I’ve been in a bit of a rut when it comes to my coffee reviews.
Don’t get me wrong…I’m still drinking lots of coffee! 🙂 But, having been at this for over two years now, I’ve learned that reviewing multiple coffees from a single roaster every month can get exhausting.
Not to mention expensive.
What’s more, I’ve tried sooo many coffees that I haven’t reviewed on the blog simply because I felt like I couldn’t just talk about one or two roasts from a single roaster.
Well no more!
After polling my Instagram community, I got a resounding YES—you want to see everything I’m drinking, even if it’s just one bag.
So here we are.
What excites me most about this new format is being able to share more coffee with you and the freedom to dig into each blend and share all the details. Don’t worry, I’ll still do larger reviews from time to time, but this approach will allow me to focus more on each coffee’s unique qualities and hopefully explain them better for you, too!
When I received a mystery box from Caffeine and Legends, I was thrilled to discover Boxcar Coffee Roasters’ Bareknuckle Blend—a perfect coffee to kick off this new way of sharing my coffee discoveries.
I received this blend in a mystery box from Caffeine and Legends—one of my favorite coffee and book subscription boxes. You can also choose tea or drinking chocolate if you prefer!
Caffeine and Legends often has sales or clear-outs on coffee, tea, and books, and I always grab something because it’s such a fun way to treat yourself and try a roaster you might not have discovered otherwise.
That’s how I happened upon Boxcar Coffee Roasters!
I hadn’t heard of them until I opened my mystery box from Caffeine and Legends, but I’m so glad I’ve tried them now.
The Bareknuckle Blend Review
The Bareknuckle Blend from Boxcar Coffee Roasters is a medium roast coffee, but I’d say it borders on medium-dark. It’s not quite a dark roast, but it’s darker than your average medium.
This blend features a 50/50 combination of beans from Colombia and Peru, processed using the washed method, which gives it a smooth and clean taste while allowing the distinct flavors of the beans to shine.
I received this coffee in ground form, which made it easy to brew right away. For this tasting, I used my Breville Precision Brewer (which I absolutely adore). I love how it allows me to dial in the perfect brewing temperature and timing, ensuring I get the best extraction from every cup.
The moment I opened the bag of the Bareknuckle Blend, I was greeted by the rich aroma of dark chocolate and burnt caramel.
It’s one of those coffees that you just know is going to be good the instant you smell the grounds.
Once brewed, the coffee’s flavor profile truly delivered. The dark chocolate notes were bold and smooth, offering a velvety richness, while the burnt caramel added a subtle sweetness with just the right hint of roastiness. It’s a robust and satisfying cup without being overpowering or overly bitter, making it perfect for those mornings when I need something with a little extra depth.
Plus, the smell while brewing was delicious—the kind that fills your kitchen and makes you want to sip it immediately.
Overall, I found this blend especially enjoyable because of its balance.
The full-bodied flavor didn’t fade as the coffee cooled, and each sip was just as flavorful as the first. The washed process allows the natural characteristics of the beans to shine through, and the combination of Colombian and Peruvian beans creates a perfect harmony of strength and smoothness.
This coffee would pair wonderfully with something simple, like a buttery croissant, as the flavor profile is rich enough to complement but not overshadow other tastes.
Boxcar Coffee Roasters’ Bareknuckle Blend was a delightful surprise—rich, flavorful, and balanced in a way that makes it stand out.
It’s a coffee I’ll be reaching for when I want something with depth and complexity but without the heaviness of a full dark roast.
Whether you’re a fan of medium or dark roast coffees, this blend strikes a perfect balance that makes it a versatile option. I’m so glad I took a chance on it through my Caffeine and Legends box, and I can’t wait to explore more from Boxcar in the future.
Have you tried Boxcar Coffee before? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Other Coffee Reviews to Check Out:
