to Cocoa Runners, Spencer was the COO of last.fm, and the playlist curation experience he gained there informs his work at Cocoa Runners, where he sees himself curating chocolate playlists of sorts for folks who may want some guidance when it comes to picking out their next great chocolate discovery. During our conversation, Spencer and I discuss the similarities between music and flavor, how understanding different types of music listeners informs his work at Cocoa Runners, and how we can learn from tasting chocolate with other people of different backgrounds. Listen to the episode to get a discount code exclusively for listeners of Bean to Barstool to get 10% off your order from Cocoa Runners.The music for this episode is from the songs “200 Miles” and “Up In Smoke” by my dear friend, indie folk musician Anna ps. You can find out more about Anna’s music in the show notes or at her website annapsmusic.com, where you can also get in touch to book her to play at your brewery or other establishment.Spencer Hyman co-founded CocoaRunners.com with Simon Palethorpe back in 2013 to help people find the world’s finest craft chocolates. CocoaRunners sources bars from over 150 makers in over 40 countries, and offers weekly virtual tastings and a monthly subscription service. Before CocoaRunners, Spencer was COO of the music website Last.fm; helped launch Amazon’s Software, Electronics, Video Games and Toy Stores in the UK, France, and Germany; and made and sold Cabbage Patch Dolls in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Japan.  He particularly enjoys savouring craft chocolate after a swim in the Hampstead Ponds. Check out David's book Pairing Beer & Chocolate: A Guide to Bringing the Flavors of Craft Beer and Craft Chocolate Together.Follow Bean to Barstool on social media!InstagramFacebookPinterestSign up for host David Nilsen's beer newsletter for regular beer musings, and the Bean to Barstool newsletter for pairings, collaborations, and maker profiles.