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If you’re on the quest for the best dark roast coffee beans with a robust flavor that will give you an incredible opportunity to take the next step in your journey, then your search ends here with our top 10 options.
1. Cafe Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic
Most brands of coffee have edgy and dark packaging. However, the Cafe Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Dark Roast takes a different approach as it’s sourced and made responsibly. The pure Arabic beans stem from Honduras, a small country in Central America, and are rich in flavor. The chocolaty and velvety tones will spark a smile with every sip you take.
If you’re one of those people who struggle with the acidity of regular coffee, then this brand was designed with you in mind. Its impressively low acidity tells you how delightful and mild your beverage will be. Perfect for all brewing method types, you can enjoy great coffee according to your preference.
The only downside to the Cafe Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Dark Roast is that it comes in a two-pound bag that might be a waste if you don’t enjoy the taste and bold flavor of dark coffee beans.
Pros:
- Velvety body
- Unique, eye-catching packaging
- Bold, chocolaty flavor
- 100% organic and GMO-free
- Certified by CCOF
Cons:
- Comes in a large bag that you might be stuck with if the flavor doesn’t appeal to you
Subtle Earth Organic Coffee - Medium Dark Roast - Whole Bean Coffee - 100% Arabica Beans - Low Acidity and Non-GMO - 5lb bag
2. Blue Horse
If you’re on the quest for pure Kona coffee, then Blue Horse wraps up your search. It delivers just what you need with its powerful aroma and taste that will blow you away. It’s shade-grown, ensuring that only the best hand-picked beans are used. The result is a dark roast coffee with a bittersweet, bold chocolaty flavor and alluring hints of caramel. With a sealable, one-pound packaging, you can keep the coffee fresh for the duration it takes you to go through the entire bag.
Straight from Hawaii, there’s a high demand for Kona beans, making them pricier than other brands of dark roast coffee. Nonetheless, the wonderful aroma that will fill up a room coupled with the addictive taste makes it worth the cost for a coffee lover.
Pros:
- 100% organic, sundried Kona coffee
- Bold, smooth taste
- Sealable packaging for longevity
- Powerful aroma that can fill up a room
- Glorious hints of caramel
Cons:
- Premium price point
Farm-fresh: 100% Kona Coffee - Dark Roast - Arabica Whole Beans - 1 Lb or 16 oz Bag - Blue Horse 100% Kona Coffee from Hawaii
3. Death Wish
Touted as the world’s strongest coffee, there’s no denying that Death Wish is an attention-grabbing title. The amount of caffeine in every cup is twice that of your average cuppa Joe. It’s an impressively strong whole bean coffee, giving you the kick you desire. Besides the high level of caffeine, Death Wish has some fascinating tasting notes. You’ll notice hints of cherry coupled with a powerful chocolaty flavor that heightens your first impression of it.
However, its unique flavor might be overpowering for taste buds that are unable to appreciate the rich taste. It’s no surprise, given that coffee is a preference that varies from one individual to another. Most people will love the smoothness of the drink and minimal acidity compared to other blends. The cool packaging also sets Death Wish apart from the pack, capturing the attention of anyone who lays their eyes on it.
Pros:
- Organically-grown coffee
- Rich chocolaty flavor with hints of cherry
- Unique name and packaging
- Double the level of caffeine that true coffee lovers will appreciate
- Low acidity
Cons:
- Strong taste that doesn’t appeal to everyone
DEATH WISH Whole Bean Coffee Dark Roast - The World's Strongest Coffee Bean - USA Organic Coffee Beans Bundle/Bulk - Fair Trade Arabica & Robusta Coffee - Real Dark Roast Coffee Beans (16 oz)
4. Real Good Co
With a name like Real Good, there’s no denying you want to ensure it lives up to the name. Thankfully, it’s an incredible dark roast coffee blend that will likely spark a smile with every sip. Unfortunately, most of these coffee blends come in a large bag, which can pose a slight inconvenience if you’re not head over heels in love with it as you’ll have frittered away your hard-earned money. Nonetheless, with these premium quality Arabica beans, the chances of finding yourself in that predicament are slim to none.
Real Good Co is infused with various flavors that you’ll likely be able to pinpoint. You’ll notice undertones of exotic Mediterranean spice anise and raspberry masked by a powerful dark chocolate taste that a wealth of people adores. Furthermore, contrary to other blends, there’s no bitterness in your coffee with this pack.
