Back in January when we went to visit our friends in Germany, we asked them what we should bring from Austria. The answer? Mozartkugeln. Mozartkugeln (literally, Mozart Balls
Here’s the deal, though. We weren’t sure what kind to buy. At the time, we were aware of five documentable varieties. We bought four and off we went to Germany. We ran some taste tests and each came to our own conclusion. Meanwhile, I was doing research to find out which, exactly was the right Mozartkugeln.
I was fairly satisfied with my results until today when, wandering the Salzburg old city, we went right past the Konditorei Holzermayr. There in the window, wrapped in silver and blue, sat an untried version.
This was annoying. I thought I had it sussed. I had eaten Mozartkugeln from, in ascending order of preference, Reber, Victor Schmidt, a generic store brand, Mirabell, and finally, my favorites, the ones from Konditorei Furst. The Furst Mozartkugeln kicked some serious butt, being a true handmade truffle that melts in your mouth. (And the car, if you leave them there.) All the others were production chocolates, though I do like the Mirabell Mozartkugeln quite a lot.
We bought a bag of six Mozartkugeln from the Holzermayr and stopped in at the Reber shop too, because husband likes those best. I will not quibble with his taste, it is preferable to have a spouse that does not like the chocolates I prefer. Back at home I looked up Holzermayr on the web, of course, and learned that they started making Mozartkugeln back in 1890 and then later, in 1913, they were sold commercially.
Husband in the Reber store, dressed to match the product
Furst has been making Mozartkugeln since 1905 and, unlike Holzermayr, Furst still makes theirs by hand. The Furst Mozartkugeln is dark chocolate, the Holzermayr uses milk chocolate. Norbert Furst, the current proprietor, sued Reber over the use of the brand “Original Mozartkugel — and won — now everyone else says their balls are genuine or real or anything but original. Only Furst has original balls.
If you’re in Salzburg and want to get your balls at the source, go to the Furst. Their balls don’t travel well, but they are superior in all other ways. Next up, Mirabell, and those travel just fine. Mirabell makes vast quantities of production chocolate, though you cannot visit the factory to see them make their balls, I asked. After that, it’s up to you. I didn’t care for the balls from Reber or the Holzermayr, they taste too strongly of bitter almond and I think they cut their marzipan with coconut.
The ratings haven’t changed, nor has my advice. If you want the best Mozart Balls, head to Salzburg where Mozart was born and get them at the source. I’m still satisfied with the results of my survey, however, I worry. What if there are others out there that I haven’t tried?
As soon as you said “dark chocolate”, my mind skidded to a decision – must try Furst. I’ve had Mozartkugeln before, but they must have been milk chocolate, because I’ve never been tempted to try them again.
I’m here in Salzburg with my husband & kids. Husband is teaching a group from his US university. My company gave me 6 weeks off for this trip and asked only that I send them Mozart balls. One person specified to send “the right ones” since there are 2 kinds. Thanks to your site, I understand my options and will be able to satisfy this important request. Thank you!
I too went on a mozartkugeln tasting spree in salzburg! I agree with your hubby. Reber is my favourite since I love the slightly rougher marzipan as opposed to mirabelle’s supersmooth marzipan. Reber also tastes deliciously of something that resembles amaretto mmm. Furst is also lovely, with a simpler taste. Mirabelle tasted like plastic when I tasted them in comparison to the others, but that may have been due to them being ruined by the heat, as they had a white covering over them :s . I didnt care much for the Joseph Holzermayr ones either.. too sweet I think. Just thought I’d add my 2 cents worth!
Interesting story! I like those Mozart chocolates too. But I do not taste that big difference between Furst and Mirabell.
Herr Mozart, thanks for visiting from the beyond.
I can’t believe you can’t tell the difference between the Furst and the Mirabell – they are so unlike that one wonders that they are both called Mozartkugeln. Is not being able to tell apart the chocolates an indicator that poor Mozart has gone south, rather than to a fluffier afterlife?
I like the Mirabell fine and they’re the ones I recommend for taking as gifts, but if you’re actaully in Salzburg, Furst is the only way to go. They’re not the same as Mirabell at ALL!
I really enjoyed to read your Article, personally i also Like Choclates but dont tell my MOM ok?
Great story.. very informative too.. now I know what to expect and also the difference ..thanks a lot 🙂
Hi
I will be taking a small group of students to Salzburg in March. I have told them about Mozartkugeln, but do you know if Furst offer a tour of their factory?It would be great for my students to witness the making of these delicious things firsthand.
Thanks
Corinne
I think holzermayr has 2 mozartballs, one that is industrial (can’t remember the colour of the wrapper), and one that is handmade (silver foil with blue writing).
The latter was very, very good, although I haven’t been able to compare with Furst. Way better than Mirabell, which was terrible.