Kicking Horse Coffee Reviews From My Experience: Is It Worth It?

You know, I’ve tried countless coffee brands over the years, but none have made quite the impression that Kicking Horse Coffee has.

If you’re like me, always on the hunt for that perfect cup to get your day started or provide a comforting pause, let me tell you why this brand might just be the one to kick your coffee routine up a notch.

Whether you need a rich, strong kick to start your morning or you’re just a coffee lover wanting quality that stands up to the hype, Kicking Horse Coffee has got you covered.

My Kicking Horse Experience

I’ll be honest with you—before discovering Kicking Horse, my coffee routine was a rollercoaster of disappointments.

I’d tried brewing supermarket beans, ordering special blends online, and even making my own attempts to replicate that coffee-shop magic at home.

But it always fell a little flat.

That was until I came across Kicking Horse Kick Ass Dark Roast.

From the moment I opened that bag, it was a game changer.

There’s something about the aroma of Kicking Horse that tells you you’re in for a treat. Unlike the beans I’d been buying in the past, these were deep, rich, and complex, without smelling burnt or overly roasted.

And as soon as I brewed my first cup, I knew I’d stumbled upon something truly special.

I think a lot of us underestimate the impact that truly fresh, high-quality beans can have on the final result. This was especially true for me. I had always thought that the fancy equipment in coffee shops was what made their coffee taste so much better than anything I could brew at home.

But the truth is, even the best coffee maker won’t save you if your beans aren’t up to par. The quality of Kicking Horse beans really made all the difference.

Pros of Kicking Horse Coffee

So what’s so great about Kicking Horse, you ask? Well, I could go on and on, but let me break down a few of the highlights.

• Rich and Bold Flavor: Kicking Horse Kick Ass Dark Roast lives up to its name in the best possible way. It’s bold, smooth, and has that rich, earthy flavor I crave in a dark roast without any unpleasant bitterness. There’s a subtle sweetness to it that pairs wonderfully with its smoky undertones. Whether you like your coffee black, with a splash of milk, or all decked out with flavors, this blend holds up beautifully. It’s the kind of coffee that makes you want to take your time savoring it—something I look forward to every morning.
• Organic and Fairtrade: As a consumer, it feels good knowing that Kicking Horse Coffee is Fairtrade, organic, and even certified kosher. You’re not just getting great taste; you’re supporting a company that prioritizes ethical sourcing and sustainability. This matters to me, and I’m guessing it probably matters to you too. It’s refreshing to know that I’m sipping a cup that’s been produced with care—for both people and the environment.
• Convenient Access: Another huge plus for me has been just how easy it is to get my hands on this coffee. I was sick of trying to track down my favorite blends at specialty stores or paying hefty shipping fees. But Kicking Horse is available through Amazon Prime, which means I can have it delivered to my door without hassle. And let’s be honest, having great coffee on a subscription model is the real MVP here. I never run out, and that’s priceless.
• Versatile Brewing: I’ve used Kicking Horse beans in all sorts of brewing methods, from my trusty Technivorm Moccamaster drip coffee maker to my manual French press. It even works wonderfully in a super-automatic espresso machine. The beans are rich without being too oily, which means they won’t gum up your grinder or machine. And if you’re someone who likes experimenting with different brewing techniques, Kicking Horse is a great choice because the flavor really shines no matter how you make it.
• Consistent Quality: No surprises here—Kicking Horse is consistently amazing. I’ve had other brands that were hit or miss; some bags were good, others not so much. But every bag of Kick Ass Dark Roast has been spot on. For a coffee lover, there’s nothing worse than inconsistency, but thankfully, Kicking Horse has never let me down.

Cons of Kicking Horse Coffee

Of course, nothing is without its flaws, so let’s cover some of the downsides.

