The 19 Best Black Coffees and How to Enjoy Them

Black coffee can be a delightful experience, not a bitter chore. It’s all about choosing the best beans and mastering the brewing technique. Get these right, and you’ll enjoy black coffee so tasty, you’ll forget about reaching for creamer or sugar. Dive into the world of rich, smooth flavors!

Welcome to the world of pure coffee bliss! If you’re ready to ditch the extras and savor coffee in its black, unadulterated glory, you’re in the perfect spot. We’re diving into the finest black coffees out there – from floral and fruity to sweet, smooth, and bold flavors. Imagine a cup that’s anything but bitter, unlike the usual grocery store finds. Get ready to explore coffee that’s as diverse as it is delightful.

Quick Answer: Best Black Coffees

• Best coffee to drink black: Volcanica Coffee Kenya AA
• Best dark roast black coffee: Koffee Kult Coffee
• Best black coffee for cold brew: Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve Colombian Supremo
• Best budget black coffee: Coffee Bean Direct Panama Boquete coffee
• Best decaf black coffee: Kicking Horse Coffee Swiss water decaf
• Best strong black coffee: Death Wish Coffee

What Is Black Coffee?

Black coffee is simply coffee made and enjoyed without adding sugar, milk, cream, or any flavors. It’s all about the pure taste of coffee, whether it’s from percolators, drip coffee makers, or even unique methods like AeroPress and Moka pot. While you can find half-caf or decaf options, we’ll focus mainly on the fully caffeinated experience.

Espresso vs black coffee

Espresso is a rich, dark coffee brewed quickly under high pressure to pack a strong flavor. Most advice for black coffee also applies to making or buying espresso beans, so you’re covered either way.

But, drinks like Americanos and long blacks are closer to your usual black coffee than a strong espresso shot.

Why Black Coffee?

Discover the joys of black coffee! It’s a simple delight over complex, sugary options. Explore more coffee types and find your favorite.

These are my main reasons.

1. Black coffee is healthier

Coffee is almost calorie-free, with just one calorie per cup. It’s packed with antioxidants and nutrients that can boost your health. Enjoying coffee might lower your chances of getting type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and more.

Adding milk, sugar, or flavored syrups to your coffee can quickly load it with extra calories, sugar, and fat, overshadowing coffee’s health benefits.

2. Black coffee is convenient

Black coffee is super easy to find and make. If you love adding stuff to your coffee, remember, you might not always get those extras at work or on trips. Simple black coffees, like coffee from a stovetop or espresso from an AeroPress, are perfect for on-the-go. Take them with you whether you’re flying, driving, or RVing.

3. Black coffee allows more exploration

Variety is key in enjoying coffee. While it might seem like adding flavors can spice things up, they actually mask the true taste of coffee. Black coffee lovers know this well – the real variety lies in the coffee itself, not in the additives.

Exploring the world of coffee is like embarking on a global adventure. Despite there being just a few types of coffee beans—mostly Arabica and Robusta—the taste of your coffee can vary wildly. This is because its flavor, scent, and even texture are influenced by where it’s grown, the surrounding crops, and even the height and richness of the land it’s cultivated on.

Did you know there are nearly 80 countries growing their own special coffee beans? Within these countries, different areas add even more flavors, giving us hundreds, maybe thousands, of unique coffee tastes. Imagine sipping on coffee that’s flowery, fruity, earthy, or super smooth. Amazing, right?

The journey of coffee doesn’t stop at the farm. How beans are processed, washed, roasted, and brewed also shapes their taste. With so many steps, the flavors you can discover are endless. But, be cautious with too much creamer or syrup, as they can mask the unique tastes waiting for you in every cup.

How to Enjoy Black Coffee

We’ve all sipped on black coffee that just didn’t hit the spot. Whether it’s because the coffee’s bitter, has a sour kick, brewed from stale beans, or tastes like it’s been charred, bad coffee is a big no-no. But don’t worry, we’re not here to torture your taste buds with the most intense cup of joe out there. If that were the case, you wouldn’t be reading this. Believe it or not, black coffee can be soft, sweet, silky, or even gentle, depending on what you’re after.

