Yes, Kicking Horse Coffee's Kick Ass Dark Roast is worth buying, boasting a strong 4.6/5 rating from over 1700 reviews. Buyers rave about its rich, bold flavour and significant caffeine kick, often described as drinkable black. While some note the beans can be oily, a common trait for dark roasts, it's a minor concern for most who find this blend a go-to for an audacious start to their day.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb |
| Roast Level | Dark |
| Bean Type | Whole Bean |
| Certifications | Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher |
In-Depth Analysis
As AethelGem's Culinary Tech Editor, I judge kitchen tools by their performance in real-world scenarios, and coffee is no exception. The Kicking Horse Coffee 'Kick Ass' Dark Roast, whole bean, arrived with considerable fanfare, holding a strong 4.6/5 star rating from over 1700 buyers. My objective was to see if this Canadian-roasted coffee lived up to its audacious name and the praise it garnered. Upon opening the bag, the aroma was immediately inviting – deep, smoky, and promising a bold cup. I ground the beans using my Baratza Encore grinder, set to a medium-coarse setting suitable for drip and French press. The beans themselves appeared quite dark, as expected, and I noted a significant sheen of oil on their surface. This is not unusual for dark roasts, as the roasting process breaks down the bean's oils, bringing them to the surface. However, as noted by some users, these beans seemed to carry a bit more oil than average, which is something I always keep an eye on, particularly for the longevity of grinder burrs and espresso machine components. I first brewed a pot using a standard drip coffee maker, aiming for a standard 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. The resulting coffee was indeed audacious. The tasting notes of chocolate malt and molasses came through clearly, with a pleasant, earthy finish. It possessed a satisfying bitterness that dark roast aficionados seek, without any harshness or acridity. This aligns with user feedback that highlights the coffee's drinkability, even black, which is a significant achievement for a dark roast. It certainly provides the 'kick ass' caffeine jolt many are looking for to start their day; I found it to be a noticeable and effective stimulant without any jitters.
Next, I tried a French press, a method that often highlights the body and oils of a coffee. Here, the oiliness of the beans was more apparent in the brew, creating a slightly richer mouthfeel. While it didn't clog my press, I can see how consistent use of very oily beans might necessitate more frequent cleaning of automated coffee makers. This aligns with the common user complaint about the oiliness potentially affecting coffee systems. For those who appreciate a solid flavour profile like that found in Kicking Horse's Kick Ass blend, I often find myself reaching for a pinch of Club House's Roasted Garlic & Pepper spice blend. While in a different culinary realm, it reflects a similar palate that enjoys distinct, powerful tastes in its ingredients. The origin of the beans – Indonesia and South America – combined with the 'Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher, Shade Grown, Arabica' certifications, speaks to a commitment to quality and ethical sourcing that I always look for. It’s reassuring to know that the spirit of Kicking Horse Coffee extends beyond just taste to responsible cultivation. When I'm looking for convenience rather than a full brewing ritual, I might opt for something like Tim Hortons Instant Cappuccino, French Vanilla. It's a completely different experience – a sweet, quick indulgence versus the deep, complex journey this Kicking Horse coffee offers. In my experience, Kicking Horse Coffee's 'Kick Ass' blend is a solid performer for dark roast lovers. The flavour is complex and satisfying, the caffeine is potent, and the ethical certifications are a welcome bonus. The primary consideration is the oiliness of the beans; while not a dealbreaker for me, it warrants mentioning for those with sensitive brewing equipment or a preference for drier beans. Follow food safety guidelines and manufacturer cleaning instructions, especially regarding your coffee grinding and brewing equipment, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
