Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick Ass, Dark Roast, Whole Bean Review

Recommended Accessories:

• Manual burr grinder for consistent grounds
• Airtight storage container to maintain freshness
• French press or pour-over dripper
• Digital scale for precise measurements

Let’s dive into what makes Kick Ass Dark Roast stand out in a crowded coffee market. The first time I opened a bag, I knew this wasn’t your average supermarket coffee.

Key Specifications:

• Origin: Central American and Indonesian beans
• Roast: Dark
• Bean Type: 100% Arabica
• Certifications: Organic and Fair Trade
• Growing Method: Shade-grown
• Package Size: 2.2 lb (1 kg)
• Flavor Notes: Chocolate malt, molasses, earthy finish

Build and Design: The packaging keeps beans fresh with a sturdy resealable bag featuring bold branding that matches the coffee’s character. I appreciate how the bag’s dark color scheme protects beans from light exposure.

Dimensions:

• Bag Size: 5” x 8” x 10” (12.7 x 20.3 x 25.4 cm)
• Net Weight: 2.2 lbs (1 kg)

Materials: The beans come in a foil-lined bag with a one-way valve to release gases while preventing oxygen exposure. The thick material feels substantial and does its job keeping beans fresh.

Available Options: While I’m focusing on the whole bean Kick Ass blend, Kicking Horse offers several other varieties:

• Smart Ass (Medium Roast)
• Grizzly Claw (Dark Roast)
• Three Sisters (Medium Roast)
• 454 Horse Power (Dark Roast)

Each maintains the brand’s commitment to organic, fair trade coffee while offering unique flavor profiles.

Getting the perfect cup from these beans isn’t rocket science, but there are some key steps that’ll help you unlock their full potential.

Basic Brewing Guide:

1. Measuring

• Start with 2 tablespoons (10g) coffee per 6 oz (180ml) water
• Adjust ratio to taste - I often go a bit stronger at 12g per 180ml

2. Grinding

• Grind just before brewing
• Coarse for French press
• Medium for drip coffee
• Fine for pour-over
• Extra fine for espresso

3. Water Temperature

• 195-205°F (90-96°C) is ideal
• Just off boil works well
• Cooler water won’t extract full flavor

4. Brewing Methods:

French Press (my go-to for this coffee)

• Add grounds to press
• Pour hot water
• Stir gently
• Steep 4 minutes
• Press slowly

Drip Machine

• Place filter
• Add grounds
• Fill reservoir
• Brew time: 5-6 minutes

Pour Over

• Wet filter
• Add coffee
• Pour in spirals
• Total brew: 3-4 minutes

Cold Brew

• Coarse grind
• 1:4 coffee to water ratio
• Steep 12-24 hours
• Strain and dilute

Let me share a quick tip I discovered: This coffee really shines in a French press. The full-immersion brewing brings out those chocolate notes beautifully. Just remember to let it sit for a full four minutes - rushing the steep time leaves flavor on the table.

After months of brewing this coffee, here’s my honest breakdown of its strengths and limitations:

Pros:

Bold, Complex Flavor

• Deep chocolate and molasses notes
• Smooth finish despite intensity
• Consistent taste cup after cup

Quality Certifications

• Organic certification
• Fair Trade practices
• Shade-grown cultivation

Versatile Brewing

• Excellent for French press
• Makes great cold brew
• Handles various methods well

Freshness

• One-way valve bag
• Beans stay fresh weeks after opening
• Obvious roast-date freshness

Cons:

Price Point

• More expensive than standard coffee
• Might strain coffee budget
• Premium pricing limits daily use

Intensity Level

• Too strong for some palates
• Can overwhelm mild coffee drinkers
• Requires technique adjustment

Oily Beans

• Can clog some grinders
• Needs frequent cleaning
• May not suit super-automatics

Availability

• Not in all grocery stores
• Sometimes out of stock
• Limited retail presence

From my experience, the rich flavor profile really shows up in morning brews. Yesterday’s French press batch had this amazing chocolate note that lingered perfectly. But I’ve had friends try it and find it overwhelming - it’s definitely not a crowd-pleasing medium roast.

