Rich, full-bodied coffee that delivers bold flavors without crossing into bitter territory. Shipped fresh across Canada.
Our Dark Roast Coffee Beans
Browse our dark roast collection – whether you need a strong morning kickstart, camping coffee that doesn't quit, or just want rich flavors that stand up to milk and cream, we've got you covered.
#Explore Dark Roast Coffee Beans
There's no time to hesitate here, this blend represents the culture of the get-up-and-do-it. You want it? Go get it! And grab a cup of this nutty caramel dark roast on your way. This is coffee for people who know what they want and aren't afraid to go after it.
What makes it work: We've sourced specialty beans from Guatemala and Colombia and roasted them to develop rich, nutty caramel flavors without crossing into burnt territory. Bold enough to fuel your adventures, smooth enough to actually enjoy drinking.
Perfect for: Morning routines that need serious motivation, camping trips where weak coffee isn't an option, or anyone who wants traditional dark roast flavor done right. Especially great in Moka Pot, drip coffee makers, and coffee percolators.
Tasting Notes: Nutty, caramel, dark roast richness
Roast Level: Dark
Origin: Guatemala and Colombia
100 Klicks Dark Roast Coffee Beans
Sometimes you need to go the distance, and 100 Klicks is here for the long haul. This dark roast delivers the bold, rich flavors you're after without any of the burnt bitterness that ruins lesser dark roasts. It's coffee that keeps up with your pace, whether you're grinding through a project or gearing up for adventure.
What makes it work: We've carefully developed this roast to bring out deep, satisfying flavors while maintaining the smoothness that makes you want another cup. Bold enough to stand up to cream, smooth enough to drink black when you need that extra kick.
Perfect for: Long days that require sustained energy, camping trips where every cup counts, or daily routines that demand reliable, strong coffee. Works great in drip makers, French press, and percolators.
Tasting Notes: Dark Chocolate, Caramel, Plum
Roast Level: Dark
Origin: Guatemala and Brazil
Why Dark Roast Coffee Beans Hit Different
Let's be honest – dark roast has an image problem. Too many people think it means burnt, bitter coffee that needs cream and sugar to be drinkable. But here's what the best dark roast coffee beans actually deliver: rich, full-bodied flavors with complexity and depth, not just bitterness.
Whether you're looking to buy dark roast coffee beans online in Canada or find the perfect canadian dark roast coffee for your daily routine, the key is finding roasters who understand how to develop bold flavors without burning away everything that makes coffee interesting.
Small-batch advantage. While big roasters are pushing out thousands of pounds per day, we're roasting in small batches where we can actually pay attention to each one. No rushing, no shortcuts, just coffee roasted the way it should be. That's especially important with dark roast – the difference between bold and burnt is a matter of seconds.
Fresh roasting matters more than you think. Those dark roast bags sitting on grocery store shelves for weeks? They were probably over-roasted to begin with, then lost even more flavor sitting around. Our beans are roasted weekly in small batches and shipped within days. Fresh dark roast actually tastes like coffee, not charcoal.
Quality without the markup. We source speciality beans and roast them properly, but we're not charging café prices because we don't have café overhead. Simple math: better beans + proper roasting + fair pricing = strong coffee that actually makes sense. Perfect for drip coffee, French press, and espresso across Canada.
No Kidding: The Truth About Dark Roast Coffee
Dark Roast Doesn't Mean Burnt (When Done Right)
Here's something that might surprise you: good dark roast coffee shouldn't taste burnt or overly bitter. The problem is that most commercial dark roasts are roasted too fast or too far, destroying the flavors that make coffee interesting. Real dark roast development takes skill and attention.
The sweet spot explained: Dark roast beans are taken to second crack and sometimes slightly beyond, developing oils and sugars that create rich, syrupy body and complex flavors. But push too far and you get carbon, not coffee. The best dark roasts balance boldness with drinkability.
Why most dark roasts disappoint: Big commercial roasters often use lower-quality beans for dark roast, figuring the roasting will mask defects. Or they roast too aggressively to save time, creating harsh, one-dimensional coffee. Getting dark roast right takes better beans and more careful attention.
Dark Roast Actually Has Less Caffeine (But More Perceived Strength)
Coffee shops don't usually mention this, but dark roast actually has slightly less caffeine than light or medium roast. The longer roasting time breaks down some of the caffeine compounds. So why does it feel stronger?
The strength perception: Dark roast coffee has a fuller body and more intense flavors, which makes it feel stronger even though the caffeine content is lower. The bold taste and lower acidity create a more "substantial" drinking experience.
Brewing impact: Dark roast beans are less dense than lighter roasts, so if you're measuring by scoops instead of weight, you might actually be using less coffee than you think. For consistent strength, measure by weight, not volume.
Fresh Dark Roast vs. Stale Dark Roast is Night and Day
The biggest mistake people make is buying dark roast that's been sitting around for weeks. Stale dark roast loses its complexity and develops harsh, bitter flavors that confirm all the worst stereotypes about dark coffee.
How to tell if your dark roast is fresh: Fresh dark roast beans should have be dry or have slight oil sheen but shouldn't be oily. They should smell rich and chocolatey, not burnt or acrid.
The timeline that matters: Dark roast coffee is at its peak 3-14 days after roasting and stays good for 2-3 weeks if stored properly. After that, you're drinking the coffee equivalent of stale bread.
