The short & sweet:
Pros: good quality, fresh beans.
Con: might be too sweet for people that like espresso
I am a big espresso fan and usually aim to try new flavors out there. Kicking Horse has been always on my mind when purchasing beans but I can't recall the last time I actually did. So, when I ran out of my personal batch, I decided to give them a try. I love medium roasts, although most of the ones I get are usually light because I prefer the bitter/acidity taste for my specialty drinks (mix with milk). Nevertheless, I wanted to try the Cliff Hanger medium roast and see if I would like it.
Beans: the beans are oily and fresh in the packaging, and smell delicious
Espresso: straight up pulled shot, the Cliff Hanger is aromatic and gives off (to me & my nose) a light taste of dark chocolate. It is sweet to the taste and acidity levels are minimum.
Macchiato: I think this is where this bean shines! A macchiato with the Kicking Horse tastes heavenly! There is a sweet spot for any bean and I think this is it!
Cappuccino: I do enjoy sweet cappuccinos, but do have to say the coffee is a little distant in this mixture
Latte: I feel like this blend is too "smooth" for lattes and gets lost in the milk
Overall: I think the Kicking Horse is a great bean if you want to use it for espressos, macchiatos or cappuccino. If you are an avid latte drinker and like the coffee taste, this might be on the lighter side for you.
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Climate Pledge Friendly
Climate Pledge Friendly uses sustainability certifications to highlight products that support our commitment to help preserve the natural world. Time is fleeting. Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Fairtrade International
products are produced in line with ethical and environmental standards, including supporting farmers to tackle climate change challenges.
Every time you choose Fairtrade, you're choosing a better future for people and planet. Through on-the-ground sustainable farming advice and securing better incomes, Fairtrade equips producers to tackle climate change challenges, such as extreme weather. All Fairtrade producers follow our ethical and environmental standards, which make environmental protection an integral part of farming. This includes reducing carbon footprints and pollution, finding organic alternatives, bans on deforestation and protecting biodiversity.
From the manufacturer
About Cliff Hanger Espresso
Get a grip on this chocolaty, smooth blend. There's cocoa tones and a bold happy ending. Don't hang in suspense, this blend reads like a manifesto of delicious coffee.
Aroma: Blackcurrant, milk chocolate and brown sugar.
Tasting Notes: Silky and complex, wild berry syrup with a smooth cocoa finish.
Recommended Brew Methods: French press, drip machine, pour over, espresso, cold brew.
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| Smart *ss | Three Sisters | Cliff Hanger Espresso | 454 Horse Power | Kick *ss | Grizzly Claw | |
| Roast | Medium | Medium | Medium | Dark | Dark | Dark |
| Origin | Africa, Central & South America | Indonesia, Central & South America | Africa, Indonesia, Central & South America | Indonesia, Central & South America | Indonesia & South America | Central & South America |
| Aroma | Sweet syrup, vanilla bean, stone fruit. | Sweet dried fruit, toasted coconut, and chocolate malt. | Blackcurrant, milk chocolate and brown sugar. | Cacao nibs, peat, and hints of nutmeg. | Smoky, sweet vanilla and dark chocolate. | Condensed sugar cane and cocoa powder. |
| Tasting Notes | Tart red currant, notes of sugar cane and milk chocolate, with a honeyed berry body. | Well-rounded and complex with notes of stone fruit and cocoa. | Silky and complex, wild berry syrup with a smooth cocoa finish. | Heavy body, earthy with a black liquorice finish. | Chocolate malt, molasses, liquorice and an earthy lingering finish. | Rich, dark chocolate, cacao nibs, brown sugar and roasted hazelnuts. |
| Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bean Type | Arabica | Arabica | Arabica | Arabica | Arabica | Arabica |
| Available In | 2.2lb & 10oz Whole Bean & 10oz Ground | 2.2lb & 10oz Whole Bean & 10oz Ground | 2.2lb Whole Bean | 2.2lb & 10oz Whole Bean & 10oz Ground | 2.2lb & 10oz Whole Bean & 10oz Ground | 2.2lb & 10oz Whole Bean & 10oz Ground |
Big Ideas. Things That Matter & Why.
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Why Fairtrade?Kicking Horse Coffee only uses coffee that is certified good and fair for both the coffee drinkers and for farmers. Fairtrade uses profits from coffee to empower farmers and to invest in their community's future. #1215 by FLOCERT, 2020 |
Why Organic?Certified organic coffee means good products and principles. It means the best in coffee, and the best in intentions. It means smart farming, planning for tomorrow, and not sacrificing for the future. #CA-91402-Z-154575-2020 by EcoCert, 2020 |
Why Sustainable?The future is for good. Kicking Horse Coffee is committed to community. To being socially responsible. To good practices for the planet and future generations. #64822H57D3 by Kosher Check, 2020 |
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2019
Pros: good quality, fresh beans.