The coffee beans are roasted and packaged in Seattle, and you have free rein to use them to brew coffee via the pour-over technique, a drip coffee maker, or French press. It ticks all the right boxes leaving you satisfied with your purchase.
Pros:
- Delightful subtle tastes
- Compatible with various brewing methods
- Premium Arabica beans
- Roasted and packaged in Seattle
- No bitter taste
Cons:
- Comes in a large bag that you might be stuck with if you don’t like the coffee
Real Good Coffee Company - Whole Bean Coffee - Extra Dark French Roast Coffee Beans - 2 Pound Bag - 100% Whole Arabica Beans - Grind at Home, Brew How You Like
5. Kicking Horse
If you’re on the quest for the best dark roast coffee beans that will give you a kick, then Kicking Horse is right up your alley. True to its name, it has a distinctive taste that will make you fall in love with every sip. For flexibility, it doubles as a cold and hot brew, depending on your preference.
Kicking Horse is infused with amazing flavors such as licorice, chocolate malt, and molasses that make it addictive. Additionally, the finish is incredible, leaving you with a cozy and warm feeling inside. It’s made of pure Arabica beans, instilling confidence in its quality and the different sizes available allow you to get exactly what you need.
Pros:
- Made of 100% Arabica beans
- Comes in 3 sizes
- Distinct and addictive taste
- Works as a cold and hot brew
- 100% organic
- Rich in flavor
Cons:
- Slightly bitter compared to other blends
Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick Ass, Dark Roast, Whole Bean, Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher Coffee, 2.2 Lb, 35.2 Ounce
$20.00 in stock
6. Amazon Fresh Whole Bean
By ensuring the coffee, you receive is fresh, given that it’s packaged right after it’s been roasted, Amazon is developing a stellar reputation at putting its name to top-notch products at affordable prices. To prevent air from getting in, the package has a one-way valve.
Once you brew a cup to kick off your day, you can delight in the clean, smooth taste that these coffee beans deliver. The burst of flavor has elegant notes of dark chocolate that a multitude of coffee drinkers revel in. Compared to other dark roasts, the finish is mild, and the quality of the Amazon Fresh Whole Bean is incredible.
Pros:
- Versatile coffee that can be enjoyed in various ways
- Powerful taste
- One-way valve packaging that prevents air from entering
- Rich notes of chocolate
- Sophisticated packaging
Cons:
- Some people find the taste too strong
7. Koffee Kult
By delivering an impressive level of consistency coupled with an unforgettable taste that draws you in after the first sip, it’s no surprise that Koffee Kult is at the top of the ranks when it comes to the best dark roast coffee bean.
Although the taste can be described as rich and smooth, you might find the flavor a tad bit on the weaker side if you truly enjoy making coffee with dark roast beans. Nonetheless, most drinkers are lured in by the cinnamon and cocoa flavors. In addition, Koffee Kult has a pleasant finish that sets it apart from the cheaper brands.
Besides the taste of dark roasted coffee, another aspect that draws in people in droves is the powerful aroma that the beans provide. They also lack oil on them, which is something you might have been searching for. The amazing aroma will give you a warm feeling and spark a smile once you pour your cup. You’ll be on cloud nine.
Pros:
- Three sizing options to choose from depending on your preference
- Impressive consistency
- The coffee beans lack oil
- Smooth, rich taste
- Delightful cinnamon and cocoa flavors
Cons:
- Weaker taste for seasoned dark roast coffee drinkers
Koffee Kult Dark Roast Whole Coffee Beans - Small Batch Gourmet Aromatic Artisan Blend 100% Arabica Coffee Beans Organically Sourced Espresso Beans (32oz)
8. Lavazza Gran Riserva Filtro
It’s no secret that Brazil is renowned for producing top-grade coffee beans. Lavazza Gran Riserva Filtro has made the most of that by using beans from this country to generate amazing dark roast coffee bursting with flavor.
Besides the chocolaty taste usually associated with dark roasted coffee beans, you’ll notice hints of caramel that set this brew apart from the pack. Coupled with a lingering aftertaste, the feelings you get from a cup of Lavazza Gran Riserva Filtro are unrivaled.
