If you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply someone looking for your next caffeine fix, you’ve likely come across Spirit Animal Coffee. As someone who has sampled many a coffee bean in my two-decade career as a barista, I’ve decided to give this popular coffee subscription a whirl. Here’s my honest, unbiased review.
Table of Contents
Updated: October 4, 2023
Overall Impression – 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spirit Animal Coffee is priced slightly higher than average, but ethically sourced beans justify the cost. While the bean selection is limited, the taste makes it worthwhile. If you have the means, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Taste 5/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Surprised by how much I enjoyed these since I usually prefer dark roasts. Flavor-wise, the cocoa and citrus notes were definitely present, just like the package promised.
Quality 5/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Small, evenly roasted beans. You can taste the artisanal quality. Graded 85% or higher by the SCA, giving them a literal high-quality “specialty coffee” status. A++
Cost 4/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricey but worthwhile for sustainability. Ideal for those seeking convenient subscriptions and willing to pay more. Update: Now offering a $20 bag!
The Story of Spirit Animal Coffee
Spirit Animal Coffee has emerged as a notable player in Honduras’s challenging coffee industry1. By keeping the entire supply chain within the country, they aim to create jobs, support local communities, and uplift coffee growers’ livelihoods. Their mission is to bring economic stability and global recognition to Honduran coffee.
At Spirit Animal, coffee is processed, roasted, and shipped worldwide, with revenue shared directly with growers for fair compensation. Through their Experience Labs, they offer cupping labs and tastings, providing opportunities to learn about the journey from bean to cup.
Founded by Kathya Irias and Paul Gromek, their passion for coffee and commitment to positive change fuel their endeavors. The impact of Spirit Animal Coffee on the industry in Honduras remains to be seen, but their dedication to celebrating Honduran coffee’s richness is evident.
Is Spirit Animal Coffee Right for You?
Let’s cut to the chase. Is Spirit Animal Coffee your cup of joe? Here’s a brief overview to help you decide quickly, so you don’t have to scroll through the entire article.
Might Not Be Your Thing
- Price: The cost might pinch a bit, with each bag priced between $24-$40.
- Subscription: Think twice if you’re not a fan of scheduled coffee deliveries.
- Roast Preference: Love dark roasts? You might be out of luck, as Spirit Animal only offers light to medium roasts.
Craving alternatives? Check out my top 3 high-quality, budget-friendly recommendations here.
Could Be Your Perfect Brew:
- Price: Ready to splurge a bit? If you don’t mind dropping $24-$40 for a bag of beans, you’re in the right place.
- Subscription: Fancy coffee delivered regularly to your doorstep? Perfect!
- Roast Preference: Are you a coffee aficionado who loves a range of artisanal blends? This is your spot.
- Sustainability: Are you happy to pay a little more for a greener world? You’ll love their sustainable approach.
Spirit Animal Coffee Review
I may not have a coffee degree, but with 30 years of sipping and brewing, I know a good cup when I taste one. My verdict mainly depends on the flavor and how it makes me feel.
Taste and Flavor
Before I even tried it, I was skeptical. Spirit Animal doesn’t do super dark French-roast, which is my usual jam. But let me tell you, I was blown away by their light-roast Bourbon Blend. The fruity and chocolatey hints were really something else, and much to my surprise, I found them absolutely delicious!
There’s something about these small-batch beans. You can taste the love and quality. Sure, light roasts aren’t usually my go-to, but the flavor in this cup is just spot-on. No complaints from me.
Roast Variety & Selection
News flash! As of March 2023, Spirit Animal Coffee has thrown an Espresso roast into the whole bean mix. They used to only offer light and medium roasts for the whole bean coffee, and dark roast was a single-serve pour-over deal. Now, you dark roast fans can also get your fix in the whole bean format.
Bean Origins
Every single bean at Spirit Animal Coffee comes from small, family-owned farms about 1,500 meters high in Honduras. They’re proud of their tight-knit farmer relationships. I love coffee companies that give a nod to the people behind the beans.
