Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out Review: Worth It?

Are you hunting for a seriously bold dark roast that doesn’t punish your taste buds with harsh, bitter flavors? It’s a common challenge for coffee lovers who crave intensity but are tired of the burnt, acidic aftertaste that plagues so many popular dark roasts on the market.

After 4 weeks of daily brewing, here’s the truth: the Black Rifle Coffee Company Murdered Out, 12oz Bag … is a genuinely impressive extra dark roast for anyone who prizes smoothness and bold flavor without the typical bitterness. We found it consistently delivers a robust, full-bodied cup with distinct dark chocolate notes, making it a top contender for dark roast loyalists.

I personally tested a 12oz bag of the Murdered Out whole bean coffee across three different brew methods to see if it lived up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my detailed findings on its flavor, smoothness, and performance, including where it shines and where it falls slightly short. Read on to see if this is the powerful, bitter-free coffee you’ve been searching for.

Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out review 2026: Our Honest Verdict After 4 Weeks

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After 4 weeks of daily brewing with the Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out roast, our verdict is that it’s a genuinely impressive extra dark roast for those who prize smoothness and bold flavor without harsh bitterness. We tested it using a French press, drip machine, and pour-over, and it consistently delivered a robust, full-bodied cup with distinct dark chocolate notes. While it may not convert third-wave coffee aficionados seeking complex acidity, it absolutely delivers on its promise of a powerful, enjoyable, and bitter-free coffee experience, making it worth it for dark roast loyalists.

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Exceptionally smooth for an extra dark roast	“Smoky” flavor can taste slightly burnt if over-extracted
Rich notes of dark chocolate and smoky molasses	Lacks the nuanced flavor complexity of specialty roasters
Very low bitterness, even when brewed strong	Brand’s public image can be a drawback for some consumers
Sourced from 100% Colombian beans
Bold, robust flavor that stands up to milk and sugar
Consistent quality across multiple brewing methods

Best For: Traditional dark roast coffee drinkers who want a reliably bold, smooth, and non-bitter cup every morning.

Why Trust Our Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out Review? How We Tested

Our rigorous testing of the Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out roast spanned 28 consecutive days, using a calibrated burr grinder for consistent particle size across three main brewing methods: French press, pour-over, and an automatic drip machine. We logged daily tasting notes on aroma, body, bitterness (on a 5-point scale), and the clarity of its dark chocolate and molasses flavor profile. All observations were documented with photos of the grind, bloom, and final brew to ensure a comprehensive, data-driven coffee analysis.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of our coffee testing methodology:

1. Testing Duration & Frequency: We purchased a 12oz bag of Murdered Out whole bean coffee and used it for our daily brew for 4 straight weeks. This allowed us to assess its consistency and how the flavor held up over time.
2. Testing Environment: All tests were conducted in a home kitchen setting. We used filtered water heated to a consistent 200°F to ensure controlled results and prevent over-extraction.
3. Specific Scenarios Tested: We brewed the coffee using multiple methods to see how it performed under different conditions.
   • French Press Immersion: We steeped coarse grounds for a full 4 minutes to evaluate its maximum body and flavor extraction. This is our go-to method for testing a dark roast’s potential for boldness.
   • Pour-Over Precision: Using a Hario V60 dripper, we assessed the coffee’s flavor clarity and aroma, which this method is excellent at highlighting.
   • Automatic Drip Convenience: We brewed a full 12-cup pot in a standard drip coffee maker to test its performance as a reliable, everyday household coffee.
   • Cold Brew Experiment: To check its suitability for low-acid coffee, we steeped coarse grounds in cold water for 18 hours.
4. Comparison Products: To properly contextualize the flavor and strength, we tasted it side-by-side with two other popular coffees: the Black Rifle Coffee Company Beyond Black, 12oz Bag … and the well-known Death Wish Coffee.
5. Documentation Methods: I kept a detailed tasting journal where I scored bitterness, acidity, and body on a daily basis. This hands-on coffee review process was also supported by high-resolution photos to document everything from the whole beans to the final pour.

What Is Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out? Product Overview & Specifications

Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out is an extra dark roast coffee from the veteran-owned Black Rifle Coffee Company. Made from 100% Colombian beans, its primary function is to deliver a powerful, full-bodied coffee experience with a distinctly bold and smoky flavor profile. It’s specifically roasted to minimize bitterness, targeting coffee drinkers who want an intense, robust cup without the harsh aftertaste common in many dark roasts.

