Collaboration Case Study: Estelle Tracy on Educators Partnering with Craft Chocolate Makers
We recently wrapped up our four-episode series called Collaboration for Chocolate Makers, which looked at different collaboration ideas for craft chocolate companies. Today, we’re looking at a case study of a specific kind of creative collaboration within the industry to pick apart how it worked, and how you can apply it at your own chocolate operation.
Estelle Tracy of 37 Chocolates is a chocolate educator whose has been a guest on Bean to Barstool numerous times (you can find links to those episodes below). She reached out to me a few weeks back to let me know about a unique collaboration she was involved in in 2025.
Estelle worked with Castronovo, a popular craft chocolate maker, to release a limited chocolate bar, and then led a virtual event to tell the story of the bar. In our conversation today, Estelle talks about how she approached the pairing, how it worked, what the advantages were on both sides, and what you need to know if you want to pursue a similar collab as either a craft chocolate maker or an educator or enthusiast.
Episode timeline:
1:00 - Narrated introduction
3:35 - Beginning of interview
6:50 - Summary of Estelle's collab with Castronovo
12:05 - How she pitched the collab idea
14:10 - Exclusivity of collab bar
19:55- Business advantage for the maker
21:35 - Developing the collab bar
25:00 - Collaborations between enthusiasts and makers
25:55 - Unique things to consider with collabs of this type
30:55 - Things she's do differently next time
35:35 - End of interview, closing thoughts on conversation
39:35 - Recent beer and chocolate news
48:30 - End of episode
Mentioned in this episode:
Craft Chocolat Challenge 2026 winners
DC Chocolate Society's Ultimate Chocolate Festival Survival Guide
Past episodes mentioned:
Brewing Pastry Stouts Thoughtfully with Wandering Monsters Brewing
Hi Wire Brewing's 10W-40 Chocolate Imperial Stouts
Wolves, Sons, and Ethereal Confections
Brad Kintzer of TCHO Chocolate
Collaboration for Chocolate Makers series
Podcast Episodes
Why Do It, and General Considerations
Collaborating with Beverage Alcohol Producers
Collaborating with Other Craft Chocolate Makers
Creative Collaborations to Consider
Collaboration Case Study: Estelle Tracy (you’re listening to it!)
Blog Posts
Why It’s Worth It, and Things To Consider
Collaborating with Beverage Alcohol Producers, and Drinks-Based Collabs
Chocolate-Based Collabs with Beverage Alcohol Producers
Collaborating with Other Craft Chocolate Makers
Creative Collaborations to Consider
Check out David's book Pairing Beer & Chocolate: A Guide to Bringing the Flavors of Craft Beer and Craft Chocolate Together.
Sign up for host David Nilsen's beer newsletter for regular beer musings, and the Bean to Barstool newsletter for pairings, collaborations, and maker profiles.
The music for this episode is by my dear friend, indie folk musician Anna ps. You can find out more about Anna’s music in the show notes or at their website annapsmusic.com, where you can also get in touch to book them to play at your brewery or other establishment.
Guest:
Estelle Tracy
Estelle Tracy is a chocolate sommelier based in the Philadelphia area. A chemist by training, she’s the founder of 37 Chocolates, a chocolate tasting company. Since 2020, she's hosted over 350 virtual tastings to chocolate-lovers on 5 continents. Find out more at 37chocolates.com.