Tactisquatch - Black Rifle Review

Once, and only once, I laid eyes on the elusive… wait, wrong kind of review! Instead of addressing theories about Sasquatch (he’s obviously real), we wanted to review Black Rifle’s Tactisquatch Coffee blend. This dark roast has been on Black Rifle’s coffee list for quite a few years, and is one we had yet to try.

We picked up a bag of whole beans and ground it to a medium-fine grind to use in our French press. Right away it has a very active bloom, which reassures us that the beans we bought were fresh and full of flavor. The bloom allows the CO2 gasses trapped in the beans (a natural result from the roasting process) to release. Once the gasses are released from the beans, more flavors are extracted and the result is a richer, more flavorful coffee. The bloom is an important, though often skipped, step for any home brewer—especially in a French press where you have a shorter steeping time than a drip machine. (To produce a bloom, pour just enough water on your grounds to saturate them and allow them to sit about 20-30 seconds.)

Tactisquatch has a very dark, well-roasted aroma with hints of smoke. The smoke is also present in flavor, which led me to believe that Tactisquatch is closer to a French roast with how dark and slightly bitter the flavors were (which I love). It has a strong dark chocolate flavor that leaves the palate a touch dry, and a hint of caramel that provides a creamier reprieve to the darker flavors. 

Black Rifle’s website says to look for black currant, molasses, and orange while sipping Tactisquatch. The black currant is present, but only if you are seeking it. Otherwise, it blends into each sip between the chocolate beginning and the smooth caramel finish. Black currant appears as a grapy, earthy flavor which is quite pleasant. As for the molasses… I’m sticking to caramel. The coffee didn’t taste or smell of molasses, but there is no denying the dark sugars present in the coffee. And in all honesty, I couldn’t find the orange behind the smoke and chocolate, but I am sure its presence was meant to enhance and brighten those flavors. What I do find is the feeling left behind of having eaten an orange, where your mouth feels slightly dry and refreshed, though the citrusy taste isn’t noticeable.

The darker roast of the Tactisquatch brings with it a naturally low acidity coffee. Pair that with the strong smoke, chocolate, and creamy caramel flavors (with whispers of black currant) and you have found a great brew for any brewer. And, if you prefer your coffee with a splash of milk, you will be happy to have such a rich foundation to build on.

Black Rifle Coffee is known for their commitment to good coffee and this is a perfect example of that commitment. If you are a fan of dark roast coffees and strong chocolate flavors laced with creamy caramel, you are sure to be pleased by Tactisquatch.

Cheers,

Mrs. Brew