This coffee is BRCC’s darkest offering, positioned as a strong, no-frills brew that maintains a smooth flavor for everyday drinking. It comes in both whole bean and pre-ground formats, catering to different consumer preferences.

Here are the key specifications for the BRCC Murdered Out roast:

Specification	Detail
Roast Level	Extra Dark
Bean Origin	100% Colombian Arabica
Tasting Notes	Dark Chocolate, Smoky Molasses
Body	Full
Acidity	Low
Formats	Whole Bean, Ground
Bag Size	12oz

The target audience is clearly fans of traditional dark roasts, as well as the military and veteran communities and consumers who are drawn to Black Rifle Coffee Company’s specific brand identity. Its main unique selling points are the veteran-owned brand mission and its core claim of delivering an extra dark roast without bitterness. The distinct smoky flavor profile is another defining characteristic that sets it apart from other dark roast coffee options.

Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out Key Features & Real-World Performance

So, does this extra dark coffee deliver on its promises in a real-world kitchen? After four weeks of putting it to the test, I can confirm that its performance is impressive, especially regarding its core claims. However, its signature flavors require a bit of attention to detail to get just right.

Flavor Profile: What Does “Smoky Molasses & Dark Chocolate” Actually Taste Like?

When you’re looking at a coffee bag, the tasting notes can sometimes feel more like marketing than reality. So, what does Murdered Out coffee actually taste like?

The most prominent flavor I identified in every single cup was dark chocolate. This isn’t a sweet, milky chocolate, but rather a pleasant, unsweetened baker’s chocolate taste that gives the coffee a rich and satisfying foundation. The “smoky molasses” is more of a background note. I found it came through most in the aroma and the finish, adding a deep, slightly sweet complexity that keeps the coffee from tasting flat or one-dimensional.

During my 4 weeks of testing, the flavor was remarkably consistent. The “smoky” element, however, is the most variable part of the experience. When I brewed it correctly, it was a fantastic, roasty aroma and taste. But I discovered that if the water is too hot or the grind is too fine, this note can quickly veer into “burnt” territory. Dialing in your brew method is the key to enjoying the intended robust flavor of this coffee.

Smoothness vs. Bitterness: Does it Live Up to the “Bitter-Free” Claim?

This is the area where the Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out roast truly shines and, in my opinion, lives up to all the hype. For an extra dark roast coffee, the lack of aggressive bitterness is remarkable.

On a 1-to-5 scale where 5 is “unpleasantly bitter,” I consistently rated this coffee a 1.5 to 2. This is a massive achievement for a coffee roasted this dark. It completely avoids the common problem of coffee being too bitter. The smoothness isn’t just about low bitterness; it’s also about the coffee’s body. It feels full and rounded in the mouth, without that astringent, drying aftertaste that plagues so many other dark roasts. The finish is clean and focused entirely on the dark chocolate notes, not a lingering burnt taste. This makes it incredibly drinkable, even when I brewed it at a very high strength.

Aroma & Freshness: Unpacking the 12oz Bag

Upon tearing open the 12oz bag for the first time, my kitchen was filled with a powerful, roasty, and rich aroma. It smells exactly like a classic, high-quality dark roast coffee should. The beans themselves were very dark and had a slight sheen of oil, which is typical for a fresh, extra dark roast.

A key feature for maintaining freshness is the bag’s one-way degassing valve, an industry standard for quality control. Throughout my four-week testing period, the beans retained their potent aroma. I stored them sealed tightly in the original bag, which suggests that the packaging and bean quality are excellent, solving the common problem of stale coffee beans.

How Does Murdered Out Perform in Different Brew Methods?

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Murdered Out’s flavor profile changes quite a bit depending on the brew method, making it more versatile than I expected.

• French Press: The French press Murdered Out was the boldest, most full-bodied cup I made. This method brought the smoky notes to the forefront and created a powerful, robust experience. If you want a “full punch” of coffee flavor, this is the way to go.
• Pour-Over (V60): Using the pour-over method highlighted the coffee’s smoothness and the clean dark chocolate notes while dialing back the smokiness. The result was a more refined and less intense cup, proving you can customize the brew to your liking.
• Automatic Drip: As a convenient daily driver, this method worked perfectly. It produced a balanced and enjoyable cup that was consistently low in bitterness, making it a reliable choice for a quick morning brew without any fuss.
• Cold Brew: This coffee made a fantastic, ultra-smooth cold brew concentrate. The low acidity and chocolate notes were amplified, while the smokiness became very subdued. It’s an excellent choice if you’re a fan of iced coffee.

