Monday, December 2nd
2024 Coffee Club Reviews
Black Rifle Coffee Company
- Pricing: Most bags are $15.99 for 12 ounces of coffee
- 26 different coffees to choose from
- Options for ground coffee, whole bean, or single serve pods
- Coffee is roasted in-house at facilities in Tennessee and Utah
- Free shipping on all Coffee Club orders
- Flexible delivery frequency options
- 25-30% discount on first order with military ID
In Black Rifle's own words, they are owned by ex-members of the US military and serve "coffee and culture to people who love America”. They are pro-gun, pro-military, pro-police, and build their image around conservative politics. Are they as "principled” as they claim to be in their mission statement, though? The "F” grade they've earned from the Better Business Bureau doesn't lend itself to the image they project.
Veteran support looks like a gimmick
Black Rifle brands itself as a supporter of veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. However, they aren't very clear about what kind of support they offer. There's an FAQ question on their website that asks, "How does my coffee club subscription support veterans?” but the answer is word-salad. They just say they are "committed” to their support of veterans and that they do it "directly”. (Does that mean hiring veterans? Donating to the Wounded Warrior Project? Free coffee for veterans? We don't know.) In the absence of clear answers to these questions, it makes the veteran thing look like more of a marketing tactic than a genuine mission. You can get 30% (or maybe only 25%, depending on where you look) off your first order with a military ID, though.
26 coffees to choose from
Start by choosing your roast, then whether you want ground coffee, whole bean, or single serve pods. They have 4 light roasts, 16 medium roasts, and 6 dark roasts with names like "AK-Espresso” and "Thin Blue Line Roast”. If you want them to pick your coffee for you, choose the bag labeled "Best of BRCC” from the Medium Roast category. Most bags are $15.99 and contain 12 ounces of coffee. If you want to read more about any given roast, you'll need to find its listing elsewhere on the site, as it can't be found on the Coffee Club tab.
Coffee is roasted in-house
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Black Rifle Coffee doesn't waste much breath discussing their sourcing. All they talk about is the quality of the flavor of their coffee beans - nothing is said about ethics. Once the green coffee beans arrive at their roasting facilities in Tennessee and Utah, they're packed into nitrogen-pumped, waterproof-sealed bags.
Free shipping
All Black Rifle Coffee Club orders come with free shipping. You can change your flavors and delivery frequency from your online account. Your options for the latter are every 2 weeks, every 3 weeks, every month, or bi-monthly.
Bad customer service
As we mentioned earlier, Black Rifle Coffee has an "F” from the Better Business Bureau. Issues customers report include being sent unsolicited bags of coffee, not receiving coffee that had been ordered and paid for months before, and being unable to get in touch with customer service. Apparently, if you call their support line, you're told there are over 100 customers in line before you. Some customers were lured into trying BRC with promises of free t-shirts with their orders, but they never received them.
Not much to recommend them
Even if you are aligned with Black Rifle Coffee's politics, agreeing with their hard stances on guns and police won't do you any favors when it comes to dealing with their customer service - or the lack thereof. If you order from them, who knows if it'll ever arrive? Because nothing says "I love America” like ripping off your customers. We'd recommend shopping with one of the higher-rated coffee clubs in our review.
More Coffee Club Reviews
The 10 Best Coffee Clubs
Which Coffee Club is the Best?
For centuries, coffee has been more than just a vehicle for your caffeine fix - it's been a catalyst for connection, creativity, and culture around the world. From elegant cafes in Paris to quiet mountain villages in Colombia, this beloved beverage has brought people together and fueled countless conversations, ideas, and dreams.
But for many of us, our daily cup has become routine instead of a moment to savor. If you find yourself stuck in a coffee rut, reaching for the same familiar-but-”meh” blend day after day, it might be time to shake things up with a coffee club subscription. Coffee clubs are perfect for coffee drinkers who want to explore flavors (and freshness) beyond what's available at their local grocery store.
Coffee Club FAQ
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Coffee clubs are also great for busy professionals who don't have time to hunt down specialty beans or for those who simply want the convenience of having freshly roasted coffee delivered right to their doorstep. Coffee clubs take the guesswork out of choosing new coffees - you get to benefit from expert curators' knowledge about tasting notes and brewing tips for the perfect morning cup of joe.
Coffee clubs range from specialized to generic. Some take pride in sourcing single-origin beans from a particular country, like Costa Rica. Others act as a middle-man for US-based independent roasters, helping you discover a new business or award-winning coffee every month. However, some are a bit one-note and lacking in customization options or variety.
The frequency of deliveries can vary too. Some clubs ship weekly, so you'll never run out of fresh beans. Others operate on a monthly basis, which might be better if you don't go through coffee as quickly. You'll also find differences in customization options - some clubs let you choose every coffee you receive, while others surprise you with new selections based on your taste preferences. Most coffee clubs have a quiz to help you figure out what those preferences are.
When shopping for a coffee club online, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Variety. How many different coffees does the club offer? Look for a club with a large selection to keep things interesting. A good club should introduce you to new origins and roast levels regularly to prevent flavor fatigue.
- Customization. Can you set the selections to align with your preferences? The best clubs allow you to specify things like roast level, whole bean or ground, and even flavor notes you enjoy. This makes it more likely that you'll love every coffee you receive.
- Frequency and quantity. How often do they ship, and how much coffee do you get? Make sure the club's shipping schedule and amounts match your consumption habits. You don't want to end up with too much coffee going stale or to run out before your next shipment.
- Educational content. Do they provide information about the coffee? Look for clubs that offer details about the coffee's origin, tasting notes, and brewing recommendations.
- Price and value. How does the cost compare to buying coffee locally? While coffee clubs often charge a premium for their service, the selection and convenience should justify the price. Compare a few options to find the best value for your budget.
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best coffee clubs available online. We hope this information helps you find the perfect service to elevate your daily coffee ritual and discover new favorites from around the world.
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