Seattle’s Best Coffee, Dark Roast Ground Coffee, Post Alle

The Verdict

You know that moment when you’re staring at the coffee aisle, and every dark roast promises “bold” but delivers burnt? Seattle’s Best Post Alley is not that coffee. This one actually earns the dark roast label — but with a nuance that surprises most shoppers.

Post Alley is Seattle’s Best signature dark roast, named after the historic brick alley in Pioneer Square. It’s 100% Arabica, pre-ground, and sold in a 12-ounce bag. The beans are roasted dark enough to develop deep caramel and cocoa notes, but the roast stops short of charring. The result? A cup that tastes rich without the ashy bitterness that plagues most grocery-store dark roasts.

What’s in the bag

You get one 12-ounce bag of pre-ground coffee. The grind is consistently medium-fine — a happy middle ground that works in standard drip machines, pour-over cones, and even a French press (though you’ll want to adjust steep time down). The bag itself has a sturdy resealable zipper that actually holds after weeks of daily use, which isn’t a given at this price tier.

How it performs

I brewed this three ways over a week: standard drip, a V60 pour-over, and a French press. In drip, it’s smooth and balanced with low acidity — a solid morning cup that doesn’t need cream to be drinkable. The pour-over brought out more of the chocolate notes and a slight floral hint on the finish, which was unexpected for a dark roast. In the French press, it got bolder and earthier, closer to what the “dark roast” label promises.

One thing worth noting: this is not the heavy, smoky, almost-tarry dark roast you get from brands like Death Wish or Starbucks French Roast. Post Alley is more approachable — think “medium-dark” rather than “espresso-level dark.” If you want a wake-up slap, this isn’t it. If you want a smooth, rich cup you can drink black all day, this is exactly it.

What buyers keep saying

With 235 ratings at 4.7 stars, the feedback is remarkably consistent. One verified buyer wrote, “Finally a dark roast that doesn’t taste like I licked a campfire. Smooth, rich, and I don’t need sugar.” Another noted, “I’ve bought this three times in a row. It’s my everyday coffee now.” The most common praise centers on the lack of bitterness and the value for money — several reviewers mention it beats coffees costing twice as much.

Where it falls short

Honest tradeoffs exist. First, there’s no whole-bean option. If you grind fresh at home, this bag won’t work for you. Second, the roast level is lighter than the label implies — seasoned dark roast drinkers might find it too mild. Third, the bag is only 12 ounces; heavy daily drinkers will go through it in about a week, and there’s no bulk size available on Amazon.

Who should buy this

• The everyday drip drinker who wants a reliable, smooth dark roast without overthinking it
• The office coffee maker — this is the bag that makes visitors ask what you’re brewing
• The dark roast skeptic who thinks all dark roasts taste burnt; this will change your mind

Skip it if you need whole beans, want an intense smoky roast, or prefer light/medium roasts with bright fruit notes.

FAQ

Q: Is this actually a dark roast or medium-dark? A: It’s roasted dark but stops short of oily, smoky territory. Think rich and smooth with cocoa notes — closer to a medium-dark than a French roast.

Q: Does it work in a Keurig with a reusable pod? A: Yes, the grind size is fine enough for a reusable K-cup. Use about 1.5 tablespoons per 8-ounce cup.

Q: How long does the bag stay fresh after opening? A: The resealable zipper is solid. Expect peak flavor for about two weeks; after that it dulls but doesn’t go stale-bitter.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a smooth, reliable dark roast that won’t punish your tastebuds — and you don’t mind pre-ground convenience. Skip it if you’re a whole-bean purist or crave a heavy, smoky dark roast.

Rating: 4.6/5 — a genuinely good everyday coffee that overdelivers for its price.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.