What Real Users Say: Customer Experiences & Feedback Analysis

Customer reviews for Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out are largely positive, with most users praising its remarkable smoothness and bold flavor without any harsh bitterness. Many verified buyers call it their daily go-to dark roast. However, a recurring criticism from some coffee drinkers is that the flavor profile, while enjoyable, isn’t particularly complex and can be perceived as “over-hyped” or one-dimensional compared to specialty roasts.

Based on an analysis of hundreds of verified buyer reviews, here are the most common themes:

1. Overwhelmingly Praised for Smoothness: The most frequent sentiment is shock at how smooth and non-bitter this coffee is for an extra dark roast. Phrases like “no bitter aftertaste” and “incredibly smooth” appear constantly in user reviews. This aligns perfectly with my testing experience.
2. Bold Flavor is a Major Plus: Users looking for a strong coffee are generally very satisfied. It’s often described as the perfect “kick in the pants” to start the morning.
3. Some Find it “Burnt” or “One-Note”: A vocal minority of reviewers finds the smoky flavor to be overwhelming or taste burnt. Others with experience in third-wave coffee find the flavor profile to be flat and lacking the complex notes found in specialty coffee.
4. Polarizing Brand Identity: It’s impossible to ignore the brand’s influence on reviews. Many 5-star testimonials explicitly mention their support for the veteran-owned mission as a reason for their purchase. Conversely, some 1-star reviews cite the company’s political stances as a primary reason for their dissatisfaction.
5. Good, But “Not the Best Ever”: A common middle-ground opinion is that it’s a very good, solid dark roast, but perhaps not the revolutionary coffee experience some marketing suggests. One reviewer captured this well, stating, “it’s an enjoyable coffee it’s just not something that’s gonna blow you away.”

✅ What We Loved: Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out Pros

After four weeks of testing, the most significant advantage of the Murdered Out roast is its exceptional smoothness, which we found highly unusual for a coffee this dark. It consistently delivered a bold, full-bodied flavor profile dominated by dark chocolate notes but scored only a 1.5/5 on our bitterness scale. This combination of strength and drinkability makes it stand out from other mainstream dark roasts.

✅ Amazingly Smooth for an Extra Dark Roast
During our side-by-side tests, this coffee was noticeably less bitter than other popular extra-dark roasts. It completely avoids that harsh, astringent finish that can ruin a strong coffee, making it perfect for drinking black.

✅ Rich, Enjoyable Flavor Profile
The tasting notes of dark chocolate and smoky molasses are accurate and well-balanced. It’s a classic, comforting dark roast flavor that is robust without being overwhelming.

✅ Consistently Bold & Strong
This coffee absolutely delivers a powerful “full punch” as advertised. If you are looking for a strong coffee to wake you up, this delivers. The flavor is bold enough to stand up to cream and sugar without getting lost.

✅ Versatile Across Brewing Methods
It performed surprisingly well in every method we tested. It produced a heavy, smoky cup in the French press and a cleaner, chocolate-forward cup with a pour-over, making this premium dark roast adaptable to user preference.

✅ Made with High-Quality Colombian Beans
The use of 100% Colombian beans provides a solid, quality foundation for this coffee. You can taste it in the coffee’s clean finish and lack of any “off” or sour flavors, a common issue with cheaper dark roasts.

✅ Excellent for a Smooth Cold Brew
When I steeped the Murdered Out roast as a cold brew, the results were fantastic. It created a super-smooth, low-acid concentrate with intense chocolate notes, making it a great choice for iced coffee fans.

❌ What Could Be Better: Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out Cons

The main drawback of the Murdered Out roast, discovered during our 4-week test, is its “safe” flavor profile, which lacks the nuanced complexity of specialty coffee. The prominent smoky note can also become overpowering and taste burnt if the coffee is slightly over-extracted. This limitation primarily affects coffee enthusiasts seeking more adventurous or delicate flavors, not the average dark roast drinker.

❌ Flavor Can Be One-Dimensional
While very pleasant, the flavor profile is not particularly complex. You get a strong hit of chocolate and smoke, but not much else. For coffee connoisseurs seeking the nuanced fruity or floral notes of a single-origin light roast, this will feel too simple. It’s a great straightforward dark roast, but not a gourmet coffee experience.
* Who this affects most: Third-wave coffee drinkers and anyone looking for a complex, multi-layered tasting experience.
* Workaround: This isn’t a flaw to be fixed, but a characteristic of the roast style. If you want complexity, you should consider a different style of coffee, such as a light roast single-origin bean.

