Kicking Horse Coffee is a Canadian brand celebrated for its organic, fair‑trade beans and bold flavor profiles. Known for its Rocky Mountain roots, the company offers a wide range of blends, each with unique roast levels and caffeine strengths.
What is Kicking Horse Coffee?
Kicking Horse Coffee is a specialty roaster based in British Columbia, Canada. It has built a reputation for producing organic, fair‑trade coffee that emphasizes sustainability and quality.
Defining traits of Kicking Horse Coffee:
- Organic Certification – Beans grown without synthetic chemicals.
- Fair‑Trade Practices – Farmers are paid fairly for their crops.
- Canadian Roots – Roasted in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia.
- Wide Range of Blends – From dark roasts to espresso‑focused options.
- Commitment to Quality – Carefully sourced beans for consistent flavor.
Cliff Hanger Espresso reflects this mission by offering a balanced roast that appeals to espresso drinkers while maintaining the company’s dedication to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
How Roast Type Impacts Caffeine in Kicking Horse Coffee
Many coffee drinkers assume darker roasts contain more caffeine, but roast level actually affects flavor more than caffeine. Kicking Horse Coffee offers light, medium, and dark roasts, each with distinct taste profiles and energy levels.
Impact of roast type on caffeine:
- Light Roast – Retains slightly more caffeine due to shorter roasting time.
- Medium Roast – Balanced flavor with moderate caffeine.
- Dark Roast – Bold taste, but slightly less caffeine per bean.
- Espresso Roast – Concentrated caffeine when brewed as shots.
- Consistency – Differences are small, but noticeable in taste and feel.
Light roasts may feel more energizing because of their bright acidity, while dark roasts deliver a heavier body that feels stronger even if caffeine is slightly lower.
Kicking Horse Coffee Caffeine Levels Ranked (Lowest to Highest)
Kicking Horse Coffee blends vary in caffeine strength, making it easy to choose the right option depending on your energy needs. From decaf to espresso, each blend offers a unique experience.
Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass
Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass is one of the brand’s boldest and most popular blends, crafted for coffee drinkers who want a strong, full‑bodied cup with a serious caffeine kick.
Defining features of Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass:
- Caffeine Range – 120–360 mg per 8–24 fl oz serving.
- Caffeine Concentration – About 15 mg per fl oz in brewed coffee.
- Espresso Shot Equivalent – ~60–70 mg per 1 fl oz shot (~3 mg per ml).
- Dark Roast Profile – Bold, smoky flavor with hints of chocolate and earthy undertones.
- Organic & Fair‑Trade – Certified beans sourced sustainably from global farms.
- Versatile Brewing – Works well for drip, French press, or espresso.
Whether brewed as a large drip cup or pulled as a concentrated espresso shot, this blend lives up to its name by delivering a powerful yet smooth coffee experience.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Happy Camper
Kicking Horse Coffee Happy Camper is a smooth, balanced blend designed for those who want a moderate caffeine boost without overwhelming strength. As a medium roast, it delivers approachable flavor with enough energy to power through the day.
Defining features of Happy Camper:
- Serving Size Range – 8–16 fl oz.
- Total Caffeine – 95–240 mg depending on cup size.
- Caffeine Concentration – ~12–15 mg per fl oz.
- Medium Roast Profile – Balanced acidity with nutty and chocolate notes.
- Organic & Fair‑Trade – Sustainably sourced beans.
It’s versatile enough for drip brewing or French press, offering a smooth taste that pairs well with milk or cream. This blend is perfect for everyday drinking, striking a balance between flavor and caffeine.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Three Sisters
Three Sisters is one of Kicking Horse Coffee’s most popular blends, named after the iconic Canadian Rocky Mountains. It’s a medium roast that blends light, medium, and dark beans to create a layered flavor profile.
Defining features of Three Sisters:
- Serving Size Range – 8–24 fl oz.
- Total Caffeine – 95–285 mg depending on cup size.
- Caffeine Concentration – ~11–12 mg per fl oz.
- Balanced Roast Profile – Smooth, complex flavor with hints of cocoa and fruit.
- Organic & Fair‑Trade – Certified sustainable sourcing.
Three Sisters is best for coffee lovers who want complexity without excessive strength. Its blend of roast levels creates a cup that is rich yet approachable, making it suitable for larger servings.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass
Smart Ass is a lively, medium roast blend that emphasizes bright flavor and a playful character. It’s crafted for those who want a spirited cup with moderate caffeine and a vibrant taste profile.