How to Actually Brew Great Dark Roast Coffee
The Method That Brings Out the Best
Start with the right ratio: 1:15 to 1:16 coffee to water ratio works well for most dark roasts. That's about 30-32 grams of coffee to 450-480 grams of water. Dark roast extracts flavors more easily, so you can use slightly less coffee than with lighter roasts.
Water temperature matters: 185-195°F is ideal for dark roast – cooler than you'd use for light roast. Too hot and you'll extract bitter compounds along with the good stuff. If you don't have a thermometer, let boiling water sit for 60-90 seconds.
Grind considerations: Dark roast works with a wide range of grind sizes, but consistency matters more than perfection. Aim for medium-coarse for drip coffee, coarse for French press. Dark roast beans are more brittle, so they grind more easily.
Timing is key: Most dark roast brewing methods work best with 4-6 minute contact time. Longer extractions can bring out unwanted bitterness, so don't over-brew.
Making Dark Roast Work in Different Brewing Methods
Drip Coffee: Medium-coarse grind, 1:16 ratio, 190-195°F water. Should take 5-6 minutes total brew time.
French Press: Coarse grind, 1:15 ratio, 190°F water, 4 minute steep time. Dark roast's oils create rich body in French press.
Espresso: Fine grind, standard espresso ratios work well. Dark roast creates thick, syrupy shots with good crema.
Cold Brew: Coarse grind, 1:8 ratio, room temperature water, 12-18 hour steep. Dark roast makes excellent cold brew with smooth, rich flavors.
Canadian Coffee vs. The Import Game
Why Local Roasting Wins for Dark Roast
Quality control matters more: Dark roast is harder to get right consistently, so having your roaster nearby makes a huge difference.
Freshness is everything: Dark roast loses its best characteristics faster than lighter roasts, so the time between roasting and your cup matters even more. Canadian-roasted beans can be in your kitchen within days instead of weeks.
Supporting Canadian coffee culture: Every bag of Canadian dark roast you buy supports local roasters who understand what Canadians want in their coffee. We're building a coffee culture that doesn't have to apologize to anyone.
The True Cost of Tim Hortons vs. Real Dark Roast
Let's do some math: A large dark roast at Tim Hortons costs $2.29. Our dark roast beans make about 35-40 cups per bag. That's roughly $0.60-0.70 per cup versus $2.29 at Timmies.
But it's not just about saving money: You get consistency, better flavor, and the satisfaction of making something great yourself. Plus, you can make it exactly as strong as you want instead of hoping they didn't burn the batch.
Common Questions About Dark Roast Coffee Beans
The best dark roast coffee beans depend on your taste preferences, but look for Canadian-roasted options with recent roast dates - and we mean actual roast dates, not vague "best by" dates. Every Twisted Goat box is stamped with the exact day we roasted your beans. Our dark roasts develop bold flavors with rich chocolate and caramel notes without crossing into burnt, bitter territory. Full-bodied, strong coffee that delivers intensity without harshness.
Dark roast coffee beans are at their peak 3-14 days after roasting and remain good for 2-3 weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry place. After that, they're still drinkable but you'll notice the flavors become more bitter and one-dimensional.
Actually, dark roast has slightly less caffeine than light or medium roast because the longer roasting time breaks down some caffeine compounds. However, dark roast feels stronger due to its bold flavors and full body. The difference in caffeine content is small – about 5-10% less than light roast.
Absolutely! Dark roast beans work excellently for espresso and create the traditional bold, syrupy shots that many people prefer. They produce thick crema and stand up well in milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Our dark roasts are roasted specifically to work well in both drip and espresso brewing.
Both offer quality Canadian-roasted coffee, but our approach focuses on developing bold flavors without pushing into burnt territory. While Kicking Horse offers options like Grizzly Claw, our dark roasts emphasize clean development that delivers richness without harsh bitterness. Plus every box shows the exact roast date so you know exactly how fresh your coffee is.
Right here! We ship fresh-roasted dark roast coffee across Canada with fast delivery. Our BC location means quick shipping times, especially for Western Canada. Free shipping on orders over $50, and every box is stamped with the exact roast date so you know you're getting peak-flavor coffee.
Look for beans that are fresh-roasted (with actual roast dates), have a slight oil sheen without being overly oily, and are roasted by someone who understands dark roast development. Our dark roast collection is designed to work perfectly in home brewing equipment - from basic drip makers to French press to espresso machines. The key is beans roasted properly for boldness without bitterness.
Always whole bean if you have a grinder. Coffee starts losing flavor immediately after grinding, and dark roast can become bitter more quickly than lighter roasts once ground. The investment in a decent grinder pays for itself quickly in better-tasting coffee. If you don't have a grinder yet, we can grind your beans for you, but whole bean stays fresh longer.
For most brewing methods, use a 1:15 to 1:16 ratio of coffee to water. That's about 30-32 grams of coffee (roughly 4-5 tablespoons) to 450-480 grams of water. Dark roast extracts more easily than lighter roasts, so you can often use slightly less coffee while still getting full flavor.
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Start with any of our dark roast blends and taste the difference proper roasting makes. Not sure which one? Try our Dark Roast Sampler Pack to find your perfect match.
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