Ready to make your black coffee delicious? We’ll guide you through a few easy, key steps.

How to Pick the Right Beans

Let’s start with the basics: picking the right coffee beans. The cheapest options at your local store? They usually lead to disappointing brews. Don’t worry, though, amazing coffee doesn’t mean breaking the bank, but it might be a bit pricier than your usual Folgers. I’ve got several suggestions coming your way, so get ready to elevate your coffee experience, no matter your budget.

Choosing affordable coffee options from this list still beats the price of a Starbucks run. Plus, your homemade brew will taste way better. Check out the cost of your cup of coffee for more savings and flavor!

Pre-ground vs whole bean

Here’s a quick tip for all coffee lovers: Always buy whole bean coffee. Why? Because coffee beans start losing their freshness right after roasting. But, if you stick to whole beans, your coffee will taste fresh and delicious for 2-3 weeks, maybe even longer if you keep them away from light, moisture, air, and heat.

Ground coffee quickly loses its charm, only staying fresh for a few hours, unlike whole beans which last for weeks. Pre-ground coffee can’t match this freshness, leading to a dull and bitter taste. This can turn even a black coffee lover’s experience sour.

Discovering the right way to grind coffee beans is key to loving your homemade black coffee. Believe it or not, a quality coffee grinder is even more essential than a fancy coffee maker for coffee lovers.

Single-origin coffee vs blends

When you pick up a bag of coffee from the grocery store, you’re usually grabbing a blend. This means the coffee beans inside come from various places. They might be mixed from different countries or just different areas within the same country.

Coffee blends often get a bad rap from coffee purists. They think blends are just a mix of poor-quality beans. But, when crafted with care, blends can be incredibly delicious. Take, for instance, Illy and Lavazza. These famous Italian coffee brands excel in creating exceptional blends from beans sourced from different countries.

Single-origin coffee often offers the best way to enjoy the distinct tastes in your black coffee. When you buy premium coffee, you’re aiming to savor it in its truest form.

When you see a blend with “premium” beans at a bargain, it’s easy to get excited. But, here’s the catch: most of these blends are packed with lower-quality beans. That’s why blends, like those with Kona, are surprisingly cheap, while pure Kona coffee beans can cost over $100 a pound.

Coffee roast level

The roast level dramatically shapes your coffee’s taste. Light roasts reveal the beans’ sweet, intricate flavors. Meanwhile, dark roasts offer deep, toasty notes. It’s amazing how roasting transforms the flavors!

Choosing between light, medium, and dark roasts is all about personal taste. For example, I love my Cuban coffee dark-roasted, but when it comes to Costa Rican coffee, I always go for a light roast. It’s all about what you enjoy!

If you’re new to the coffee game and eager to explore, begin with the roast level that’s typical for the coffee’s origin. Lean towards lighter roasts, especially if you’re trying single-origin beans. Why? They’re not only friendlier to those just starting to enjoy black coffee but also preserve the unique flavors of the beans. Steer clear of Italian and French roasts; these are darker than dark and can overpower the beans’ natural tastes, making for a rather intense first sip of black coffee.

How to make black coffee

Start exploring with the coffee maker you already have at home. No need to rush into fancy techniques like pour-over just yet. Take your time to discover what flavors you enjoy in your black coffee.

If you’re new to coffee and don’t have a drip coffee maker yet, here are a few tips to get you started:

AeroPress

Making coffee for just one or two? The AeroPress is your budget-friendly buddy! It’s super easy to use and crafts amazing coffee. Sure, it’s a tad more hands-on than a push-button machine, but hey, you get delicious coffee in just minutes with the AeroPress.

Discover the magic of AeroPress coffee—it’s way better than your usual brew! We’ll dive into the best beans that make AeroPress coffee a game-changer. Click here to learn more.

Automatic pour-over coffee maker

To enjoy delicious black coffee, choose a method that lets you manage key elements like temperature and flow rate. Avoid average drip coffee makers for the best taste! 

Pour-over coffee is a craft, offering unbeatable flavor when done right. However, mastering it can take time. For those eager to enjoy similar quality without the wait, automatic pour-over coffee makers are a fantastic solution. These machines mimic the pour-over process, delivering delicious coffee with the simplicity of pressing a button.

