The present invention, in part, relates to a carbon black having a) a nitrogen BET surface area (BET) of from about 600 m2/g to about 2100 m2/g, b) a CDBP value in mL/100g of from about (-2.8 + (b* BET)) to about (108 + (b* BET)), where b is 0.087 and BET is expressed in m2/g, and c) an apparent density (p, g/cm3) of at least about 0.820 + q* BET, where q = -2.5 x 10-4, as determined at a compressive force (P) of 200 kgf/cm2 on dry carbon black powder. Energy storage devices, such as electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLC's), containing the carbon black are also disclosed. Methods for making the carbon blacks and EDLC's made with them are also provided.