The supply is limited to about 300-400 bags at a time because they work with specific farmers. That means you’re getting some incredible beans, but it also means you might find your favorites out of stock.
Bean Quality
Spirit Animal’s beans are officially top-tier. They’re “specialty” coffee beans, certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, and always score between 80 and 100. The lowest score I’ve seen on their site is 87. They’re also certified by these guys:
They’re not shy about their score, either. It’s right there on the front of the package. It’s a marketing goldmine to slap that score on your bag, and it reassures me that I’m getting my money’s worth.
Product Variety
Spirit Animal provides two coffee choices: whole beans and single-serve pour-over. You can go for a one-time purchase or sign up for bi-weekly or monthly delivery.
Here’s what Spirit Animal Coffee carries:
- 12-oz bags
- 2-Pack and 3-Pack whole-bean options
- 6-Pack one roast or variety
- Single-Serve Pour-Over 10-Pack
- Hand Grinders
Single-serve bags were new to me, but I can see their appeal. They’re not a huge time-saver compared to a 2-minute pour-over, and ground coffee isn’t as fresh as whole beans. But Spirit Animal grinds their single-serve coffee beans in small batches often, keeping things fresh.
Spirit Animal Coffee Buying Guide
Here are additional details about the offerings from Spirit Animal Coffee to assist you in deciding whether to make a purchase from them.
Product Type: Spirit Animal Coffee can be purchased in either 12oz bags of whole-bean coffee or in sets of 10 single-serve pour-over packets.
Variety: The roasts currently on offer for whole-bean coffee are Medium and Espresso (which is also a medium roast). The Espresso roast can also be found in single-serve pour-over packets.
Taste Profile: While I don’t particularly concentrate on specific flavor notes and prefer to evaluate the coffee’s overall taste, I could def taste the floral and cocoa notes in the Bourbon blend.
Quality Score: The beans are rated on a scale from 80 to 100 by the Specialty Coffee Association. Any score within this range qualifies the coffee as “specialty coffee.”
Brew Method: Spirit Animal Coffee suggests a particular brewing technique based on the roast of the coffee. You can create a pour-over coffee using a set like the one from PureOver, or a Chemex device. Also, the term “drip coffee” is essentially a sophisticated way to refer to coffee brewed using a standard home electric coffee maker.
| Name | Type | Roast | Flavor Notes | Brew Method | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Beans | Medium | Citrus, honey, sweet fruit | Moka Pot or Espresso Machine | $23 |
| Parainema | Beans | Medium | Peach, honey, raspberry | Drip or Chemex | $24 |
| Bourbon | Beans | Medium | Cacao, fruit, wine | Drip or Chemex | $36 |
| Sampler | Single Serve | Medium | Apples, berries, hazelnut | Pour Over | $26 |
| Bourbon | Single Serve | Medium | Cacao, fruit, wine | Pour Over | $26 |
| Parainema | Single Serve | Medium | Peach, honey, raspberry | Pour Over | $22 |
Cost & Subscription Options
Their website is easy to navigate, and buying a single bag of coffee or subscribing is a fairly straightforward process.
If you buy a single bag, you pay full price, and you pay for shipping. On the other hand, if you subscribe, you save 50% on your first order and 20% on every order after that. Plus, you get free shipping. You have many options for delivery windows, which I appreciate. If you’re not ready for bi-monthly delivery, you can sign up for 1 bag each month, and you’ll still save 20% and get free shipping.
Coffee Delivery Windows:
- 2 weeks
- 4 weeks
- 6 weeks
- 8 weeks
Their business model makes sense, and their website is clean, fast, and modern. That said, the best savings are locked behind the subscription model. So if you choose not to subscribe, you’ll spend $10-$15 more per bag. As of the writing of this article, they’re selling a Parainema roast for only $24.
My Recommendation
In summary, I really liked these coffee beans. Despite typically preferring dark roasts, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Spirit Animal Coffee’s Bourbon roast. If this coffee represents their overall quality, I believe it’s worth the price. While $30 for a 12 oz bag may seem steep for some, the company’s commitment to supporting its farmers justifies the cost for me.
