Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass

Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass

Caffeine

95 – 240 mg

AttributeValue
Caffeine LevelModerate
Serving Size8 – 16 fl oz
Serving Size (ml)240 – 473 ml
Caffeine95 – 240 mg
Calories2 kcal
Sugar
Caffeine per fl oz11 – 15 mg/fl oz

Kicking Horse Coffee’s Smart Ass blend is one of the brand’s most popular medium roasts, known for its lively flavor and balanced caffeine kick.

What is Kicking Horse Coffee?

Kicking Horse Coffee is a Canadian brand that has built a reputation for organic, fair‑trade, and sustainably sourced beans. The company emphasizes ethical practices while delivering bold flavors that appeal to a wide range of coffee enthusiasts.

  • Certified Organic – Beans are grown without synthetic chemicals.
  • Fair Trade – Farmers receive fair compensation for their crops.
  • Canadian Roots – Founded in Invermere, British Columbia.
  • Wide Range – Offers blends from light to dark roasts.
  • Sustainability – Focus on eco‑friendly packaging and sourcing.

Together, these qualities make Kicking Horse Coffee more than just a beverage—it’s a brand built on values.

Flavor Profile and Roast Level of Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass

Smart Ass is a medium roast that balances acidity and body, offering a lively yet smooth drinking experience. Its flavor profile is often described as cheeky and bright, with notes that appeal to adventurous coffee drinkers.

  • Roast Level – Medium, striking balance between light brightness and dark depth.
  • Flavor Notes – Hints of red currant, milk chocolate, and a touch of honey.
  • Acidity – Moderate, giving the coffee a lively edge.
  • Body – Smooth and rounded, not too heavy.
  • Finish – Clean and slightly sweet, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

Smart Ass is versatile enough to be brewed as drip coffee, French press, or espresso, each method highlighting different aspects of its flavor.

Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass

Caffeine in Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass by Cup Size

The caffeine content in Smart Ass varies depending on how much coffee is brewed. A standard 8‑ounce cup provides a moderate boost, while larger servings deliver more noticeable energy.

  • 8 oz Cup – Approximately 95–120 mg of caffeine.
  • 12 oz Cup – Around 140–180 mg of caffeine.
  • 16 oz Cup – Roughly 190–240 mg of caffeine.
  • Brewing Method – French press and espresso yield slightly higher concentrations.
  • Strength Control – Adjusting grind size and brew time influences caffeine levels.

These numbers highlight how serving size directly impacts caffeine consumption. For those sensitive to caffeine, smaller cups may be preferable, while larger servings suit individuals needing sustained energy.

Caffeine in Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass by Espresso Shot

Espresso brewing concentrates caffeine into a smaller serving, making Smart Ass particularly potent when pulled as a shot. A single shot delivers a quick burst of energy, while multiple shots increase intensity.

  • Single Shot (1 oz) – About 63 mg of caffeine.
  • Double Shot (2 oz) – Roughly 125 mg of caffeine.
  • Triple Shot (3 oz) – Around 190 mg of caffeine.
  • Brewing Variables – Pressure, grind size, and tamping affect extraction.
  • Usage – Commonly consumed straight or as a base for lattes and cappuccinos.

Espresso shots of Smart Ass are ideal for those who want concentrated energy without drinking a full cup. The flavor remains bold and lively, with chocolate and fruit notes shining through.

Caffeine Content per Milliliter (ml)

Measuring caffeine per milliliter provides a precise way to understand Smart Ass’s strength. This approach is useful for comparing different brewing methods and serving sizes.

  • Drip Coffee – About 12 mg per ounce (0.4 mg/ml).
  • Espresso – Roughly 63 mg per ounce (2.1 mg/ml).
  • Cold Brew – Can range from 20–25 mg per ounce (0.7–0.8 mg/ml).
  • French Press – Typically 10–15 mg per ounce (0.3–0.5 mg/ml).
  • Variability – Bean grind, brew time, and water ratio influence results.

By analyzing caffeine per milliliter, consumers gain insight into how concentrated Smart Ass can be. Espresso stands out as the most caffeine‑dense option, while drip coffee offers a more balanced experience.

Bean Quality and Sourcing Behind Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass

Smart Ass is crafted from high‑quality Arabica beans sourced through ethical and sustainable practices. Kicking Horse Coffee emphasizes transparency in sourcing, ensuring farmers benefit from fair trade agreements.

  • Arabica Beans – Known for smooth flavor and balanced caffeine.
  • Fair Trade – Farmers receive fair compensation.
  • Organic Certification – Beans grown without synthetic pesticides.
  • Global Origins – Sourced from Central and South America.
  • Quality Control – Rigorous roasting and blending standards.

These sourcing practices ensure Smart Ass maintains consistency in flavor and caffeine content. The brand’s commitment to sustainability resonates with consumers who value ethical consumption.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels in Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass

Several factors determine how much caffeine ends up in a cup of Smart Ass. From bean type to brewing method, each variable plays a role in shaping the final caffeine content.

  • Roast Level – Medium roast retains moderate caffeine compared to darker roasts.
  • Grind Size – Finer grinds extract more caffeine.
  • Brew Time – Longer brewing increases caffeine concentration.
  • Water Temperature – Hotter water extracts caffeine more efficiently.
  • Serving Size – Larger cups naturally contain more caffeine.

Understanding these factors allows consumers to adjust their brewing process to achieve desired caffeine strength.