Black Rifle Coffee Review: More Than Just a Cup of Joe
Hey there, coffee lover! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the best new brew to fuel your day. Well, I‘ve got a strong contender for you: Black Rifle Coffee Company. This veteran-owned brand serves up seriously bold blends with a side of patriotism. I‘ve tried nearly all their roasts and I‘m hooked. Want to know if Black Rifle is right for you? Grab a mug and let‘s dive into the details!
In this comprehensive Black Rifle Coffee review, we‘ll cover:
- What sets Black Rifle Coffee apart
- Buying experience and Coffee Club subscription
- Roast profiles and bestsellers
- Accessories and gifts
- How it compares to other coffee brands
- Is it worth the price?
I‘ll share my personal experience trying Black Rifle, tons of customer reviews, and helpful brewing tips so you can make an informed decision before buying. Trust me, this ain‘t your average cup of joe. Let‘s get brewing!
Serving Those Who Serve: The Black Rifle Mission
First, a little background on this unique company. Black Rifle was founded in 2014 by former U.S. Army Green Beret Evan Hafer, who wanted to combine his love of great coffee with his passion for supporting fellow veterans. The company‘s core mission is to "serve coffee and culture to people who love America".
But Black Rifle doesn‘t just talk the talk – they put their money where their mug is. Check out some of their impressive initiatives:
- Founder Evan Hafer pledged to hire 10,000 veterans in 6 years
- Donated over $1.4 million to veteran and first responder causes since 2014
- Employs over 400 veterans, active duty, and military spouses
- Gave $250,000 to nonprofit organizations in 2021 alone
So when you buy Black Rifle, you‘re not just getting great coffee – you‘re supporting a company that genuinely cares about giving back to American heroes. That makes every sip taste even better.
Not Your Average Grounds: Black Rifle‘s Gourmet Roasts
Alright, let‘s talk about the star of the show – the coffee itself. Black Rifle offers a staggering selection of 20+ roasts, from light and fruity to extra dark and robust. They source premium beans from Colombia and Brazil, then roast them in-house to guarantee freshness. And boy, are they fresh – the coffee is roasted and shipped within just 5 days to lock in flavor.
As a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, I can confidently say Black Rifle ain‘t messing around. These roasts are STRONG, both in flavor and caffeine. In fact, many clock in at twice the strength of your typical coffee shop brew. See for yourself:
| Coffee Brand | Avg. Caffeine Content per 12 oz. |
|---|---|
| Death Wish | 728 mg |
| Black Rifle | 430 mg (estimate) |
| Starbucks Pike | 310 mg |
| Dunkin Donuts | 210 mg |
If you‘re someone who needs a serious jolt to get going in the morning, Black Rifle will do the trick and then some. But they‘re not just strong for the sake of it – the flavors are on point. Some of my personal favorites:
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Beyond Black: This extra dark roast is smoky, bold, and not for the faint of heart. Tastes like campfire in a cup (in a good way). Perfect for those early mornings when you need to kick things into high gear.
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Silencer Smooth: Don‘t let the name fool you – this light roast is crisp, sweet, and packs plenty of caffeine. Notes of citrus and nuts give it an irresistible zing. Ideal for a mid-morning pick-me-up.
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Just Black: The "Goldilocks" of the Black Rifle lineup, not too dark and not too light. Smooth cocoa flavor with a clean finish. This is my everyday drinker, and it never gets old.
No matter your roast preference, you‘re sure to find a Black Rifle blend that hits the bullseye. They‘ve even got a handy Coffee Quiz on their site to help you find your perfect match. And with their "Freedom Guarantee", you can exchange your first bag for free if it‘s not love at first sip.
Lock and Load with the Coffee Club
Now that you‘re drooling over the roasts, you‘re probably wondering about the best way to buy Black Rifle. Allow me to introduce the greatest invention since the coffee filter: the Black Rifle Coffee Club subscription.
