If you’re a coffee drinker who’s also into the outdoors, military, or just a strong brew, you’ve probably seen the brand. So, a natural question is: is Black Rifle Coffee good? The answer depends on what you’re looking for in your cup. This company has built a massive following, but it also has its critics. We’re going to look at the coffee itself, the brand’s story, and who it might be a perfect fit for.
You’ll get a clear picture of the taste, quality, and overall value. We’ll cover their most popular blends, their subscription options, and how they compare to other brands on the shelf. By the end, you’ll know exactly if Black Rifle Coffee is the right choice for your morning routine.
Is Black Rifle Coffee Good
To answer this directly, yes, Black Rifle Coffee is generally considered good, especially if you prefer dark, bold, and robust roasts. It’s not a subtle, light roast coffee. It’s built for people who want a high-caffeine, flavor-forward punch. The quality of the beans is solid, and they source from reputable farms. However, “good” is subjective. If you enjoy a smooth, low-acidity coffee, you might find some of their blends too intense or bitter.
What Makes Black Rifle Coffee Different?
It’s not just the coffee; it’s the entire brand identity. Founded by former U.S. Army Green Beret Evan Hafer, the company has a strong connection to military and first responder communities. They are vocally pro-Second Amendment and American-made. This mission-driven approach is a huge part of their appeal. For many customers, buying the coffee is a way to support a company whose values they share.
- Mission Focus: They actively hire veterans and donate to veteran-related charities.
- Brand Voice: Their marketing is direct, humorous, and unapologetically patriotic.
- Product Names: Blends have names like “Silencer Smooth,” “AK-47 Espresso Blend,” and “Freedom Fuel.”
Tasting the Coffee: Popular Blends Reviewed
Let’s get to the most important part: how does it actually taste? Here’s a breakdown of some of their flagship offerings.
Beyond Black (Light Roast)
Don’t let the “light roast” name fool you. For Black Rifle, this is still a pretty solid coffee. It’s smoother and brighter than their dark roasts, with notes of citrus and caramel. It’s a good entry point if your unsure about their heavier styles. The caffeine content is still quite high, which is a plus for many.
Silencer Smooth (Medium Roast)
This is often recommended as their most approachable and balanced blend. It’s designed to be low-acidity, making it easier on the stomach. You’ll taste notes of chocolate and nuts, with a clean finish. It’s a versatile coffee that works well for any brewing method and is a consistent favorite amoung fans.
CAF (Coffee As Fuel) (Dark Roast)
This is their classic dark roast. It’s strong, bold, and has a heavy body. Expect a classic dark roast profile with smoky, earthy notes. It’s called “Coffee As Fuel” for a reason—it’s meant to wake you up and keep you going. This is probably what most people think of when they imagine Black Rifle Coffee.
AK-47 Espresso Blend (Dark Roast)
Specifically crafted for espresso machines, this blend produces a rich crema and stands up well to milk in lattes and cappuccinos. It has a bold, spicy flavor with a cocoa finish. Even if you don’t have an espresso machine, it makes a very strong and flavorful drip coffee.
How to Brew Black Rifle Coffee for Best Results
To get the most out of these bold beans, your brewing method matters. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for a great cup using a standard drip maker or pour-over.
- Use Fresh, Cold Water: The water quality directly impacts taste. Use filtered water if you can.
- Measure Correctly: A standard ratio is 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water. Adjust to your taste.
- Grind Right Before Brewing: If you buy whole bean, grind it just before you brew. For drip machines, a medium grind is ideal.
- Mind the Temperature: Your water should be between 195°F and 205°F (just off boil). Too hot and it burns; too cool and it under-extracts.
- Clean Your Equipment: Old coffee oils in your machine or pot can make fresh coffee taste bitter. Regular cleaning is essential.
Subscription Options and Value
Black Rifle Coffee Club is their subscription service. It’s a popular way to get coffee regularly, and it can save you money.
- Flexibility: You can choose how many bags, which blends, and how often (every 1 to 4 weeks).
- Free Shipping: Subscriptions always include free shipping, which is a significant saving.
- Pause or Cancel: You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time online, no hassle.