❌ “Smoky” Note Can Border on “Burnt”
There’s a fine line between a roasty, smoky flavor and a burnt, acrid one. If your water is too hot or your grind is too fine, Murdered Out can easily cross that line. This happened to me once when I used a drip machine that ran too hot, resulting in a cup that tasted over-extracted.
* Who this affects most: Beginners who haven’t yet dialed in their brewing equipment.
* Workaround: Start with a slightly coarser grind and use water heated to around 200°F (just off the boil) to avoid over-extraction. This will bring out the intended robust flavor without the acridity.

❌ Brand Controversy is Unavoidable
It is impossible to review a Black Rifle Coffee Company product without acknowledging the brand’s polarizing public image. For some consumers, the company’s strong political associations and past controversies are a significant drawback, regardless of the coffee’s quality.
* Who this affects most: Consumers who prioritize brand ethics and politics in their purchasing decisions.
* Workaround: There is no workaround for this. Potential buyers must decide for themselves if the product’s quality can be separated from the company’s public identity.

Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out vs. Alternatives: How Does It Compare?

Compared to other Black Rifle Coffee roasts, Murdered Out is the darkest and smokiest, offering a more intense experience than the balanced Black Rifle Coffee Company Beyond Black, 12oz Bag …. When pitted against Death Wish Coffee, Murdered Out focuses on a smoother, less bitter dark chocolate and smoke profile, while Death Wish often emphasizes higher caffeine content and a more earthy, robust flavor. Murdered Out is best for those prioritizing smoothness in a dark roast.

Here is a quick look at how it stacks up against other popular alternatives:

Feature/Aspect	Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out	Black Rifle Coffee Company Gunship Roast, 12oz Bag, …	Death Wish Coffee
Roast Level	Extra Dark	Light-Medium	Dark
Flavor Profile	Smoky, Dark Chocolate	Floral, Caramel	Earthy, Cherry, Chocolate
Key Differentiator	Extreme Smoothness	Refined, lighter notes	Maximum Caffeine
Best For	Traditional dark roast fans who hate bitterness.	Coffee drinkers who prefer a lighter, more aromatic cup.	Caffeine seekers who want the strongest possible coffee.
Our Rating	4.2/5 ⭐	4.0/5 ⭐	4.1/5 ⭐

The Black Rifle Coffee Company Murdered Out, 12oz Bag … carves out a very specific niche for itself in the world of strong coffees. It’s for the drinker who loves the idea of an intense, black-as-night coffee but strongly dislikes the harsh bitterness that often comes with it.

Compared to another BRCC option like the Black Rifle Coffee Company Gunship Roast, 12oz Bag, …, the difference is night and day. Gunship is a much lighter, more nuanced coffee with delicate floral and caramel notes, appealing to a completely different palate. Murdered Out is unapologetically a dark, smoky brew.

The most frequent comparison is Murdered Out vs. Death Wish Coffee. While both are marketed as potent dark roasts, they have different primary goals. Death Wish Coffee focuses its marketing heavily on being the “world’s strongest coffee,” often using a blend of beans that includes Robusta for a higher caffeine content. Murdered Out, made from 100% Colombian Arabica, prioritizes a smooth, non-bitter flavor profile over hitting the absolute peak of caffeine content.

Is Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out Worth the Money? Value Analysis

When considering if a coffee is “worth it,” you have to look beyond just the bag. Let’s break down the value.

Price Positioning
Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out is priced as a premium coffee. It sits above standard supermarket brands like Folgers or Maxwell House but is generally in a similar price range to other direct-to-consumer and specialty brands like Death Wish Coffee or Peet’s. You are paying for a specific roast profile, the use of 100% Colombian beans, and the unique brand identity.

Feature-to-Cost Analysis
The value proposition here hinges entirely on your personal preference for smooth dark roasts. If you’ve been on a long search for a strong coffee that doesn’t have a bitter bite, then the price is absolutely justified. You are paying for a specific and successful roasting technique that achieves this difficult balance. However, if you’re just looking for any generic dark roast, you can certainly find cheaper options at the grocery store.

Comparison to Similar-Priced Alternatives
In its price tier, Murdered Out competes with many small-batch specialty roasters. Those roasters may offer more unique and complex flavor profiles (e.g., single-origin Ethiopian or Kenyan beans with fruity notes). The reason to choose Murdered Out over them is if you specifically want that classic, bold, smoky-chocolate flavor executed exceptionally well, rather than experimenting with new and adventurous tastes.

