My name is James, and for nearly a decade, I worked as a barista in a bustling café in downtown New York City. The café life was fast-paced, filled with long lines of customers, endless espresso shots, and the constant hum of conversation. Coffee was more than my job—it was my passion. I studied roasts, perfected latte art, and spent hours experimenting with flavor profiles. But over time, I began to feel that the heart of coffee culture was fading.

Too many big coffee chains seemed more interested in selling seasonal gimmicks than brewing quality coffee. The artistry, the craftsmanship, and the authenticity of coffee had been watered down. That’s when I discovered Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC)—a veteran-owned, mission-driven coffee brand that changed my entire perspective on what coffee could mean.

The First Encounter with Black Rifle Coffee

It started with a conversation. A regular customer, a veteran, came into the café one morning, unimpressed with our menu of pumpkin spice lattes and oat milk cappuccinos. He carried a bag of beans with bold military-style graphics and an American flag.

“You ever tried this?” he asked, sliding the bag toward me. The words read: Black Rifle Coffee.

That night, curiosity got the better of me. I ordered a bag online and, a few days later, brewed my French press at home. The aroma hit me first—rich, bold, and unapologetic. The first sip sealed the deal. It wasn’t bitter. It wasn’t bland. It was strong, smooth, and memorable.

I didn’t just taste coffee. I tasted authenticity, grit, and the story of a company that actually cared.

The Story Behind Black Rifle Coffee Company

Black Rifle Coffee was founded in 2014 by Evan Hafer, a former Green Beret who combined his passion for coffee with his commitment to supporting veterans and first responders. From the start, the mission was clear: to serve premium, small-batch coffee while giving back to the military community.

Unlike mainstream brands, BRCC wasn’t built in boardrooms or marketing labs. It was built by veterans who knew what it meant to wake up early, work hard, and appreciate a strong cup of coffee. Every roast, every bag, and every product reflects that mission.

Today, Black Rifle Coffee Company has grown into a nationally recognized brand, but it hasn’t lost its roots. A portion of every purchase supports veteran causes, and the company actively hires veterans and first responders. That commitment is part of what sets BRCC apart.

Why Black Rifle Coffee Stood Out to Me

As an ex-barista in New York, I had seen it all. Corporate chains with cookie-cutter menus, artisanal shops charging $8 for a latte, and customers obsessed with Instagram-worthy foam art. But something was missing.

Black Rifle Coffee filled that gap. It wasn’t about trends. It wasn’t about latte art. It was about making damn good coffee for people who value authenticity and purpose.

When I drank BRCC, I felt like I was part of something bigger. I wasn’t just fueling my day—I was supporting a community, a mission, and a cause.

The Coffee: Popular Roasts and Flavors

One of the reasons Black Rifle Coffee has such a loyal following is the variety of its roasts. Each blend has a personality, designed to match different tastes and lifestyles.

Silencer Smooth

A light roast with a clean, crisp flavor. Perfect for mornings when you need clarity without overwhelming strength.

AK-47 Espresso

A medium roast espresso blend with chocolate and nutty notes. Balanced, bold, and ideal for making lattes or cappuccinos at home.

Just Black

The flagship roast of BRCC. A strong, no-nonsense medium roast with a bold, smooth finish.

Blackbeard’s Delight

A dark roast with rich chocolate notes and a full-bodied flavor. This one became my personal favorite—strong, bold, and unforgettable.

Beyond Black

A dark roast designed for coffee drinkers who like their brew intense and fearless.

Each roast comes in ground, whole bean, or K-Cup options, making it accessible whether you’re brewing in a French press, espresso machine, or single-serve coffee maker.

How Black Rifle Coffee Compares to Other Coffee Brands

In New York, I had tried nearly every major coffee brand—Starbucks, Dunkin’, Peet’s, Blue Bottle. They all had their strengths, but none carried the same authenticity as Black Rifle Coffee.

• Starbucks is convenient but often tastes overly bitter due to over-roasting.
• Dunkin’ is affordable but lacks complexity.
• Artisanal shops often overcharge and feel pretentious.
• Black Rifle Coffee strikes the perfect balance: affordable, bold, and meaningful.

It isn’t just about flavor—it’s about identity. When you drink BRCC, you’re not just a customer. You’re part of a movement.

The Mission: More Than Just Coffee

One of the most powerful aspects of Black Rifle Coffee is its mission. The company actively supports veterans, first responders, and their families. Through the BRCC Fund, they’ve donated millions to causes such as:

• Supporting veterans transitioning back into civilian life
• Providing scholarships for military families
• Funding mental health programs for soldiers and first responders
• Creating job opportunities for veterans

For me, this was a game-changer. Every bag I bought wasn’t just fueling my mornings—it was fueling a greater cause.

Taste, Strength, and Quality

As an ex-barista, I’m picky about coffee quality. Black Rifle Coffee consistently delivers:

• Flavor: Rich, bold, never burnt.
• Strength: Enough caffeine to power through long days without leaving you jittery.
• Freshness: Small-batch roasting ensures quality and consistency.
• Variety: Light, medium, and dark roasts to match every palate.

Black Rifle Coffee Club Subscription

One of the smartest moves BRCC made was launching the Coffee Club subscription. With this service, you can choose your favorite roast, grind type, and delivery frequency. It shows up at your door on schedule, so you never run out.

For someone like me, who drinks multiple cups daily, this is a lifesaver. It’s also cost-effective, saving money compared to buying one bag at a time.

Where to Buy Black Rifle Coffee

Black Rifle Coffee is available in several ways:

• Official Website: The best place to find the full selection, including exclusive roasts.
• Retail Stores: Available at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and select grocery stores.
• Amazon: Convenient for quick shipping.
• Cafés: BRCC has opened coffee shops across the U.S. for those who want the full experience.

My Personal Routine with BRCC

These days, I no longer spend hours behind a café counter in New York. Instead, I brew my coffee at home, starting every morning with a fresh cup of Black Rifle Coffee. It’s become my ritual—a reminder of my past as a barista, my love for quality coffee, and my support for a brand that stands for something bigger.

FAQs About Black Rifle Coffee

Conclusion: A Cup with Purpose

As James, an ex-barista from New York and Mentor at Procoffeeacademy.com, I can say with confidence that Black Rifle Coffee is more than just another coffee brand. It’s bold, high-quality, and mission-driven. Every cup tells a story—not just of great flavor, but of resilience, service, and community.

When you drink Black Rifle Coffee, you’re not just sipping caffeine. You’re supporting veterans, honoring service, and fueling your day with purpose. And for me, that’s what makes every cup worth it.