Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass has garnered attention for its vibrant flavor profile and ethical credentials, blending tart red currant, sugar cane, and roasted hazelnuts into a medium roast that appeals to discerning palates. Its versatility across brewing methods and commitment to sustainability make it a standout choice for eco-conscious consumers. But what truly sets this blend apart? Beyond its certifications and smooth finish lies a story of craftsmanship and balance that begs further exploration. Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or new to specialty blends, there's more to uncover about what makes this coffee a smart choice.
Key Takeaways
- Bright, chocolatey medium roast with notes of red currant, sugar cane, milk/dark chocolate, hazelnuts, and brown sugar for a balanced, smooth finish.
- Versatile brewing options: French Press, Drip, Pour Over, Cold Brew, and espresso machines adapt to various grind sizes for consistent flavor.
- Certified Organic, Fairtrade, and Kosher; sustainably sourced 100% Arabica beans grown at higher elevations with eco-friendly farming practices.
- Low-acid, full-bodied coffee suitable for black drinkers or those adding cream/sugar; cold brew offers a smooth, sweet, and invigorating experience.
- Highly rated by coffee enthusiasts for its ethical sourcing, rich flavor, and competitive pricing in organic, Fair Trade coffee markets.
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The Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass medium roast offers a distinctive flavor profile characterized by bright, chocolatey notes and a smooth finish. Its tasting notes of tart red currant, sugar cane, and milk chocolate create a balanced, honeyed berry body, making it versatile for flavor pairing with breakfast pastries, dark chocolate, or nutty desserts. The medium fine grind is ideal for various brewing techniques, including French Press, Drip, and Pour Over, ensuring a rich, aromatic cup. For cold brew enthusiasts, it delivers a smooth, low-acid experience with hints of hazelnut. The coffee's bright acidity and chocolate undertones are accentuated when brewed at 195-205°F, enhancing its complexity. Pairing it with complementary flavors and experimenting with brewing methods can elevate its vibrant, chocolatey character.
Features and Benefits
Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass offers a vibrant flavor profile highlighted by tart red currant notes, complemented by a sweet syrup and vanilla aroma, creating a balanced and aromatic experience. Its low acidity and strong yet smooth taste make it an ideal choice for those seeking a bold coffee without bitterness. Certified Organic, Fairtrade, and Kosher, this coffee guarantees ethical sourcing and high-quality standards, appealing to both flavor enthusiasts and conscientious consumers.
Tart Red Currant Flavor Notes
With a vibrant and tangy profile, the tart red currant flavor notes in Kicking Horse Coffee's Smart Ass blend deliver an invigorating complexity to the palate. The tart fruitiness is accentuated by the red currant acidity, which adds a bright, revitalizing edge to the medium roast. This flavor note complements the coffee's honeyed berry body, creating a balanced yet dynamic taste experience. To fully appreciate the tart red currant nuances, brewing methods like pour-over or French press are recommended, as they highlight the coffee's intricate layers. The medium fine grind guarantees ideal extraction, allowing the tart fruitiness to shine without overpowering the blend's smooth, chocolatey undertones. This unique flavor profile makes Smart Ass a standout choice for those seeking a lively and sophisticated cup.
Sweet Syrup and Vanilla Aroma
Aromatic layers of sweet syrup and vanilla bean define the sensory experience of Kicking Horse Coffee's Smart Ass blend, offering a welcoming prelude to its complex flavor profile. The aroma intensity is pronounced, with a harmonious scent pairing of rich, caramel-like sweetness and subtle vanilla undertones that evoke a comforting, dessert-like quality. This inviting bouquet enhances the brewing process, filling the room with a warm, indulgent fragrance. For ideal results, use a medium-fine grind in methods like French Press or Pour Over to fully release these aromatic notes. The interplay of sweet syrup and vanilla complements the coffee's bright, chocolatey flavor, creating a balanced and inviting cup that appeals to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs.
Low Acid, Strong Without Bitterness
Frequently praised for its low acidity, Kicking Horse Coffee's Smart Ass blend delivers a robust flavor profile that remains smooth and approachable, free from the harsh bitterness often associated with stronger coffees. The low acidity benefits make it an excellent choice for those with sensitive stomachs, while its strong flavor profile guarantees a satisfying cup. Tasting notes of tart red currant, sugar cane, and milk chocolate create a balanced, honeyed berry body that is both bright and chocolatey. Brewing methods like French Press, Drip, or Pour Over enhance its rich, smooth character, making it versatile for various preferences. This medium roast achieves a bold yet mellow taste, appealing to those seeking strength without the bite.
Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher Coffee
Kicking Horse Coffee's Smart Ass blend not only excels in flavor and brewing versatility but also stands out for its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Certified Organic, Fairtrade, and Kosher, this coffee is sourced from 100% Arabica beans grown at higher elevations through sustainable farming methods. The beans are shade-grown and cultivated by farmers who prioritize environmentally responsible practices, ensuring ethical sourcing from farm to cup. This dedication enhances the coffee's bright, chocolatey, and smooth flavor profile, with notes of tart red currant, sugar cane, and milk chocolate. Suitable for French Press, Drip, Pour Over, and Cold Brew, Smart Ass delivers a rich, low-acid cup that reflects its sustainable origins, making it a choice that satisfies both taste and conscience.
Product Quality
The quality of Kicking Horse Coffee's Smart Ass blend is defined by its meticulous sourcing and craftsmanship. The bean quality is exceptional, featuring 100% Arabica beans cultivated at higher elevations and shade-grown for ideal flavor development. These beans are roasted in the Rocky Mountains, ensuring roast consistency that delivers a medium roast with bright, chocolatey, and smooth notes. The flavor profile includes tart red currant, sugar cane, and milk chocolate, complemented by a honeyed berry body and a sweet, vanilla-like aroma. Brewing recommendations suggest a medium-fine grind, ideal for French Press, Drip, Pour Over, or Cold Brew methods, yielding a rich, balanced cup. The blend's low acidity and absence of bitterness highlight its premium quality, making it a standout choice for discerning coffee enthusiasts.
What It's Used For
Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass is versatile, ideal for brewing methods such as French Press, Drip, Pour Over, and Cold Brew, each method accentuating its bright, chocolatey notes and honeyed berry undertones. Its medium roast profile enhances daily coffee routines, offering a smooth, low-acid cup that balances strength with a lack of bitterness. The consistent grind and rich aroma make it a reliable choice for both casual drinkers and coffee enthusiasts seeking a flavorful, organic experience.
Brewing Methods
With a medium fine grind, Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass is versatile and well-suited for a variety of brewing methods, including French Press, Drip, Pour Over, and Cold Brew. Each brewing technique highlights its unique flavor profile, from tart red currant to honeyed berry body. For French Press, the coarse grind guarantees ideal coffee extraction, delivering a rich, full-bodied cup. Drip brewing accentuates its smooth, chocolatey notes, while Pour Over enhances its bright, fruity undertones. Cold Brew, steeped for 12-24 hours, produces a low-acid, sweet, and invigorating result. The medium fine grind balances extraction time and flavor clarity, making it adaptable to different methods. Proper brewing techniques guarantee the coffee's complexity shines, offering a consistently satisfying experience across all preparations.
Flavor Enhancement
Flavor enhancement in Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass revolves around accentuating its inherent tasting notes—tart red currant, sugar cane, milk chocolate, and honeyed berry body—while maintaining its low-acid, smooth profile. Ideal brewing techniques, such as a medium-fine grind for French Press or Pour Over, guarantee a balanced extraction that highlights its bright, chocolatey undertones. For flavor pairing, consider complementing its sweet syrup and vanilla bean aroma with light pastries or dark chocolate to elevate the experience. Cold brewing can further emphasize its honeyed berry body, offering a revitalizing alternative. By tailoring brewing methods and pairings, the coffee's complex profile is amplified, delivering a rich, smooth cup that retains its organic, Fairtrade integrity. This approach guarantees a consistently satisfying and nuanced coffee experience.
Daily Coffee Routine
A well-crafted daily coffee routine often centers around a reliable, high-quality brew that delivers both consistency and complexity, and Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass fits seamlessly into this role. Its medium roast, with notes of tart red currant, sugar cane, and milk chocolate, provides a bright yet smooth flavor ideal for a morning ritual. The low acidity and balanced profile make it versatile for coffee pairing, complementing breakfast pastries or savory dishes. Brewing recommendations include French Press, Drip, or Pour Over methods, ensuring a rich, aromatic cup every time. The organic, Fairtrade certification aligns with sustainable practices, adding ethical value to your daily indulgence. Smart Ass's consistent grind and delightful aroma elevate the experience, making it a dependable choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking quality and flavor in their routine.
Product Specifications
Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass is a medium roast ground coffee packaged in a 10-ounce unit, offering a balance of quality and convenience for coffee enthusiasts. Sourced from high-altitude, shade-grown Arabica beans, this coffee boasts a bright, chocolatey flavor with low acidity and no bitterness. The roast level is medium, highlighting notes of tart red currant, sugar cane, and milk chocolate, complemented by a honeyed berry body. Its aroma features sweet syrup, vanilla bean, and stone fruit, making it a sensory delight. Brewing recommendations include a medium-fine grind, ideal for French Press, Drip, Pour Over, and Cold Brew methods.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Coffee Origin | High-altitude, shade-grown |
| Roast Level | Medium |
| Flavor Profile | Bright, chocolatey, smooth |
| Brewing Methods | French Press, Drip, Pour Over |
Who Needs This
For coffee enthusiasts seeking a balanced, high-quality brew with a smooth and bright flavor profile, Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass is an excellent choice. This medium roast offers a harmonious blend of tart red currant, sugar cane, and milk chocolate notes, complemented by a honeyed berry body and a sweet, stone fruit aroma. Organic lovers will appreciate its Certified Organic and Fairtrade certifications, ensuring sustainable and ethical sourcing. Its low acidity and strong yet smooth flavor make it versatile for brewing methods like French Press, Drip, and Pour Over. Whether you're a seasoned coffee drinker or new to specialty brews, this coffee delivers a rich, chocolatey experience with a delightful aroma, making it a must-try for those who value quality and sustainability.