Cold brew coffee

Cold brew coffee is super easy and affordable to make, and it tastes amazing! You don’t need fancy gadgets. With just a mason jar and some coarsely ground coffee beans, you can whip up some of the best cold brew coffee ever. Perfect for beginners!

For under $20, you can get a cold brew pitcher that makes brewing super easy – no need to fuss with filters! Plus, for a fun twist on your coffee, you can even try making nitro cold brew at home. It’s a whole new coffee adventure!

Best Black Coffees

Best coffee to drink black: Volcanica Coffee Kenya AA

For amazing black coffee, it’s all about fresh roasts and top-notch beans. Trust Volcanica Coffee to bring you both, ensuring every bag is packed with quality and freshness, no exceptions. Perfect for those who love their coffee pure and flavorful.

Kenyan coffee is the perfect choice for beginners wanting to savor black coffee. It’s from East Africa and is among the world’s top-rated coffees. Plus, it’s more affordable than other famous ones like Kona or Jamaican Blue Mountain beans.

Starting your coffee journey? These medium/light-roasted beans are perfect! They strike a balance with a lively acidity, inviting aroma, and full body. Enjoy the delightful flavors of raspberry, cranberry, redwood, and alyssum flowers – rich yet not too intense. 

Best dark roast black coffee: Koffee Kult Coffee

Struggling to find a dark roast that’s bold but not bitter? Look no further! Koffee Kult stands out with its smooth, strong flavor and just the right touch of acidity. It’s the perfect choice for those new to dark roasts. 

The secret behind their amazing dark roast? They stick to 100% Arabica beans, no exceptions. They blend top-notch Brazilian, Colombian, and Sumatran coffee beans to create a flavor-packed brew. Expect a full-bodied, rich taste with hints of cinnamon and a smooth, slightly bitter finish. It’s a dark roast done right.

Koffee Kult delivers their beans super fresh, meaning you’ll always sip on vibrant, never-stale black coffee. Enjoy each cup without the fear of a dull taste!

Best black coffee for cold brew: Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve Colombian Supremo

For a delicious cold brew, opt for coarsely ground coffee beans. Choose bold and rich flavors, since cold brewing softens the taste, making the boldness really count.

Stone Street takes pride in ethically sourcing their single-origin 100% Arabica Colombian coffee beans. These beans are handpicked and dark-roasted to perfection, making them perfect for cold brew. Enjoy a balanced, smooth sip with hints of chocolate, caramel, and fruit. Their small-batch roasting guarantees freshness and top-notch quality every time.

Even though I’m not a huge fan of pre-ground coffee, if you’re set on buying it, remember that cold brew needs a coarser grind compared to drip or espresso. But, if you’re into it, Stone Street offers a great cold brew-specific ground option alongside their whole beans.

Best budget black coffee: Coffee Bean Direct Panama Boquete coffee

Dive into the coffee world with Panamanian coffee! Grown in Panama’s highlands on volcanic soil, it offers a bright, sweet taste with a hint of buttery aroma. Enjoy its creamy texture, gentle flavor, and balanced acidity in a light-to-medium roast. 

This coffee might not be a trophy-winner, but it’s a perfect pick for your first taste of black coffee. If buying five pounds at once sounds good to you, the price is unbeatable for the quality you get. Dive in and enjoy the journey into the world of coffee!

Best decaf black coffee: Kicking Horse Coffee Swiss water decaf

Decaf coffee often gets a bad rap, and for good reason: a lot of it tastes awful. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. The problem lies in how most decaf is made. Cheap methods use strong chemicals to remove caffeine, which unfortunately also take away a lot of the delicious flavor.

The best decaf coffee? Go for the Swiss water process. It’s a natural way to zap out nearly all the caffeine without losing the rich taste and smell of the beans.

Kicking Horse brings you dark roast coffee made from USDA organic and Fair Trade beans, decaffeinated with the Swiss water method. Enjoy its chocolatey, nutty taste with hints of roasted hazelnuts, a smooth balance, and a lasting finish.

