Kicking Horse Kick Ass Dark Roast
- Dark chocolate is the anchor. It reads clearly from first pour, not buried under roast char.
- Smokiness is present and structural, not incidental. This is a defining characteristic, not a defect.
- The earthy register is classic Indonesian profile: low, dense, and grounding rather than bright.
- The washed process keeps the cup cleaner than the roast level might suggest. You get definition where a natural process would add murk.
- At dark roast depth, the finish carries some bitterness. It is not punishing, but it does not resolve clean.
Who it’s for
The drinker who brews a full french press or a large drip batch before 7am and wants the same result every time. This is also a strong candidate for milk-forward drinks at home, where the roast depth cuts through without needing an espresso machine to do the work.
Who should skip it
Anyone chasing bright, defined acidity or a clean finish will find this profile blunt. This site's standing preference for clean finishes over lingering bitterness puts this coffee at a disadvantage for black-coffee drinkers who are sensitive to that trailing edge. It is also too aggressive in character to recommend as a first-thing-in-the-morning solo cup.
Full review
Keep pulling the thread: Dark roast guide, Indonesia, South America blend origin guide, and more from Kicking Horse Coffee.
Price analysis
No 30-day price data is available for this product at time of writing. The 35 oz format is the relevant consideration: large-format dark roasts from recognizable brands routinely carry a premium over equivalent per-ounce cost in smaller bags, and Kicking Horse operates squarely in that brand-premium tier. Without verified pricing, a buy or wait judgment cannot be made responsibly here. Check the current price at the affiliate link before committing.
Rating
6/10
What does Kicking Horse Kick Ass Dark Roast taste like?
Dark chocolate is the anchor. It reads clearly from first pour, not buried under roast char. Smokiness is present and structural, not incidental. This is a defining characteristic, not a defect. The earthy register is classic Indonesian profile: low, dense, and grounding rather than bright.
Who is Kicking Horse Kick Ass Dark Roast best for?
The drinker who brews a full french press or a large drip batch before 7am and wants the same result every time. This is also a strong candidate for milk-forward drinks at home, where the roast depth cuts through without needing an espresso machine to do the work.
Who should skip Kicking Horse Kick Ass Dark Roast?
Anyone chasing bright, defined acidity or a clean finish will find this profile blunt. This site's standing preference for clean finishes over lingering bitterness puts this coffee at a disadvantage for black-coffee drinkers who are sensitive to that trailing edge. It is also too aggressive in character to recommend as a first-thing-in-the-morning solo cup.
Price history coming soon — check back after the next daily update.