Here‘s how it works: you choose your favorite roast (or let them surprise you), select your grind preference and bag size, and decide how often you want it delivered. Black Rifle takes care of the rest, shipping fresh coffee straight to your door like clockwork. You can customize every detail of your subscription, from quantity to frequency. The best part? Subscribers unlock some serious perks:
- 15-25% off coffee prices, depending on bag size
- Free shipping on every order
- Exclusive discounts from Black Rifle‘s 50+ partner brands
- Access to member-only products and merch
- Flexibility to pause, skip or cancel anytime
I‘ve been a Coffee Club member for over a year, and it‘s a total game changer. I never have to worry about running out of coffee, and the savings really add up. Plus, it feels awesome supporting the Black Rifle mission long-term. If you‘re a routine coffee drinker, the Club is 100% worth it.
Sip in Style: Black Rifle‘s Kickass Accessories
We‘ve established that Black Rifle makes a mighty fine cup of coffee. But what are you supposed to drink it out of? Don‘t worry – they‘ve got you covered there too, with a line of mugs and tumblers as bold as their brews.
The "Sig Sauer" mug is my trusty sidekick – it keeps my coffee hot for hours thanks to double wall vacuum insulation, and looks damn good doing it. The matte black finish and subtle Black Rifle logo give off major tactical vibes. Heads up: this baby holds a generous 20 oz, so pace yourself!
If you‘re a frequent traveler like me, you‘ll flip for Black Rifle‘s "Hydro Flask" tumbler collab. These babies come in 3 sizes and tons of cool colors like OD Green and Coyote Brown. The insulation is no joke – my coffee stays piping hot for 8+ hours, even in a freezing car. Plus, they‘re virtually indestructible. I‘ve dropped mine more times than I can count and it hardly has a scratch.
Rounding out the accessories lineup, Black Rifle offers cold brew systems, pour over kits, and a coffee grinder collab with veteran-owned Anchor Drop Grinders. Snag one of their "Freedom Fuel" t-shirts or hats and you‘ll be reppin‘ Black Rifle from head to toe. The graphic tees are insanely soft and fit like a glove. Trust me, you‘ll want to live in ‘em.
Straight from the Horse‘s Mouth: Black Rifle Customer Reviews
By now you know I‘m a Black Rifle mega-fan. But don‘t just take my word for it – the proof is in the reviews. Black Rifle has amassed an army of loyal customers who rave about the coffee‘s quality, strength, and flavor. Peep these stats:
- 4.8/5 star average rating from 40,000+ reviews on blackriflecoffee.com
- 4.7/5 star average rating from 17,000+ Amazon reviews
- 89% of reviews are 5 stars, <1% are 1 star
Customers frequently call Black Rifle the "best coffee" they‘ve ever tried, citing the bold flavor, noticeably higher caffeine content, and unbeatable freshness. Take Jocko Willink, former Navy SEAL and Black Rifle partner, who said "This is the highest quality, most flavorful, and most American coffee I‘ve ever had."
Even skeptics are quickly converted into Black Rifle evangelists. As one Amazon reviewer put it, "I took a chance based on the Amazon reviews and OH MY GOD. I am blown away at how good this coffee is. I may very well be a Black Rifle Coffee customer for life."
Of course, taste is subjective and Black Rifle‘s strong brews aren‘t for everyone. A handful of reviewers found the roasts too harsh or acidic for their liking. A few also balked at the higher price compared to grocery store brands. However, the overwhelming majority of customers say the premium quality is worth every penny. As reviewer "Bama Hottie" put it, "Yes it is pricey, but you get what you pay for!"
How Does Black Rifle Stack Up? A Coffee Brand Comparison
Black Rifle is far from the only coffee brand slinging strong brews with a cool factor. Let‘s see how it compares to some key competitors:
| Brand | Roast Options | Price per 12 oz. | Subscription? | Free Shipping? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Rifle | 20+ | $12.99 – $15.99 | Yes | On subscription |
| Death Wish | 5 | $19.99 | No | On orders $50+ |
| Starbucks | 6 | $8.99 – $11.99 | Yes | On orders $35+ |
| Peet‘s Coffee | 9 | $12.00 – $18.00 | Yes | On orders $35+ |
As you can see, Black Rifle offers significantly more roast options than competitors at a moderate price point. The subscription model and free shipping are also big advantages. Starbucks and Peet‘s are slightly cheaper, but their brews are much weaker and the quality can be hit or miss.
