Kicking Horse Coffee, a Canadian coffee roaster, has been making waves in the coffee world with its unique blends and commitment to quality. For coffee enthusiasts, the question on everyone’s mind is: what does Kicking Horse Coffee taste like? In this article, we will delve into the world of Kicking Horse Coffee, exploring its flavor profiles, roasting techniques, and what sets it apart from other coffee brands.
Introduction to Kicking Horse Coffee
Kicking Horse Coffee was founded in 1996 by Elana Rosenfeld and Joe Johnson in the small town of Invermere, British Columbia. The company’s name is inspired by the Kicking Horse River, which runs through the Canadian Rockies. From its humble beginnings, Kicking Horse Coffee has grown into a reputable brand, known for its high-quality, fair-trade, and organic coffee beans. The company’s mission is to provide exceptional coffee while promoting sustainability and supporting local communities.
Roasting Techniques and Philosophy
Kicking Horse Coffee’s roasting techniques play a significant role in shaping the flavor profiles of their coffee. The company employs a team of skilled roasters who carefully select and roast each batch of coffee beans to bring out the unique characteristics of each blend. Kicking Horse Coffee’s roasting philosophy is centered around the idea of “roasting to reveal,” which means that they aim to highlight the natural flavors of the coffee beans rather than overpowering them with a heavy roast.
Lighter Roasts vs. Darker Roasts
Kicking Horse Coffee offers a range of blends, from lighter to darker roasts. The lighter roasts, such as the Grizzly Claw blend, are characterized by their bright acidity and fruity flavors. These blends are perfect for those who prefer a more nuanced and delicate cup of coffee. On the other hand, the darker roasts, such as the Dark Roast blend, have a richer, more full-bodied flavor with notes of chocolate and caramel. These blends are ideal for those who enjoy a bolder cup of coffee.
Flavor Profiles of Kicking Horse Coffee
Kicking Horse Coffee’s flavor profiles are as diverse as the Canadian Rockies themselves. From the smooth and balanced Smart Ass blend to the bold and adventurous Three Sisters blend, each cup of Kicking Horse Coffee is a unique experience. The company’s flavor profiles can be broadly categorized into several distinct categories, including:
- Fruity and floral flavors, such as citrus, berries, and honey, which are characteristic of the lighter roasts
- Rich and chocolatey flavors, which are typical of the darker roasts
- Smooth and balanced flavors, which are found in the medium roasts
Regional Flavor Profiles
Kicking Horse Coffee sources its coffee beans from various regions around the world, each with its unique flavor profile. The company’s South American blends, for example, are known for their bright acidity and fruity flavors, while the African blends are characterized by their rich, earthy flavors. The Asian blends, on the other hand, have a more delicate and floral flavor profile.
Single-Origin Coffees
In addition to its blended coffees, Kicking Horse Coffee also offers a range of single-origin coffees. These coffees are sourced from specific regions or farms and are roasted to highlight their unique flavor profiles. The Sumatran single-origin coffee, for example, has a rich, earthy flavor with notes of musk and spice, while the Kenyan single-origin coffee is characterized by its bright acidity and complex flavor profile.
Conclusion
Kicking Horse Coffee is a brand that is deeply rooted in the Canadian Rockies and committed to providing high-quality, unique, and delicious coffee. With its diverse range of blends and single-origin coffees, Kicking Horse Coffee has something to offer every coffee enthusiast. Whether you prefer a bright and fruity cup or a rich and chocolatey one, Kicking Horse Coffee’s flavor profiles are sure to impress. So, what does Kicking Horse Coffee taste like? The answer is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the company’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. As you embark on your own journey through the flavors of Kicking Horse Coffee, remember to appreciate the nuances and complexities of each cup, and to always savor the flavor.
What inspired the founders of Kicking Horse Coffee to start their business in the Canadian Rockies?
The founders of Kicking Horse Coffee, Elana and Joe, were inspired to start their business in the Canadian Rockies due to their passion for coffee and the region’s unique energy. They were drawn to the area’s stunning natural beauty, with its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The couple’s love for the outdoors and their desire to live in a community that shared their values led them to settle in the small town of Invermere, British Columbia, where they could pursue their dream of creating a specialty coffee company.
As they delved deeper into the world of coffee, Elana and Joe discovered a shared passion for sourcing high-quality, unique coffee beans from around the world. They were committed to creating a product that not only tasted exceptional but also reflected the values of their community, including a strong sense of environmental responsibility and a commitment to fair trade practices. The Canadian Rockies provided the perfect backdrop for their venture, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts, artists, and entrepreneurs. The region’s unique energy and natural beauty continue to inspire the company’s mission and values to this day.
What sets Kicking Horse Coffee apart from other specialty coffee companies?
Kicking Horse Coffee is set apart from other specialty coffee companies by its unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. The company’s focus on sourcing the finest, all-natural ingredients and using environmentally friendly practices in its operations has earned it a loyal following among coffee connoisseurs and environmentally conscious consumers. Kicking Horse Coffee’s unique blends, such as Grizzly Claw and Three Sisters, are crafted to reflect the bold, adventurous spirit of the Canadian Rockies, with flavor profiles that are both complex and approachable.