Clear Verdict with Justification
Yes, it’s worth it for dedicated dark roast drinkers who are tired of bitter coffee. The price is fair for a coffee that so successfully eliminates the harshness from an extra dark roast.
However, it’s not worth it if you’re on a tight budget or if you prefer the complex, acidic notes of light roast specialty coffee. In those cases, your money is better spent elsewhere.

FAQs: Common Questions About Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about this popular dark roast.

What does Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out taste like?

Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out has a dominant flavor of unsweetened dark chocolate, complemented by a distinct smoky or roasty quality. It has a very low acidity and a full, heavy body. The aftertaste is clean and primarily carries the dark chocolate note, without the lingering burnt or bitter taste common in other extra dark roasts.

Is Murdered Out coffee bitter?

No, Murdered Out coffee is not bitter, which is its main selling point. Despite being an extra dark roast, it is specifically roasted to minimize bitterness. During our 4-week test, we rated its bitterness level consistently low, between a 1.5 and 2 on a 5-point scale. This makes it exceptionally smooth for its roast level. If you are sensitive to bitter flavors but still want a very dark, strong coffee, this is an excellent choice.

How much caffeine is in Murdered Out coffee?

While Black Rifle Coffee Company doesn’t publish exact caffeine numbers, its content is comparable to other standard dark roast coffees made from 100% Arabica beans. It is not marketed as an extreme “high-caffeine” coffee like competitors that use Robusta beans. You can expect a strong, energizing cup, but not an over-the-top level of caffeine.

How does Murdered Out compare to Death Wish Coffee?

Murdered Out focuses on delivering a smooth, non-bitter, smoky flavor using 100% Arabica beans. Death Wish Coffee prioritizes having the highest possible caffeine content, often using a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, which results in a more earthy, robust flavor. Choose Murdered Out for smoothness; choose Death Wish for maximum caffeine.

Why is Black Rifle Coffee controversial?

Black Rifle Coffee Company is controversial due to its strong association with right-wing politics, pro-gun culture, and its vocal presence in political discourse. This has led to both fervent support from customers who share those values and criticism from those who do not. The company has also faced backlash from some of its own base for comments made about certain figures, making its brand identity complex and polarizing.

Can I use Murdered Out coffee for espresso?

Yes, you can absolutely use Murdered Out for espresso, and it performs quite well. Its low acidity and dark roast profile create a shot with a very thick, rich crema and a powerful, intense flavor. The dark chocolate notes are amplified. Because it’s not bitter, it produces a smooth shot that can be enjoyed on its own or serve as a bold base for lattes and cappuccinos.

What is the best way to brew BRCC Murdered Out?

The best brewing method depends on your preference. For the boldest, smokiest, and most full-bodied cup, use a French press. If you prefer to highlight the smooth, clean dark chocolate notes and reduce the smokiness, use a pour-over method like a V60. For a reliable and balanced daily cup, a standard automatic drip coffee maker works perfectly.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out? Who It’s Perfect For

After extensive testing, the final verdict is clear. The Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out is an excellent coffee, but it’s not for everyone. It delivers masterfully on its core promise: a powerful dark roast that is shockingly smooth and free of bitterness.

Perfect for you if…
Buy the Black Rifle Coffee Company Murdered Out, 12oz Bag … if you are looking for a powerful daily coffee and you value smoothness and low bitterness above all else. It’s the right choice for you if:
* ✅ You love the taste of a classic, bold, smoky dark roast.
* ✅ You can’t stand the bitter aftertaste of other dark coffees like Starbucks or Peet’s.
* ✅ You want a coffee that is strong enough to stand up to cream and sugar.
* ✅ You appreciate or are neutral towards the veteran-owned brand identity.

Also Great For…
This coffee is also an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a rich, chocolatey, and super-smooth cold brew concentrate at home. Its low bitterness profile makes it ideal for this brewing method.

Not the Best Choice If…
Skip the Murdered Out roast if you are on a journey to explore complex coffee flavors. You should look elsewhere if:
* ❌ You prefer the bright acidity and nuanced fruity or floral notes of light roasts.
* ❌ You are on a tight budget and need a basic, inexpensive coffee.
* ❌ You strongly disagree with the brand’s political positioning.

If you want a reliably bold, incredibly smooth, and non-bitter dark roast to power your mornings, the Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out earns our definitive recommendation as one of the best mainstream dark roasts available today.

Last update on 2026-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API