I’ve been drinking Kicking Horse coffee for about two years now, mostly their “Kick Ass” dark roast. It showed up in my grocery store one day and I grabbed it because the name made me laugh. Turns out there’s actually good coffee inside the silly packaging.
But is it worth the premium price? That’s what we’re really here to figure out.
Who Makes Kicking Horse Coffee?
Kicking Horse is based in the Canadian Rockies, specifically in Invermere, British Columbia. They’ve been roasting since 1996, which makes them relative newcomers compared to brands like Peet’s or Starbucks, but old enough to have figured out what they’re doing.
The company was acquired by Lavazza (the Italian coffee giant) in 2017, but they still roast in Canada and seem to have maintained their quality. I’ve been buying their coffee both before and after the acquisition and haven’t noticed a difference.
All their coffee is certified organic and Fair Trade, which matters if that’s something you care about. It also means you’re paying a bit more than conventional coffee.
The Roasts I’ve Actually Tried
Kick Ass (Dark Roast) — My Go-To
This is the one that got me hooked. The name is ridiculous but the coffee delivers.
Kick Ass is a blend of Indonesian and Central American beans. The taste is bold and smoky with notes of dark chocolate and a bit of earthiness. What I appreciate most is that it’s genuinely dark without being bitter or burnt. A lot of dark roasts just taste like charcoal. This one has actual flavor complexity.
I primarily brew this in a French press using about 2 tablespoons per cup. It also works well in a drip machine, though I find it slightly less impressive that way.
The aftertaste lingers—some people might find it too strong. If you prefer lighter, brighter coffees, this isn’t for you.
454 Horse Power (Dark Roast)
Their “extra strong” option. I bought this thinking it would be my weekend coffee when I needed extra caffeine.
It’s… fine. Definitely strong, with a heavier body than Kick Ass. But I found it less nuanced. The flavor profile is more one-note: just DARK AND STRONG without much else going on. I finished the bag but didn’t repurchase.
If you want intensity above all else, this delivers. If you want dark roast with some subtlety, stick with Kick Ass.
Three Sisters (Medium Roast)
Named after the Three Sisters mountain peaks near the roastery. This is their medium offering and it’s quite different from the dark roasts.
Three Sisters has a lighter body with notes of cocoa, caramel, and stone fruit. It’s smooth and approachable—the kind of coffee that doesn’t demand your attention but rewards it if you pay attention.
I keep a bag of this around for afternoons when I want coffee but don’t want the heaviness of a dark roast. It’s also the one my wife prefers.
Smart Ass (Medium Roast)
Their other medium option, which I bought because I wanted to try the whole “Ass” lineup (yes, I’m that person).
Smart Ass is a bit brighter than Three Sisters, with more acidity. Berry notes come through, especially when brewed as a pour-over. It’s pleasant but not distinctive enough for me to recommend it over Three Sisters unless you specifically want more acidity.
Cliff Hanger Espresso
I have a Breville espresso machine that I use on weekends, so I picked up a bag of this to try.
It pulls decent shots with good crema. The flavor is sweet and slightly nutty, less intense than I expected from an espresso blend. It makes a nice latte but doesn’t have the punch I want in straight espresso.
For the price, there are better espresso options. I’d rather spend a bit more on something from a dedicated espresso roaster.
Packaging and Freshness
Kicking Horse uses heavy-duty bags with a one-way valve and a resealable zipper. The bags are solid and keep the coffee fresh for a reasonable time.
I’ve noticed the roast dates on bags vary quite a bit. Sometimes I get bags roasted 2-3 weeks prior; other times it’s been closer to 6-8 weeks. Grocery store stock rotation isn’t great. If freshness matters to you (and it should), buying directly from their website might be smarter.
The beans themselves look good—no obvious defects, consistent roast color, good oil on the dark roasts without being overly shiny.
Price Reality Check
A 10 oz bag typically runs $11-14 depending on where you buy it. That’s about $1.25-1.40 per ounce, which puts it in the premium-but-not-crazy range.
For comparison:
- Starbucks whole bean: ~$0.90-1.00/oz
- Peet’s whole bean: ~$1.00-1.20/oz
- Local specialty roasters: ~$1.50-2.50/oz
So Kicking Horse sits between the mainstream brands and true specialty coffee. The quality matches the positioning—better than Starbucks or Peet’s, not quite at the level of a really good local roaster.
The Verdict
Kicking Horse makes genuinely good coffee that’s widely available. If you’re buying from grocery stores rather than seeking out specialty roasters, it’s one of the better options on the shelf.
The dark roasts are their strength. Kick Ass in particular delivers impressive depth and complexity for a mass-market coffee. The medium roasts are solid but less distinctive.
Is it worth the price premium over Starbucks or Folgers? Yes, assuming you can taste the difference. If you’re drowning your coffee in cream and sweetener, maybe save your money.
Would I recommend it over a local roaster with fresh-roasted beans? No, probably not. But if your choices are Kicking Horse or whatever’s on sale at the supermarket, go with the horse.
Where to Buy
You can find Kicking Horse at most major grocery stores (Whole Foods, Safeway, Kroger, etc.), Target, Amazon, and their own website. Prices are usually best on Amazon or at Costco when they carry it.
Their K-Cups are also available if that’s your thing, though I haven’t tried them personally. I assume they’re decent based on the bean quality, but K-Cups are never going to match fresh ground.