I’m going to sign up for Spirit Animal Coffee’s once-per-month subscription. Excited to try a new coffee every month and make it a regular treat. I can’t wait to see what’s in store!
Reminder: I make a commission if you click that button above or any link in this article. If you feel I’ve earned it, I thank you. Know that your support is never expected but is always appreciated.
Additional Reviews
Don’t take my word for it. I’ve gathered a few reviews on these coffee beans. If you’re considering purchasing these beans, you can read what others say about Spirit Animal coffee.
- Aboveaveragecoffee.com
- Coffeehow.co
- BestQualityCoffee.com
- HonestBrandReviews.com
- CoffeeDetective.com
Spirit Animal Coffee Alternatives
If you’re not feeling the Spirit Animal vibe, no worries. Here are some alternative coffee brands to check out that I’ve personally tried and can’t recommend enough:
Koa Coffee – $42
Discover the crown jewel of Kona Coffee: Grande Domaine Kona. Hand-harvested, perfectly roasted, and brimming with a unique flavor from the Mauna Loa region. Trust me, one sip of this award-winning blend, and you’ll realize why it’s in a league of its own.
Volcanica Coffee – $17
What I like about Volcanica Coffee is its sheer amount of roasts. They have everything. Light, medium, dark, super dark. Whether you’re a dark roast enthusiast (like me) or just looking for a more affordable alternative to Spirit Animal, Volcanica Coffee may be worth considering.
Brewpoint Coffee – $15
I like the small business feel of Brewpoint Coffee. They’re minority and women-owned, so if that’s important to you, look no further. Their beans start at $15 per bag, and I’ve bought their “The Illusionist” roast twice now, and I’m simply in love. And, if you’re herb-friendly, they sell CBD-infused coffee beans with .03% THC.
Conclusion
So, in conclusion, Spirit Animal Coffee is really good. It’s got top-notch, ethically-sourced beans from small family-owned farms in Honduras, and while they don’t have a huge selection of roasts, their beans are delicious.
Spirit Animal is perfect if you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks for quality coffee. But if you’re on a budget or prefer a darker roast, there are other quality options out there for you. Overall, I give Spirit Animal Coffee a solid 4 out of 5 stars and recommend trying it. Thanks so much for stopping by!
FAQ
What is Spirit Animal Coffee’s Shipping Policy?
U.S. shipments typically take 2-7 business days, while international orders vary between 4-22 business days, depending on the chosen courier. Shipping costs, calculated at checkout, depend on weight, dimensions, and destination. Orders are generally processed within 2 business days.
What is Spirit Animal Coffee’s Return Policy?
Due to the perishable nature of coffee and because Spirit Animal Coffee’s whole beans are roasted to order, the company does not accept returns on coffee. If there is an error in your order, you can contact their customer support team within 30 days of purchase, and they will make it right.
What types of roasts does Spirit Animal Coffee offer?
Spirit Animal Coffee currently offers light and medium roasts. Their Espresso roast is more of a medium than a dark roast. They also carry espresso roast coffee in single-serve pour-over bags.
Where does Spirit Animal Coffee source their beans?
Spirit Animal’s beans are officially some of the highest-quality beans you can buy. They’re considered “specialty” coffee beans because they’re certified by the Specialty Coffee Association. Spirit Animal’s beans consistently score between 80 and 100, which earns them the official designation of “specialty coffee.”
What products does Spirit Animal Coffee offer?
Spirit Animal offers two coffee options: whole beans and single-serve pour-over. They sell 12-oz bags, 2-Pack and 3-Pack whole-bean options, 6-Pack one roast or variety, Single-Serve Pour-Over 10-Pack, and Hand Grinders.
What are the costs and subscription options for Spirit Animal Coffee?
If you buy a single bag, you pay full price, and you pay for shipping. However, if you subscribe, you save 50% on your first order and 20% on every order after that, with free shipping. You have a lot of options for delivery windows, and you can sign up for 1 bag each month, and you’ll still save 20% and get free shipping.