Best strong black coffee: Death Wish Coffee

Craving a strong caffeine boost from your black coffee? Check out Death Wish, one of the most caffeinated coffees you can buy. With 485 mg of caffeine in just an 8-ounce cup, it’s as powerful as drinking four cups of regular coffee!

Death Wish brings you a powerful blend of USDA-certified organic and Fair Trade beans, combining Arabica’s smoothness with Robusta’s strength. Normally, Robusta adds bitterness, but Death Wish skillfully crafts a bold yet smooth coffee. It teases your taste buds with hints of cherry and chocolate, thanks to a careful small-batch roasting that ensures every cup is consistently fresh and flavorful. It’s the ideal choice for those who love their coffee extra strong.

Valhalla Java Coffee

Death Wish Coffee crafted a special brew to celebrate the iconic guitarist, Zakk Wylde. Though I share a similar name, Zak, I’m not just promoting it for that reason. Honestly, this coffee deserves praise all on its own, even without its link to Ozzy Osbourne’s legendary guitarist.

Valhalla Java combines Indonesian beans with ones from Central and South America. This medium-dark roast offers a smooth taste and a rich, earthy smell. Perfect for coffee lovers!

If you’re curious about Death Wish coffee but feel hesitant to jump in, try Valhalla Java first. It’s the perfect bridge, offering a richer flavor and a caffeine boost that’s not too intense, easing you from regular black coffee to bolder options. 

Volcanica Coffee Ethiopian Yirgacheffe

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, making Ethiopian coffee beans incredibly authentic. Among these, Yirgacheffe beans stand out for their vibrant, intricate tastes, floral scents, and delightful aftertaste that leaves you wanting more.

Volcanica’s Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee stands out for its exceptional quality, especially considering it’s both organic and Fair Trade at this price. These beans are sourced from wild, native trees, resulting in a medium roast that’s rich and complex. You’ll taste hints of pineapple guava, dark chocolate, and strawberry, all wrapped up in a smooth, medium-bodied coffee with a lively acidity. 

Volcanica Coffee Jamaican Blue Mountain Peaberry

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee stands out, even among the finest coffees out there. It’s a top choice, and when it comes to getting the real deal, I recommend Volcanica. If you’re ready to treat yourself to one of the world’s most exquisite black coffees, this is your go-to. What makes it even more special? They use peaberry coffee beans — the rare, naturally mutated beans that pack an extra sweet and rich flavor.

This Volcanica single-origin coffee is a treat, with a gentle, sweet taste. Its scent is a lovely mix of oranges and flowers, with a rich, buttery twist. You’ll taste hints of chocolate and orange peel, leaving a smooth, clean aftertaste.

This coffee is certified by Jamaica’s Coffee Industry Board, ensuring you get pure Jamaican Blue Mountain beans, with no fillers.

Volcanica Coffee Tanzanian Peaberry

If the last coffee option seemed too expensive, don’t worry! There’s an affordable gem for you – Tanzanian peaberries. Loved globally, these beans offer a similar experience. They brew into a coffee that’s smooth and buttery, ending on a pleasantly dry note. The aroma is captivating, and the flavor? It’s a delightful mix of dried fruits, rich chocolate, and zesty oranges. A true treat for your taste buds! 

Onyx Coffee Lab Southern Weather Blend

Onyx Coffee Lab is dedicated to delivering always-fresh coffee. They make sure to ship their beans within 24 hours of roasting. This quick shipping means you get to savor your coffee at its peak flavor, before any bitterness creeps in. 

In 2017, their coffee was the champion at the US Roaster Championship, scoring way higher than others. The Southern Weather Blend, their first and most popular mix, is the ideal start to explore the fantastic coffees this company offers.

Indulge in a luxurious coffee experience with our special blend of Ethiopian and Colombian Arabica beans. Crafted to bring out their unique flavors, this brew offers a delightful mix of sweet chocolate, candied walnuts, and juicy plums, topped off with a zesty citrus finish. Enjoy every sip! 

Kicking Horse Coffee Cliff Hanger Espresso

I’ve talked about Kicking Horse’s decaf before, but there’s more to love. Their Cliff Hanger Espresso is a treat – bright, silky, and layered. Imagine the aroma of blackcurrant, milk chocolate, and brown sugar, combined with flavors of wild berry syrup and a smooth cocoa finish. It’s a complex coffee experience.