It delivers multiple depths of flavor that will make you adore every cup. You’re assured of a consistent level of quality with each bag you buy, so the chances of disappointment creeping in are slim to none.
Pros:
- Depths of flavor, including hints of caramel
- Consistent quality
- Alluring aroma and taste
- Beautiful packaging
- Premium coffee
Cons:
- Milder coffee beans compared to other brands
Lavazza Gran Riserva Filtro Whole Bean Coffee Dark Roast 2.2LB Bag ,100% Natural Arabica, Authentic Italian, Blended and roasted in Italy, Cocoa and Caramel aromatic notes
9. Starbucks Espresso Roast
There’s no denying that Starbucks is the king of the coffee show and has been able to make an impressive bag of dark roast coffee. With the wealth of buying options, you can get it in various sizes and types of dark roast. If you gravitate towards an espresso blend, then this bag of coffee was manufactured with you in mind. It’ll give you the wake-up call you need.
Starbucks Espresso Roast has a distinct caramel taste that’ll make you fall in love with every sip. It’s bold and full-bodies, allowing you to fill the intensity of the dark coffee beans. If you’re fond of steamed milk and the caramel sweetness, then you’ll love the Starbucks Espresso Roast.
Pros:
- Rich, caramel sweetness
- 100% Arabica beans
- Comes in different-sized bags
- Perfect with steamed milk
- Bold flavor and robust
Cons:
- Only suitable for espresso lovers
Starbucks Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee — Espresso Roast — 100% Arabica — 6 bags (12 oz. each)
$47.94 in stock
10. Black Knight
The brand makes bold claims of their coffee being a ‘dangerously dark roast,’ which is true. Its powerful taste makes Black Knight ideal for anyone who wishes to embrace the bold flavor of a dark roast. If you’re not used to dark roast coffee, then there’s a high likelihood that the powerful flavor might be off-putting, so that’s something to keep in mind. Nonetheless, most coffee lovers will revel in the tropical notes with a hint of caramel.
Pros:
- Fair Trade certified and USDA Organic
- Works well with various brewing methods, including cold and hot brew
- Different bag sizes are available
- A mild hint of caramel
Cons:
- Might be too strong for some people
Fresh Roasted Coffee, Organic Black Knight, 5 lb (80 oz), Dark Roast, Fair Trade Kosher, Whole Bean
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dark Roast Coffee Beans
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the best dark roast coffee for you.
Preferred Aroma, Flavor, and Taste
Dark roast beans produce more coffee with a bitter and earthy taste compared to lighter roasts. That’s because it’s derived from Arabica coffee that produces a darker roast with a floral aroma, whereas Robusta beans have a woody aroma.
Credibility of the Manufacturer
When considering quality, opt for dark roast coffee produced by credible manufacturers. Check online reviews to confirm their reputation. Although products from reputable manufacturers might be pricey, as with everything else in life, you get what you pay for.
Roast Date
You want to go for freshly roasted coffee as it has a bolder flavor and has been on the shelves for a shorter duration.
The Types of Coffee Beans Used
The two main types of beans used to make dark roast coffee are Robusta and Arabica. Typically, While Robusta is a great option, Arabica is of superior quality. Robusta produces dark coffee with a deep, bitter, earthy, and woody flavor, whereas Arabica beans produce dark roast coffee with a milder acidic taste, floral and fruity aroma.
Closing Remarks
Initially an excuse to produce sub-par beans, dark roast coffee is soaring in popularity, with more specialty roasters giving it the attention it needs. In turn, you can take your pick from these 10 options of dark roasts that feature sophisticated, vibrant, and exotic flavors.
FAQ
Is a light roast coffee milder than a dark roast?
Despite the common misconception that roast level affects the caffeine content, dark roast isn’t stronger than light roast. The only way to make your coffee stronger is to use more grounds when you’re brewing.
Is dark roast coffee healthier?
No! Dark roast coffee isn’t inherently healthier than light roast. While it’s usually less acidic compared to a light roast, which means you might prefer it if you’re sensitive to acidity.
How can you reduce the bitterness in your coffee?
The most ideal way to steer clear of bitter coffee is by buying beans of superior quality and brewing them properly. The bitterness in coffee stems from over-extraction and over-roasting. Adding milk, cream, or sugar to your mug is also a great alternative.
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