Pros
Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass stands out for its exceptional flavor profile, combining tart red currant, sugar cane, and milk chocolate notes with a honeyed berry body, creating a bright yet smooth taste. The smooth texture and rich aroma make it a standout choice for coffee enthusiasts. Here are three key highlights:
- Complex Flavor: The interplay of tart red currant and milk chocolate delivers a balanced, vibrant cup with a lingering sweetness.
- Versatile Brewing: Its medium fine grind suits French Press, Drip, Pour Over, and Cold Brew, ensuring a consistent, rich taste.
- Ethical Sourcing: Certified Organic and Fairtrade, it supports sustainable farming practices while delivering premium quality.
The coffee's low acidity and smooth texture make it accessible for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs, while its rich aroma enhances the brewing experience.
Cons
While Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass offers a well-rounded and enjoyable experience, it is not without its drawbacks. Here are some notable cons to evaluate:
- Bitter Aftertaste: Despite its smooth and bright flavor profile, some drinkers report a lingering bitter aftertaste, particularly when brewed using methods like French Press or Drip. This may detract from the overall enjoyment for those sensitive to bitterness.
- Inconsistent Grind: While the medium-fine grind is versatile, some users have noted inconsistencies in grind size, which can affect extraction and lead to uneven flavor. This inconsistency may require adjustments in brewing techniques.
- Limited Intensity: For those seeking a bold, robust coffee, Smart Ass may feel slightly mild. Its low acidity and smoothness, while appealing to many, might not satisfy drinkers who prefer a more intense, full-bodied cup.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers' feedback on Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass highlights its appeal as a versatile and high-quality medium roast. Many praise its smooth, bright flavor profile, with notes of tart red currant, sugar cane, and milk chocolate, which cater to diverse taste preferences. The low acidity and absence of bitterness contribute to high customer satisfaction, making it a favorite for both casual drinkers and coffee enthusiasts. Brewing methods like French Press, Drip, and Pour Over enhance its rich, chocolatey aroma, further elevating the experience. While some find it milder than expected, others appreciate its balanced strength and organic, Fairtrade credentials. Consistent grind quality and a delightful aroma guarantee it remains a top choice for those seeking a premium, ethically sourced coffee.
Overall Value
When evaluating the overall value of Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass, its combination of quality, ethical sourcing, and versatile flavor profile positions it as a standout choice in the medium roast category. Priced competitively, it offers a cost comparison advantage over many premium organic coffees, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking high-quality, ethically sourced beans. The bright, chocolatey flavor with notes of tart red currant and sugar cane appeals to a wide range of palates, while its low acidity and smooth finish make it suitable for various brewing methods, including French Press, Drip, and Cold Brew. Certified Organic and Fairtrade, it guarantees sustainability and social responsibility, further enhancing its value proposition for conscientious consumers.
Tips and Tricks For Best Results
To fully appreciate the nuanced flavors of Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass, attention to brewing technique and equipment is essential. For the best results, make sure the grind consistency matches your brewing method: a medium-fine grind works well for drip, pour-over, and French press, while a coarser grind suits cold brew. Maintaining the correct brewing temperature—between 195°F and 205°F—is vital to extract the coffee's bright, chocolatey notes without bitterness. Overheating can dull the tart red currant and honeyed berry undertones, while under-extraction may leave the sugar cane and milk chocolate flavors underdeveloped. Use filtered water to avoid impurities that could mask the coffee's natural sweetness. Pre-wetting the filter and blooming the grounds for 30 seconds enhances the aromatic complexity, guaranteeing a smooth, balanced cup every time.
Conclusion
Balancing boldness with smoothness, Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass delivers a medium roast experience that appeals to a wide range of coffee enthusiasts. Its bright, chocolatey flavor profile, with notes of tart red currant, sugar cane, and milk chocolate, offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and depth. The low acidity and absence of bitterness make it a versatile choice for brewing methods like French Press, Drip, or Pour Over. Certified Organic and Fairtrade, it guarantees ethical sourcing without compromising on quality. In final thoughts, the overall impression is one of consistent excellence—rich aroma, smooth taste, and a commitment to sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned coffee drinker or a newcomer, Smart Ass stands out as a reliable, flavorful option.
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