Kicking Horse coffee uses beans that are not only USDA organic and Fair Trade certified but also come from exotic places like Indonesia, Africa, and South and Central America. Initially, I fell for their rich dark roasts, but their medium roasts? They’re equally tasty and way friendlier for those just starting their coffee journey.

Black Rifle Coffee Company Just Black

Black Rifle Coffee is quickly becoming a favorite among coffee lovers. Their Just Black medium roast is a hit for fans of classic black coffee. It boasts a rich blend of cocoa and vanilla aromas, bold taste, and a smooth, buttery finish. Perfect for a morning brew!

They blend Colombian and Brazilian beans for their unique flavors. If you’re into medium roasts, try the Just Black. But, they’ve got something for everyone, from light to dark roasts. Perfect for exploring different coffee tastes!

Fresh Roasted Coffee Organic Bali Blue Moon

Fresh Roasted Coffee offers a fantastic selection of single-origin coffees and blends at great prices. True to its name, your coffee is shipped right after roasting, ensuring you get to savor the beans’ most authentic flavors.

Indonesian coffees might seem intense at first with their earthy taste. However, Fresh Roasted’s Bali Blue Moon offers a gentler introduction. It blends slight earthiness with rich, syrupy dark chocolate flavors, a creamy texture, and a hint of spice in every sip. 

Fresh Roasted Coffee Honduran Marcala

Honduran coffee is quickly gaining fame in the high-end coffee scene. Ready to explore black coffee? Jump on board with this exciting new trend! 

Discover Fresh Roasted’s organic Honduran Marcala, a premium coffee grown in one of Honduras’s highest regions. It’s strictly high grown (SHG), ensuring top-notch quality. Enjoy its medium roast with hints of milk chocolate, a zesty lemon finish, and a delightfully sweet, smooth taste.

Cooper’s Cask Cofffee Rwandan 

This Rwandan coffee is special because it’s made from Bourbon beans, a favorite type of Arabica. It’s roasted just right to give you tastes of caramel, brown sugar, honey, and ginger snap. 

Cooper’s Cask stands out as a small roaster dedicated to delivering fresh, top-notch coffee beans. What sets them apart is their unique barrel aging method. I suggest starting with their regular beans. However, if you’re a fan of their Rwandan blend, don’t miss out on their wine or rum-barrel aged options. They’re a game-changer!

Volcanica Coffee Guatemala Antigua Reserve

Next up, let’s explore more from Volcanica, starting with their Guatemalan coffee. It’s dark-roasted, offering a smooth, creamy texture. You’ll love its earthy, smoky taste, highlighted by rich caramel notes. Perfect for a cozy morning!

Volcanica Coffee Kona Peaberry

If you’re a fan of the Jamaican Blue Mountain peaberry, get ready for a treat! Kona coffee beans are a big deal in the coffee world. So much so, there are many “Kona blends” trying to capture its magic. But for a true coffee experience, you must try genuine Kona coffee. This Volcaica single-origin Kona peaberry is an excellent start to discover one of the finest coffee beans on the planet. 

Volcanica Coffee Mexican coffee beans

Mexican coffee usually has a mild and light taste, perfect for mixing with flavors or other beans. But, specialty Mexican coffee beans are something special. They’re sweet, smooth, and burst with flavors of hazelnut, earthiness, and chocolate. Plus, most of these specialty beans are grown organically, making them even more appealing.

Final Verdict

Drinking black coffee isn’t just good for your health; it’s also super easy to make. But here’s the thing: if you’re not sipping on black coffee, you’re missing out big time. Sure, lattes and cappuccinos are delicious, but they barely scratch the surface of what coffee can offer. Black coffee opens up a whole new world of tastes and smells that often get hidden when you add extras to your brew.

Ever tried black coffee and didn’t like it? Chances are, you had stale or low-quality beans. The secret to a delicious cup? Fresh, premium beans. They transform your brew from bitter gunk to amazing. Don’t let bad beans stop your coffee adventure.