So, you've stumbled upon the world of licorice, perhaps after reading about my adventure with Venco Schoolkrijt! It's a candy that truly divides opinions, and for good reason. For many, the question 'what does licorice taste like?' conjures up images of strong, anise-flavored black candy, a far cry from the fruity red varieties often found in the States. True black licorice derives its distinctive flavor from liquorice root extract, often enhanced with anise oil, which gives it that unique, aromatic, and sometimes medicinal taste. It's often described as sweet, earthy, slightly bitter, and reminiscent of fennel or star anise. This intense profile is exactly what makes it an 'acquired taste' for many. Unlike the sugary sweetness of red licorice, which is usually cherry or strawberry flavored and contains no actual licorice, the black version is a full sensory experience. My recent plunge into the world of Dutch licorice with Venco Schoolkrijt was a perfect example of this diversity. These intriguing chalk-shaped pieces, with their hard coating and softer inside, presented a fascinating flavor journey. Beyond the standard black licorice base, I detected distinct notes of mint and salt – a combination that definitely makes you pause! This isn't unusual, as European licorice, especially from countries like the Netherlands and Scandinavia, often incorporates salt (ammonium chloride) to create a 'salty licorice' variant, or other flavors like menthol or aniseed. When people talk about licorice, you might hear some 'slang' or common descriptors thrown around. Beyond the obvious 'licorice lover' or 'licorice hater,' you'll often hear it called 'acquired taste,' 'like cough syrup,' 'intense,' or 'pure anise.' Some describe the texture as chewy, others as firm, and as I found with Schoolkrijt, sometimes it's surprisingly unique, with a layered mouthfeel that really makes it stand out. This vast array of flavors and textures is why you'll find such passionate opinions about this candy! If you're asking 'how does licorice taste like' and are curious to try it for yourself, my advice is to start with a milder black licorice to get acquainted with the anise flavor. Don't dive straight into the super salty or extra strong varieties, as they can be quite a shock if you're not prepared! Look for a softer, sweeter black licorice initially. Pay attention to the texture too; some are soft and gooey, others firm and chewy, and some, like the Dutch licorice I reviewed, have a distinct hard coating and softer inside that adds to the overall experience. Ultimately, exploring the world of licorice is an adventure for your taste buds, and who knows, you might even discover a new favorite!