- Discount: Subscribers get a discount off the retail price per bag.
Is it worth it? If you drink a lot of coffee and know you like their blends, the subscription offers solid value and convenience. If you’re just trying it out, buying single bags first is smarter.
Comparing Black Rifle to Other Brands
How does it stack up against other popular coffee brands?
- vs. Generic Store Brands (Folgers, Maxwell House): Black Rifle uses higher-quality, specialty-grade beans. The flavor is far more complex and fresh compared to mass-produced, pre-ground cans.
- vs. Premium Supermarket Brands (Starbucks, Peet’s): The roast styles are similar—both favor dark, bold profiles. Black Rifle often has a stronger, less acidic taste and is frequently fresher due to its direct-to-consumer model. Price can be comparable, especially with a subscription.
- vs. Artisan Third-Wave Roasters: This is where they differ most. Artisan roasters often highlight single-origin beans with lighter roasts to showcase unique terroir. Black Rifle focuses on consistent, powerful blends. It’s a matter of preference: nuanced exploration vs. reliable, strong flavor.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
No product is for everyone. Here are some common criticisms.
- The Taste Can Be Too Strong: If you don’t like dark roasts, you likely won’t enjoy most of their lineup. Their “light” roast is still relatively dark.
- The Branding is Polarizing: The military and political associations are a core part of the brand. If you disagree with that stance, you probably won’t want to support them, regardless of coffee quality.
- Price Point: It’s more expensive than grocery store coffee. While the quality justifies it for many, it’s not a budget option.
- Freshness Can Vary: While generally fresh, especially on subscription, some one-off purchases from third-party sellers might be sitting on a shelf for awhile.
Where to Buy Black Rifle Coffee
You have several options for getting your hands on it.
- Official Website: The best place for the fullest selection, subscriptions, and guaranteed freshness.
- Amazon: Convenient with fast shipping, but check roast dates if possible.
- Select Retailers: It’s available in some grocery stores (like Walmart), sporting goods stores, and local shops. Selection may be limited.
- Their Physical Cafes: They have a growing number of brick-and-mortar coffee shops across the U.S.
Final Verdict: Who Is It For?
So, is Black Rifle Coffee good? The final answer is that it’s an excellent choice for a specific type of coffee drinker.
You’ll probably love Black Rifle Coffee if:
- You prefer bold, dark roast coffee.
- You value high caffeine content.
- You appreciate the company’s mission and want to support veterans.
- You want a reliable, flavorful daily coffee delivered conveniently.
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You prefer light, floral, or single-origin coffees.
- You are sensitive to bitter or smoky flavors.
- The brand’s political or military associations are a turn-off for you.
- You are on a very tight grocery budget.
In the end, the best way to know is to try it. Grab a bag of “Silencer Smooth” or “CAF” and see if it fits your taste. For its target audience, Black Rifle Coffee delivers a consistently good, powerful cup that aligns with there values, and that’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Black Rifle Coffee really owned by veterans?
Yes, it was founded by former U.S. Army Green Beret Evan Hafer. The company has a strong commitment to hiring veterans and supporting veteran charities.
How strong is Black Rifle Coffee compared to others?
It is generally stronger in both flavor and caffeine content than many mainstream brands. Their dark roasts are particularly intense and robust.
Can you buy Black Rifle Coffee in stores?
Yes, it is available in select stores like Walmart, some grocery chains, and sporting goods stores. However, the official website has the widest selection.
Does Black Rifle Coffee have a lot of caffeine?
Yes, their blends are typically high in caffeine. They do not publish exact milligrams per cup, but the dark roasting process and bean selection prioritize a high caffeine yield.
What is the smoothest Black Rifle Coffee blend?
Most people agree that “Silencer Smooth” is there smoothest and most approachable blend due to its lower acidity.
Is there a Black Rifle Coffee subscription?
Yes, the Black Rifle Coffee Club offers subscriptions with flexible frequency, blend choices, and free shipping, which provides a discount over single purchases.
How does Black Rifle Coffee support the military?
They support the military and veteran community through hiring practices, donations to related non-profits, and partnerships with veteran organizations. A portion of some sales goes directly to these causes.