Kicking Horse Coffee is one of Canada’s most beloved coffee brands, known for its rich, flavorful blends and commitment to quality. Since it was founded, Kicking Horse Coffee has grown from a small startup to a leading name in the organic and fair-trade coffee industry, recognized globally for its bold taste and sustainable practices. Let’s explore the brand’s history, values, product offerings, and what makes it a top choice among coffee enthusiasts.
The Origins of Kicking Horse Coffee
Kicking Horse Coffee was founded in 1996 in the small town of Invermere, located in the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia. The founders, Elana Rosenfeld and Leo Johnson, started the company with a mission to bring high-quality, organic coffee to consumers in Canada. Their journey began with a humble coffee-roasting operation in their garage, and over time, they turned Kicking Horse into a popular name for coffee lovers across North America and beyond.
The brand’s name itself is inspired by the Kicking Horse River, a scenic river that flows through the Canadian Rockies. It’s a fitting name for a coffee that aims to “kick” people awake with bold flavors and deep aromas.
Organic and Fair-Trade Commitment
One of Kicking Horse Coffee’s defining characteristics is its commitment to organic and fair-trade practices. From the beginning, Kicking Horse has focused on offering coffee that is both environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Organic Coffee: All of Kicking Horse Coffee’s products are certified organic, meaning they are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or harmful chemicals. Organic farming methods promote soil health, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. For coffee lovers who care about how their coffee is grown, this organic certification provides reassurance that their cup of coffee is both delicious and eco-friendly.
Fair-Trade Certified: Kicking Horse Coffee is also fair-trade certified, which ensures that the farmers who grow the coffee beans receive a fair price for their product. This certification supports ethical treatment, fair wages, and sustainable farming practices in coffee-growing communities. By purchasing fair-trade coffee, consumers are supporting farmers in developing countries and helping to create a more equitable coffee industry.
Unique Roasting Process
Kicking Horse Coffee has mastered the art of coffee roasting. The brand roasts its beans in small batches to ensure consistency and quality in every bag. Here’s a look at their roasting process:
Bean Selection: Kicking Horse carefully selects high-quality Arabica beans from various regions, including South America, Central America, and Africa. Each region brings unique flavors and characteristics, which are highlighted in different blends.
Small-Batch Roasting: By roasting in small batches, Kicking Horse Coffee can closely monitor each roast to ensure that the beans reach their ideal flavor profile. Small-batch roasting also allows for a more personalized and hands-on approach to roasting.
Quality Control: The beans go through rigorous quality control processes to make sure every bag meets Kicking Horse’s standards. This dedication to quality is one of the reasons why their coffee consistently ranks highly among consumers.
Popular Kicking Horse Coffee Blends
Kicking Horse Coffee offers a variety of blends to cater to different tastes. Each blend has its own unique flavor profile, from smooth and mild to bold and intense. Here are some of the most popular blends:
Kick Ass: One of the brand’s flagship blends, Kick Ass is a bold, dark roast with notes of chocolate malt, licorice, and molasses. It’s rich and full-bodied, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a powerful cup of coffee.
Three Sisters: Named after the trio of towering mountains in the Canadian Rockies, this medium roast blend features flavors of sweet fruit, cocoa, and caramel. It’s a versatile blend that can be enjoyed black or with milk.
Grizzly Claw: Another popular dark roast, Grizzly Claw is known for its rich, chocolatey flavor with hints of roasted hazelnut. It’s perfect for coffee drinkers who enjoy a robust and slightly smoky taste.
Smart Ass: For those who prefer a lighter roast, Smart Ass is a bright and fruity medium roast with hints of sweet sugarcane, milk chocolate, and honeyed berry. It’s a refreshing choice for the morning.
Decaf Dark: Kicking Horse also offers a decaf option, which is a dark roast with deep flavors. It’s decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process, which doesn’t involve chemicals and maintains the coffee’s natural flavor.
What Makes Kicking Horse Coffee Stand Out?
