Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass Medium Roast Ground - Bright

In this review of Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass, the bottom line is simple: this medium roast ground coffee is for drinkers who want a bright, smooth cup with chocolate undertones and a lively fruit character. Roasted beneath the Rocky Mountains, this blend balances tart red currant and honeyed berry body with sugar cane and milk chocolate notes, making it a good everyday choice for people who brew by French press, drip, pour over, espresso or cold brew. It is also certified organic, Fairtrade and Kosher, which will matter to ethically minded shoppers.

Key Features

• Tasting notes: Delivers tart red currant top notes with a honeyed berry body that keeps the cup vibrant without sharp bitterness.
• Flavor balance: Sugar cane and milk chocolate notes provide a smooth, chocolatey base that calms the acidity for an approachable medium roast.
• Recommended brew methods: Works well across French press, drip machine, pour over, espresso and cold brew, so it adapts to different routines and gear.
• Responsible sourcing: Beans from Africa and Central & South America are grown and traded in a way that supports sustainable farmer businesses.
• Certifications: 100% Organic, Fairtrade and Kosher certified, offering assurance about farming practices and ethical standards.
• Roast origin: Roasted in the Rocky Mountains, which yields a deep, dark and consistent roast profile for packaged ground coffee.

Who It's For

Good fit: This coffee suits morning drinkers who want a bright yet smooth medium roast that is not overly bold; it is ideal for people who value certified organic and Fairtrade sourcing and use a range of brew methods. Fans of chocolatey, slightly fruity profiles will appreciate the balance between acidity and sweetness.

Not for: Purists who insist on single-origin transparency or extremely light or dark roasting may prefer other options, and those who need whole bean only should note this product is ground for convenience rather than whole-bean specialty grinding.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bright, pleasant acidity with red currant and honeyed berry notes that make each cup lively.
• Smooth chocolate backbone from sugar cane and milk chocolate notes keeps the cup balanced and not bitter.
• Versatile across French press, drip, pour over, espresso and cold brew methods for everyday brewing needs.
• Ethical certifications and sustainable sourcing give confidence to conscious buyers.

Cons

• Pre-ground format limits control over grind size for some brew methods and home grinders.
• As a blended medium roast, it may not satisfy those seeking very light, highly floral single-origin profiles.

Specifications

Product	Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass, Medium Roast, Ground
Net weight	284 g (Pack of 6)
Roast level	Medium roast
Origin	Africa, Central & South America
Certifications	Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher
Recommended methods	French press, drip, pour over, espresso, cold brew
Bean type	100% Arabica, shade grown

Our Verdict

For morning drinkers who want a dependable, ethically sourced medium roast with a bright, chocolatey character, Kicking Horse Smart Ass is a solid choice. The blend brings tart red currant and honeyed berry notes without harsh bitterness, and its certified organic and Fairtrade credentials add value for conscious buyers who want a versatile ground coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this coffee pre-ground or whole bean?
It is sold as ground coffee, packaged for convenience and ready for a range of brew methods.

What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect tart red currant top notes, a honeyed berry body, and sugar cane with milk chocolate base notes for a bright yet smooth cup.

Are the beans ethically sourced?
Yes, the coffee is certified Organic, Fairtrade and Kosher, and the blend sources beans grown responsibly in Africa and Central & South America.