The closest head-to-head is between Black Rifle and Death Wish Coffee. Both tout sky high caffeine contents and edgy branding. Death Wish has a slight edge in strength, while Black Rifle offers more variety and the convenience of a subscription. Personally, I prefer Black Rifle‘s flavor profiles and military-inspired mission. In the end, both are solid options for a turbo-charged cup of joe.
Gifting Greatness: Black Rifle Coffee Gift Ideas
Need a gift for the coffee fiend in your life? Black Rifle has you covered for any occasion, from holidays to birthdays to deployment care packages. Check out these curated gift sets:
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"Coffee Connoisseur" Bundle: Two 12 oz. bags of top-selling roasts, a Black Rifle ceramic mug, and brewing guide. Perfect for the adventurous sipper looking to sample different flavors.
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"Tactical Caffeine" Kit: One bag of Black Rifle‘s strongest roast (CAF or Beyond Black), a vacuum insulated Black Rifle tumbler, and two "Rounds" ST!Ks for caffeine on the go. For the coffee drinker who‘s always on the move.
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"Stars and Stripes" Set: Three 12 oz bags of Black Rifle‘s light, medium and dark roasts adorned with American flag labels. A Black Rifle flag, hat, and "America‘s Coffee" shirt complete the patriotic package. Ideal for Fourth of July or a proud veteran.
And if you really want to wow, go for the "Ultimate Coffee Club Gift Subscription". Choose anywhere from 3 months to a whole year of premium coffee deliveries. The gift that keeps on giving! Plus, you‘ll be supporting veteran and military spouse employment with every shipment.
How to Brew the Perfect Black Rifle Coffee
By now you‘re probably eager to experience Black Rifle for yourself. But with great coffee comes great responsibility – you‘ve got to nail the preparation to unlock the full potential. Here‘s a foolproof guide to brewing Black Rifle, no barista skills needed:
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Start with cool, filtered water. Coffee is 98% water, so quality H2O is a must. Avoid tap water, which can contain off-flavors that muddy the taste.
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Use the right grind for your method. Each brew style requires a specific grind size to achieve the ideal extraction. When in doubt, go for Black Rifle‘s pre-ground bags tailored for drip machines.
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Measure your coffee accurately. A food scale is the best way to ensure a consistent water-to-coffee ratio. Aim for about 1.6–2 grams of whole bean coffee per 1 fl oz of water, depending on desired strength.
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Mind the temperature and time. For drip or pour over, shoot for water that‘s about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Brewing time should be around 5 minutes – any longer and you risk a bitter cup.
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Keep your equipment clean. Buildup of coffee oils can create rancid flavors, so be sure to wash your carafe and filter basket regularly with soap and hot water.
For more nitty gritty brewing tips straight from the pros, check out Black Rifle‘s "How to Brew" guides on their blog. Armed with these techniques, you‘ll be a Black Rifle master in no time.
Black Rifle Coffee Review: The Final Verdict
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this review, from Black Rifle‘s unique military roots to the epic array of roasts. But the million dollar question remains: is Black Rifle Coffee worth your hard-earned cash?
If you‘re a coffee lover who values premium ingredients, maximum strength, and supporting a worthy mission, I‘d say Black Rifle is a resounding yes. No, it‘s not the cheapest coffee on the shelf. But in my experience, the quality and consistency are unparalleled. Every bag delivers a fresh, flavorful, and unbelievably robust brew. The fact that my dollars help employ veterans and fuel American communities is the icing on the cake.
Of course, Black Rifle isn‘t for everyone. If you‘re someone who guzzles black gas station coffee by the gallon, the sticker shock might not be worth it. And if you prefer a milder cup of joe, Black Rifle‘s intense blends may overwhelm your palate.
But if you‘re ready to step up your coffee game and make a difference while you‘re at it, I can‘t recommend Black Rifle highly enough. Start with a single bag of your favorite roast, take advantage of that 20% off welcome offer, and prepare for your mind to be blown. Better yet, lock in the Coffee Club subscription and enjoy the convenience and savings all year long.
Life‘s too short for bad coffee. Give Black Rifle a shot – your tastebuds (and your inner patriot) will thank you. Get brewing, folks!