• Price Point: The biggest drawback, if I’m being completely honest, is the cost. It’s definitely pricier than some of your standard supermarket brands. But, as they say, you get what you pay for. For me, the quality is absolutely worth it, but if you’re used to spending just a few bucks on coffee, you might experience a bit of sticker shock.
• Limited Roast Options for Dark Lovers: While Kick Ass is my favorite, I wish there were a few more dark roast options in their lineup. They have a great variety overall, but as someone who loves dark and smoky, I could use just a bit more range.
• Not Widely Available in Local Stores: Kicking Horse is pretty easy to find online, but it’s not always available in your average grocery store. If you’re someone who prefers to shop in person, you might find this a little annoying.

Getting The Most Out of Your Kicking Horse Coffee

If you want to experience Kicking Horse Coffee at its best, I’ve got a few tips to share that have really helped me get the most out of my brew.

• Proper Grinding: Invest in a burr grinder. Trust me on this one. If you’re still using a blade grinder, you’re not doing those beans any justice. A burr grinder provides a much more consistent grind, which in turn leads to better extraction. I use a Capresso Infinity, which has worked well for me, but there are many good options out there.
• Store Your Beans Properly: Once you open your bag of Kicking Horse, you’ll want to make sure you’re storing it properly. I use a Friis coffee vault to keep my beans fresh, which really makes a difference. Exposure to light, air, and moisture can diminish the quality of your coffee, so a proper storage container is key.
• Use Fresh Water: The quality of the water you use also matters more than you’d think. Always go with filtered water for brewing—it makes the coffee taste cleaner and enhances the flavor notes. Avoid using distilled water, though, as the absence of minerals can lead to flat-tasting coffee.
• Preheat Your Equipment: One thing I do every morning is preheat my carafe and coffee mug with hot water before I actually brew my coffee. It’s a small step, but it keeps your coffee from losing heat too quickly and maintains that perfect temperature.
• Regular Maintenance of Your Coffee Gear: If you’re using a burr grinder, make sure to clean it regularly. I like to run white rice through mine every couple of weeks to clear out any coffee oils or residue that might build up, especially if you’re using dark, oily beans like Kick Ass. Keeping your equipment clean is a small but important part of making sure each cup is just as good as the last.

Kicking Horse Vs. Other Brands

When it comes to coffee, there’s certainly no shortage of options out there, so how does Kicking Horse stack up against some of the other popular brands I’ve tried? Let’s compare it to a few well-known names.

• Kicking Horse Vs. Starbucks

Starbucks is one of the most well-known coffee brands in the world, and they offer a pretty wide variety of options.

However, I’ve always found that their beans tend to have a bit of a burnt flavor, particularly with their dark roasts. Kicking Horse, on the other hand, provides that deep, rich roast I love without the burnt bitterness.

Plus, Kicking Horse is organic and Fairtrade, while Starbucks doesn’t always prioritize these qualities. Starbucks has convenience on its side, but for me, the quality of Kicking Horse is worth the extra effort.

• Kicking Horse Vs. Lavazza

Lavazza is another brand that’s pretty popular, especially among espresso drinkers. It’s a good option for those who want a classic Italian roast, but I’ve found it can be a bit on the bitter side—more so than Kicking Horse.

Kicking Horse beans work well in a variety of brewing methods, whereas I feel Lavazza shines mostly in an espresso setup. If you’re looking for versatility, Kicking Horse might be the better option.

• Kicking Horse Vs. Peet’s Coffee

Peet’s Coffee is another brand that prides itself on bold flavor, and I do think they’re in the same ballpark as Kicking Horse when it comes to quality. That said, I’ve always preferred the smoothness of Kicking Horse, which doesn’t have the sharp acidity I sometimes find in Peet’s.

Peet’s is also a bit more widely available in stores, which might be a plus if you don’t like ordering online. But in terms of flavor, Kicking Horse is still my go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for a coffee that’s rich, smooth, ethically sourced, and consistently delicious, Kicking Horse Coffee is definitely worth trying. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but in my opinion, the flavor and quality are more than worth the investment.

Give it a try—you might just find that it becomes your new favorite, just like it did for me.