Taking Kick Ass Dark Roast on the road requires some planning, but it’s doable. Here’s what I’ve learned from bringing it on several trips:

Travel Considerations:

Packaging Options

• Original bag: Too bulky for short trips
• Small airtight containers work well
• Consider pre-grinding for space

Durability

• Whole beans travel better than ground
• Keeps flavor well in sealed containers
• Stands up to temperature changes

Size and Weight

• 2.2 lb bag too large for carry-on
• Portion into smaller containers
• Account for grinder space if needed

TSA Notes

• Coffee allowed in carry-on
• Declare larger quantities
• Pack in clear bags if possible

Travel Brewing Tips

• Hand grinders pack easily
• Portable pour-over devices work great
• French press travel mugs available

A quick story: Last camping trip, I packed a week’s worth in a small airtight container with a manual grinder. The fresh-ground brew by the campfire was worth the extra pack weight.

This coffee isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for certain coffee lovers. Here’s who’ll get the most value:

Dark Roast Enthusiasts

• Love bold, intense coffee
• Appreciate complex flavor profiles
• Don’t shy away from strong brews

Ethical Consumers

• Value organic certification
• Support fair trade practices
• Care about sustainable farming

Home Brewers

• Enjoy experimenting with methods
• Have good grinding equipment
• Like controlling their coffee experience

Morning People

• Need a strong start
• Appreciate rich morning ritual
• Like their coffee to make a statement

Cold Brew Fans

• Want strong concentrate
• Appreciate smooth, low-acid coffee
• Make bigger batches

I started using this coffee when I got serious about home brewing, and it really helped me understand what quality beans can do. If you’re ready to graduate from grocery store brands, this is a great next step.

Let’s be honest - this coffee isn’t for everyone. Here’s who might want to look elsewhere:

Light Roast Lovers

• Prefer subtle, bright flavors
• Find dark roasts too intense
• Like tasting origin characteristics

Budget Shoppers

• Need more affordable options
• Buy coffee in bulk
• Prefer value over premium quality

Casual Coffee Drinkers

• Just want basic coffee
• Drink occasionally
• Not particular about flavor

Super-Automatic Machine Users

• Have issues with oily beans
• Need less maintenance
• Prefer medium roasts

Better alternatives for these folks:

• Light roast specialty coffees
• Mainstream brand medium roasts
• Local coffee shop house blends

The first time my neighbor tried this coffee, she nearly jumped out of her seat - way too strong for her usual tastes. Know your preferences before investing in a big bag.

After using Kick Ass Dark Roast for several months, here’s what you should know about the long-term experience:

Flavor Consistency

• Maintains bold taste
• Each bag remarkably similar
• Seasonal variations minimal

Equipment Impact

• Requires regular grinder cleaning
• Can leave oils in machines
• French press screens need extra attention

Storage Performance

• Stays fresh about 2-3 months
• Needs airtight container
• Best in cool, dark place

Cost Over Time

• Premium price worth quality
• Less coffee needed per cup
• Savings on coffee shop visits

Brewing Evolution Many users, myself included, find they adjust their brewing technique over time:

• Start with recommended ratios
• Often reduce amount used
• Develop personal perfect brew

The biggest surprise? How consistently good each bag has been. Unlike some artisan coffees that vary wildly batch to batch, this one delivers the same bold experience every time.

Proper care keeps these beans at their best. Here’s what I’ve learned about maintaining quality:

Storage Basics

• Transfer to airtight container
• Keep away from heat/light
• Don’t refrigerate

Grinder Care

• Clean weekly with oily beans
• Brush out grounds daily
• Deep clean monthly

Brewing Equipment

• Clean immediately after use
• Descale machines regularly
• Check filter cleanliness

Common Issues:

Bitter Taste

• Grind too fine
• Water too hot
• Over-extraction

Weak Coffee

• Grind too coarse
• Not enough beans
• Water too cool

Equipment Problems

• Grinder clogging
• Oil buildup
• Filter staining

Quick Tip: I keep a small brush by my grinder for daily cleaning - makes a huge difference in preventing oil buildup.