Con: might be too sweet for people that like espresso
I am a big espresso fan and usually aim to try new flavors out there. Kicking Horse has been always on my mind when purchasing beans but I can't recall the last time I actually did. So, when I ran out of my personal batch, I decided to give them a try. I love medium roasts, although most of the ones I get are usually light because I prefer the bitter/acidity taste for my specialty drinks (mix with milk). Nevertheless, I wanted to try the Cliff Hanger medium roast and see if I would like it.
Beans: the beans are oily and fresh in the packaging, and smell delicious
Espresso: straight up pulled shot, the Cliff Hanger is aromatic and gives off (to me & my nose) a light taste of dark chocolate. It is sweet to the taste and acidity levels are minimum.
Macchiato: I think this is where this bean shines! A macchiato with the Kicking Horse tastes heavenly! There is a sweet spot for any bean and I think this is it!
Cappuccino: I do enjoy sweet cappuccinos, but do have to say the coffee is a little distant in this mixture
Latte: I feel like this blend is too "smooth" for lattes and gets lost in the milk
Overall: I think the Kicking Horse is a great bean if you want to use it for espressos, macchiatos or cappuccino. If you are an avid latte drinker and like the coffee taste, this might be on the lighter side for you.
Verified Purchase
Great for espressos, macchiatos & cappucinos, a little weak for lattes
By Sev S. on July 13, 2019
The short & sweet:By Sev S. on July 13, 2019
Pros: good quality, fresh beans.
Con: might be too sweet for people that like espresso
I am a big espresso fan and usually aim to try new flavors out there. Kicking Horse has been always on my mind when purchasing beans but I can't recall the last time I actually did. So, when I ran out of my personal batch, I decided to give them a try. I love medium roasts, although most of the ones I get are usually light because I prefer the bitter/acidity taste for my specialty drinks (mix with milk). Nevertheless, I wanted to try the Cliff Hanger medium roast and see if I would like it.
Beans: the beans are oily and fresh in the packaging, and smell delicious
Espresso: straight up pulled shot, the Cliff Hanger is aromatic and gives off (to me & my nose) a light taste of dark chocolate. It is sweet to the taste and acidity levels are minimum.
Macchiato: I think this is where this bean shines! A macchiato with the Kicking Horse tastes heavenly! There is a sweet spot for any bean and I think this is it!
Cappuccino: I do enjoy sweet cappuccinos, but do have to say the coffee is a little distant in this mixture
Latte: I feel like this blend is too "smooth" for lattes and gets lost in the milk
Overall: I think the Kicking Horse is a great bean if you want to use it for espressos, macchiatos or cappuccino. If you are an avid latte drinker and like the coffee taste, this might be on the lighter side for you.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2019
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
Still looking for Lavazza Alternative....this 2lb bag was not it.
By Gian Paul Gonzalez on September 1, 2020
If you're buying this product you're probably like me as we're looking for possible cost effective alternatives to lavazza super crema, And also open to trying new products and supporting other types of beans...maybe I just got a bad batch but I was reading all these glowing reviews as you can tell about this product... And was very excited to possibly have an alternative to the lavazza for my home espresso machine... First of all in some reviews I was told that there was a roasted on date... There is no roasted on date... Just a used by date for May 21 of next year... Secondly the beans are extremely oily, As you can tell in this picture... I'm not against oily beans though I know some people swear against every using them due to effects that could happen to an expensive home espresso machine, however when the beans are oily and you still do not get a good shot or a product and still can't dial it in consistently that's a problem... Maybe you'll get a better batch than me, maybe you'll actually get a fresh batch as I'm concluding that my batch must have been six to maybe nine months old because no matter what setting of grind I use the resulting crema to body ratio on the shot is exactly picture perfect to a stale shot, and taste that way as well. ...much like you sometimes I get bored of using the same lavazza super crema but at least we know what we're going to get a tightly shipped package with no roasted on date however for a good 2 to 3 weeks you can get CRB consistent shots with great crema and goes well with milk drinks, unfortunately can't say any of those with the 2 lb bag I just purchased...
By Gian Paul Gonzalez on September 1, 2020
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Shawn Simpson
Best Darn Espresso!
Reviewed in Canada on August 16, 2018Verified Purchase
Adv66
Way overhyped....
Reviewed in Canada on January 26, 2021Verified Purchase
Ellenfinds
Perfection.
Reviewed in Canada on July 13, 2020Verified Purchase
Perfection.
Reviewed in Canada on July 13, 2020
I have to say this coffee is a game changer. I have been buying coffee beans from local vendors and I couldn't find coffee that I would crave for. And then I read about Kicking Horse and I decided to give it a try. And wow!Reviewed in Canada on July 13, 2020
This is my second bag now, and I am ordering the third one for sure.
Coffee beans are super fresh, the aroma is to die for, and the value is great.
I can't say enough!
Images in this review
Wayne L.
Not sure why this is labelled medium roast beans
Reviewed in Canada on November 26, 2019Verified Purchase
Mohammadali Saffarzadeh
Freshness in a bag
Reviewed in Canada on November 6, 2019Verified Purchase
