MAST Brooklyn

Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Craftsmanship

MAST Brooklyn represented a pioneering approach to artisanal chocolate making in New York City. The Mast Brothers—Rick and Michael—handcrafted each chocolate bar from raw cacao beans, controlling every step of the production process. They sourced organic cacao from small family-run farms in Ecuador, Venezuela, Madagascar, and Tanzania, then roasted and processed the beans at their Williamsburg factory. This bean-to-bar methodology allowed them to create chocolate with distinct flavor profiles that reflected the origin and quality of their source materials. The chocolate typically featured a minimum cocoa content of 60%, resulting in darker, less sweet bars that appealed to serious chocolate enthusiasts.

Factory Tours and Educational Experience

The location functioned as both a working factory and educational destination. Hourly tours lasting approximately 30 minutes guided visitors through the chocolate-making process, from raw cacao pods and dried beans through roasting, grinding, and final molding. Visitors could observe and taste chocolate at various production stages, gaining understanding of how flavor develops through different processing methods. Tours included comprehensive tastings of finished products and samples of chocolate made from different cacao origins, allowing guests to appreciate the subtle variations between single-origin bars. The tour fee was approximately $10 per person, making it an accessible introduction to fine chocolate production.

Product Range and Flavor Innovation

MAST's chocolate selection showcased both traditional single-origin bars and innovative flavor combinations. Their core offerings included bars from Madagascar, Venezuela, and Ecuador, each with distinct flavor characteristics. The Madagascar variety featured citrus and cherry notes with spice complexity, while Venezuelan Grand Cru offered earthy undertones with cinnamon and nutty elements. Beyond pure chocolate, MAST experimented with unique flavor additions including lavender, oat milk, tea infusions, and olive oil blends. They also produced specialty items such as a Met bar with proceeds supporting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, chocolate beer, and hot chocolate. The simple, high-quality packaging reflected the brand's minimalist aesthetic and commitment to product integrity.

Retail Environment and Amenities

The Williamsburg location at 111 N 3rd Street combined retail shop, factory floor, and tasting area in a single welcoming space. The shop featured clean, modern design with prominent display of chocolate bars and packaging. Staff members were consistently noted as knowledgeable, friendly, and generous with samples and information about chocolate origins and flavor profiles. Visitors could smell chocolate production from outside the building, creating an immersive sensory introduction. The retail space allowed customers to purchase individual bars, mini bar assortments, and gift selections. The location maintained a hipster-friendly aesthetic while emphasizing authentic artisanal production rather than commercial compromise.

Pricing and Market Position

MAST positioned itself in the premium chocolate market, with individual bars typically priced between $8-$9 USD. This pricing reflected the high-quality ingredients, small-batch production methods, and direct sourcing from quality cacao farms. While expensive compared to mass-market chocolate, prices were justified by superior flavor complexity, organic certification, and transparent production practices. The brand appealed to chocolate connoisseurs willing to invest in quality and educational experience rather than casual consumers seeking affordable sweets.

Legacy and Current Status

MAST Brooklyn established itself as a significant presence in New York's artisanal food scene during the 2010s. The factory tours became a popular attraction for chocolate enthusiasts, families, and tourists seeking authentic Brooklyn experiences. However, the location has since closed permanently. The Mast Brothers expanded their operations to include a retail location in Mt. Kisco, Westchester County, which features a coffee bar with Bellwether Coffee roaster, cocoa roasting equipment, and pantry products reflecting the brothers' agricultural heritage.