Kicking Horse takes environmental responsibility seriously. Here’s the green breakdown:

Sustainable Practices

• Shade-grown cultivation
• Organic farming methods
• Minimal chemical use

Biodiversity Impact

• Preserves natural habitats
• Supports local ecosystems
• Protects migratory birds

Carbon Footprint

• Canadian roasting facility
• Efficient shipping methods
• Local distribution focus

Packaging

• Industry-standard bags
• Recyclable components
• Minimal waste design

The shade-grown aspect particularly impresses me - you’re literally helping preserve forest canopies with each purchase.

Let’s talk value - is Kick Ass Dark Roast worth the investment?

Quality Factors

• Premium Arabica beans
• Skilled roasting process
• Consistent results

Value Considerations

• Higher initial cost
• Less coffee needed per cup
• Longer-lasting satisfaction

Market Comparison

• Premium segment pricing
• Competitive with similar brands
• Higher than commercial coffee

Hidden Value

• Ethical sourcing
• Environmental benefits
• Health considerations

After months of use, I’ve found the cost balances out - you might pay more upfront, but you often use less coffee per cup due to the robust flavor.

These insider tips will help you get the most from your beans:

Brewing Excellence

• Let beans rest 1-2 days after roasting
• Grind just before brewing
• Start with recommended ratios

Flavor Enhancement

• Add pinch of salt to reduce bitterness
• Try coffee cubes for iced coffee
• Experiment with water temperature

Storage Optimization

• Use vacuum containers
• Store in small batches
• Keep tracking roast date

Equipment Tips

• Clean grinder between uses
• Preheat brewing equipment
• Use filtered water

Bonus Uses

• Great for coffee rubs
• Makes excellent cold brew
• Perfect for mocha recipes

Pro Tip: Keep a brewing journal when you start - it really helps dial in your perfect cup.

Common questions about Kick Ass Dark Roast, answered:

Q: How strong is this coffee really? A: Very bold but not bitter. Think dark chocolate intensity rather than harsh bite.

Q: Will it work in my espresso machine? A: Yes, but watch for oil buildup. Regular cleaning required.

Q: How long do beans stay fresh? A: 2-3 months properly stored. Best within first month.

Q: Can I use it for cold brew? A: Absolutely! Makes excellent cold brew concentrate.

Q: Why are the beans so oily? A: Natural result of dark roasting. Shows freshness.

Q: Best brewing method? A: French press and pour-over excel. Personal preference matters.

Q: Worth the premium price? A: Yes, if you value organic, fair trade, and bold flavor.

Q: How much caffeine? A: Medium-high, though dark roast typically has slightly less than light roasts.

Q: Storage recommendations? A: Airtight container, room temperature, away from light.

Q: Grinder recommendations? A: Burr grinder preferred. Clean often due to oils.

After extensive testing and daily brewing, Kicking Horse’s Kick Ass Dark Roast proves it’s more than just a clever name. This coffee delivers a bold, complex experience that serious coffee drinkers will appreciate.

The organic certification and fair trade practices justify the premium price for those who value ethical sourcing. The rich flavor profile, featuring notes of chocolate malt and molasses, consistently delivers a satisfying cup.

While it might be too intense for some and the price point sits higher than average, the quality and versatility make it a solid choice for dark roast enthusiasts. The ability to work well across multiple brewing methods adds significant value.

Remember though - this isn’t your average morning coffee. It’s a bold, distinctive brew that makes a statement. For those ready to step up their coffee game and don’t mind paying a bit more for quality, Kicking Horse Kick Ass Dark Roast delivers on its promises.