Secrets are hard to keep. Especially caramel-flavored ones.

But when a world-class chocolatier and former Marine was good enough to send a top secret preview of his newest confection with the disclaimer that a certain media outlet with about 1,865,059 more readers needed to feature them first, I kept my mouth shut.

Until it came time to taste test.

With their buttery, mouth-melting texture and umami-rich flavor from the miso paste and sesame seeds, Tim Gearhart's Miso Caramels are the first non-chocolate treat to stand alongside his 16-piece signature line-up and other specialties that call the handsome, shrine-like shops in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia home.

Non-Virginians, fret not though. Gearharts Fine Chocolates ships nationwide--your blessing and your curse--since once you've experienced the balance and whimsy that Tim strikes in each of his creations, you'll be harboring one mean addiction.

Fortunately, I remembered to take this classified photograph before swallowing all evidence, thereby ensuring my silence.

Now that the caramel's out of the bag though, don't dilly dally--1.87 million others are in on this tasty little secret too.