Several factors set Kicking Horse Coffee apart from other brands:
Commitment to Sustainability: The brand’s dedication to organic and fair-trade coffee means that every cup supports sustainable farming practices and fair labor conditions. This aligns with the values of eco-conscious consumers who want to make a positive impact.
Flavor Variety: Kicking Horse offers a wide range of blends, each with a distinct flavor profile. Whether you enjoy dark roasts, medium roasts, or decaf, there’s a Kicking Horse blend that suits your preferences.
High Quality and Freshness: Kicking Horse roasts its beans to order and packages them in bags with one-way valves, which helps preserve freshness. This ensures that each cup of coffee tastes as fresh as possible, regardless of when you purchase it.
Transparency: Kicking Horse is open about its sourcing, roasting, and certification processes. This transparency builds trust with consumers who want to know where their coffee comes from and how it’s produced.
Local Canadian Roots: Despite its international popularity, Kicking Horse has maintained its Canadian identity and continues to roast its coffee in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia.
How to Brew Kicking Horse Coffee at Home
Brewing Kicking Horse Coffee at home allows you to enjoy its rich flavors anytime. Here are some tips for making the perfect cup:
Choose Your Blend: Select a Kicking Horse blend based on your flavor preference. Dark roasts like Kick Ass are great for espresso, while medium roasts like Three Sisters work well as a filter coffee.
Grind Fresh: For the best flavor, grind your coffee beans just before brewing. Kicking Horse coffee beans are available in whole-bean form, allowing you to grind to your desired coarseness.
Use Quality Water: Since coffee is mostly water, using clean, filtered water can enhance the taste of your brew. Avoid distilled water as it lacks the minerals needed to bring out the coffee’s full flavor.
Measure Your Coffee: A good rule of thumb is to use 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, depending on your taste preference. Adjust the ratio as needed.
Experiment with Brewing Methods: Kicking Horse Coffee can be brewed using various methods, including drip coffee makers, French press, pour-over, and espresso machines. Each method brings out different characteristics in the coffee.
Why Coffee Lovers Are Drawn to Kicking Horse
Kicking Horse Coffee has developed a strong following among coffee enthusiasts who value quality, taste, and sustainability. Here are some reasons why coffee lovers choose Kicking Horse:
Rich, Full-Bodied Flavor: Kicking Horse coffees are known for their bold, intense flavors. Many fans appreciate the depth and richness that these coffees offer, especially in the dark roast blends.
Ethical and Eco-Friendly: Consumers today are more aware of the impact of their purchases on the environment and society. Kicking Horse’s organic and fair-trade certifications reassure coffee lovers that their choice supports ethical practices.
Community-Oriented Brand: Despite its growth, Kicking Horse maintains a commitment to local values and community engagement. The brand frequently participates in community events and initiatives, particularly in British Columbia.
Awards and Recognition
Kicking Horse Coffee has won numerous awards and accolades for its quality and commitment to sustainability. Some notable recognitions include:
Top 10 Best Coffee Companies in North America: The company has been recognized multiple times for its quality and consistency.
Canada’s Fairtrade Awards: Kicking Horse has received awards for its dedication to fair-trade practices, highlighting its role as a leader in ethical sourcing.
Organic Certifications: All Kicking Horse Coffee products are certified organic by globally recognized organizations, which validate the brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Where to Buy Kicking Horse Coffee
Kicking Horse Coffee is widely available across North America. You can find it in major grocery stores, specialty coffee shops, and online retailers like Amazon and the Kicking Horse Coffee website. The brand offers a subscription service for those who want fresh coffee delivered to their door regularly.
Conclusion
Kicking Horse Coffee offers a unique blend of quality, ethics, and flavor. It’s a brand for coffee lovers who care about the origins of their coffee, how it’s grown, and the impact it has on the environment and the people who produce it. With a wide range of blends and a commitment to both quality and sustainability, Kicking Horse Coffee appeals to a broad audience, from casual drinkers to coffee connoisseurs.
Related Topics:
From Bean to Brew: The Story of The Goodlife Coffee
SuuKee Coffee: A Journey Through Quality and Flavor
Kings Cart Coffee: A Passion for Crafting the Perfect Cup