Defining features of Smart Ass:
- Serving Size Range – 8–16 fl oz.
- Total Caffeine – 95–240 mg depending on cup size.
- Caffeine Concentration – ~11–15 mg per fl oz.
- Flavor Profile – Notes of fruit, chocolate, and a hint of sweetness.
- Organic & Fair‑Trade – Sustainably sourced beans.
Smart Ass is perfect for coffee drinkers who enjoy a lively, flavorful cup that delivers energy without heaviness. Its medium roast preserves brightness and complexity, making it a great choice for drip brewing or pour‑over.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Hola
Kicking Horse Coffee Hola is a lively light roast crafted for those who enjoy a bright, easy‑drinking cup with moderate caffeine. Its smooth flavor profile makes it approachable while still delivering enough energy to start the day.
Defining features of Hola:
- Serving Size Range – 8–20 fl oz.
- Total Caffeine – 95–240 mg depending on cup size.
- Caffeine Concentration – ~11–12 mg per fl oz.
- Light Roast Profile – Bright acidity with subtle nutty and fruity notes.
- Organic & Fair‑Trade – Sustainably sourced beans.
Hola is ideal for coffee drinkers who prefer a lighter roast with a gentle lift. It’s versatile for drip brewing or pour‑over, offering a clean taste that pairs well with breakfast or mid‑day sipping.
Kicking Horse Coffee, 454 Horse Power
454 Horse Power is one of Kicking Horse Coffee’s strongest blends, designed for those who want bold flavor and a serious caffeine boost. As a dark roast, it delivers intensity while maintaining smoothness.
Defining features of 454 Horse Power:
- Serving Size Range – 8–20 fl oz.
- Total Caffeine – 120–300 mg depending on cup size.
- Caffeine Concentration – ~15–18 mg per fl oz.
- Dark Roast Profile – Heavy body with smoky, earthy notes.
- Organic & Fair‑Trade – Certified sustainable sourcing.
This blend is perfect for coffee lovers who want strength in both taste and energy. 454 Horse Power lives up to its name, offering a powerful cup that fuels long days.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Grizzly Claw
Grizzly Claw is a bold dark roast crafted for drinkers who crave intensity and depth. Known for its rich flavor and strong caffeine content, it’s one of Kicking Horse Coffee’s most robust blends.
Defining features of Grizzly Claw:
- Serving Size Range – 8–24 fl oz.
- Total Caffeine – 120–360 mg depending on cup size.
- Caffeine Concentration – ~15–18 mg per fl oz.
- Dark Roast Profile – Deep chocolate notes with a smoky finish.
- Organic & Fair‑Trade – Sustainably sourced beans.
Grizzly Claw is best for those who want a strong, full‑bodied cup that delivers lasting energy. Its bold flavor pairs well with milk or cream, but it’s equally satisfying black.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Swiss Water Process
Kicking Horse Coffee Swiss Water Process is the brand’s decaf option, crafted for those who love the taste of coffee but want to avoid most of the caffeine.
Defining features of Swiss Water Process:
- Serving Size Range – 8–20 fl oz.
- Total Caffeine – 2–12 mg depending on cup size.
- Caffeine Concentration – ~0.25–0.6 mg per fl oz.
- Decaf Profile – Smooth, mellow flavor with chocolate and nutty notes.
- Swiss Water Method – Removes caffeine naturally without chemicals.
- Organic & Fair‑Trade – Sustainably sourced beans.
Swiss Water Process demonstrates Kicking Horse’s commitment to quality by offering a decaf that still tastes rich and satisfying.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Cliff Hanger Espresso
Cliff Hanger Espresso is a medium roast blend designed for espresso lovers who want balance, complexity, and a satisfying caffeine kick.
Defining features of Cliff Hanger Espresso:
- Serving Size Range – 8–16 fl oz.
- Total Caffeine – 120–260 mg depending on cup size.
- Caffeine Concentration – ~15–18 mg per fl oz.
- Medium Roast Profile – Bright acidity with chocolate and nutty undertones.
- Versatile Brewing – Works well for espresso, drip, or French press.
- Organic & Fair‑Trade – Sustainably sourced beans.
Cliff Hanger Espresso is perfect for those who want a bold yet balanced coffee. It shines as a straight espresso shot but also pairs beautifully with milk in lattes and cappuccinos.