The company’s dedication to fair trade practices, organic farming, and reducing its carbon footprint has also contributed to its reputation as a leader in the specialty coffee industry. Kicking Horse Coffee’s operations are designed to minimize waste and reduce energy consumption, from its energy-efficient roasting facility to its composting program and recycling initiatives. By combining a passion for exceptional coffee with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Kicking Horse Coffee has established itself as a trusted and beloved brand among coffee lovers who value quality, sustainability, and community.
How does Kicking Horse Coffee source its high-quality coffee beans?
Kicking Horse Coffee sources its high-quality coffee beans from a network of trusted suppliers and farmers around the world. The company’s coffee experts travel extensively to discover unique and exotic coffee beans, often visiting small, family-owned farms and cooperatives in countries such as Ethiopia, Colombia, and Sumatra. By building direct relationships with farmers and suppliers, Kicking Horse Coffee is able to ensure that its coffee beans are sourced with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to quality.
The company’s sourcing process involves a rigorous evaluation of factors such as flavor profile, acidity, and body, as well as the farmer’s or cooperative’s commitment to sustainable practices, fair labor conditions, and environmental stewardship. Kicking Horse Coffee’s coffee experts work closely with farmers to develop customized farming and processing techniques that bring out the full potential of each coffee bean, resulting in a range of distinctive and complex flavor profiles that reflect the unique characteristics of each region and farm.
What is the significance of the name “Kicking Horse” in the context of the company’s history and values?
The name “Kicking Horse” holds significant meaning in the context of the company’s history and values, as it references the stunning natural beauty and rugged spirit of the Canadian Rockies. The name is inspired by the Kicking Horse River, which flows through the heart of the Rockies and is known for its powerful currents and breathtaking scenery. The name “Kicking Horse” reflects the company’s connection to the land, its people, and its values, including a sense of adventure, a commitment to quality, and a passion for the outdoors.
The name “Kicking Horse” also nods to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage, including the legend of the Kicking Horse River, which is said to have been named after a horse that kicked a member of a survey party in the late 19th century. The story has become a beloved part of local folklore, symbolizing the region’s independent spirit and its connection to the natural world. By embracing the name “Kicking Horse,” the company is able to tap into the region’s unique energy and sense of community, while also reflecting its own values and mission.
How does Kicking Horse Coffee contribute to the local community and support environmental initiatives?
Kicking Horse Coffee is deeply committed to contributing to the local community and supporting environmental initiatives in the Canadian Rockies. The company is involved in a range of community programs and partnerships, including supporting local arts and cultural organizations, sponsoring outdoor events and festivals, and participating in environmental initiatives such as river cleanups and conservation projects. Kicking Horse Coffee also donates a portion of its profits to local charities and non-profit organizations, with a focus on supporting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, social justice, and community development.
The company’s commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in its operations, from its energy-efficient roasting facility to its composting program and recycling initiatives. Kicking Horse Coffee has also implemented a range of sustainable practices in its supply chain, including sourcing organic and fair trade coffee beans, reducing packaging waste, and promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. By combining its passion for exceptional coffee with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Kicking Horse Coffee is able to make a positive impact on the local community and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Canadian Rockies.
What are some of the unique flavor profiles and blends that Kicking Horse Coffee offers?
Kicking Horse Coffee offers a range of unique flavor profiles and blends that reflect the company’s passion for exceptional coffee and its connection to the Canadian Rockies. From the bold, smoky flavors of its Grizzly Claw blend to the smooth, balanced flavors of its Three Sisters blend, Kicking Horse Coffee’s products are crafted to showcase the full range of coffee’s flavor possibilities. The company’s coffee experts work tirelessly to develop new and innovative blends, using a combination of traditional roasting techniques and cutting-edge technology to bring out the full potential of each coffee bean.
Some of the company’s most popular blends include the aforementioned Grizzly Claw and Three Sisters, as well as its Cold Brew and Decaf blends. Kicking Horse Coffee also offers a range of single-origin coffees, each with its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. From the bright, fruity flavors of Ethiopian coffee to the rich, chocolatey flavors of Colombian coffee, Kicking Horse Coffee’s single-origin coffees are designed to showcase the full diversity and complexity of the world’s great coffee regions. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just discovering the world of specialty coffee, Kicking Horse Coffee has a blend or single-origin coffee that’s sure to delight and inspire.
How can customers get involved with Kicking Horse Coffee and support the company’s mission and values?
Customers can get involved with Kicking Horse Coffee and support the company’s mission and values in a range of ways, from visiting the company’s cafe and roasting facility in Invermere, British Columbia, to participating in online communities and social media forums. Kicking Horse Coffee also offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to engage customers and promote sustainability, including its coffee subscription service, which allows customers to receive regular shipments of their favorite blends and single-origin coffees while also supporting the company’s commitment to fair trade and environmental responsibility.
Customers can also support Kicking Horse Coffee’s mission and values by choosing to purchase the company’s products, which are available in a range of retail locations and online. By choosing Kicking Horse Coffee, customers are able to support a company that is committed to quality, sustainability, and community, and that is working to make a positive impact on the world. Additionally, customers can participate in the company’s community programs and events, such as coffee tastings and workshops, which provide opportunities to learn more about coffee and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for exceptional coffee and sustainability.