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Death Wish Coffee Review 2024: Pros, Cons, & Verdict

Our Final Verdict

We give Death Wish Coffee a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars

At a Glance:

Death Wish Coffee is known for its intense caffeine content, but is that all it offers? We took a deeper look to see if there’s more to this brand than just its powerful punch. Our verdict? Death Wish Coffee isn’t just strong—it’s also delicious. It delivers a dark, smooth brew without bitterness, making it dangerously drinkable. Plus, it’s Fair Trade and organic.

On the downside, Death Wish uses lower-quality Robusta beans mixed with Arabica, and it’s on the pricier side. The beans are also a bit oily, which can be problematic for some grinders, and the brand isn’t very transparent about where its beans are sourced.

The bottom line: If you can handle the high caffeine content and love dark roasts, Death Wish Coffee could be a great pick. It’s flavorful, sustainable, and packs enough caffeine to keep you alert all day long.

Death Wish Coffee Quick Look:

Pros:

  • Extremely high caffeine content
  • Smooth, rich dark roast
  • Available in whole bean, pre-ground, and K-Cups
  • Fair Trade and organic
  • 365-day satisfaction guarantee
  • Subscription savings available

Cons:

  • No light or medium roast options
  • Oily beans may not suit all grinders
  • Contains lower-quality Robusta beans
  • Higher price point

The Company

Death Wish Coffee hails from Saratoga Springs, New York, and was founded in 2012 by Mike Brown, who aimed to create the “World’s Strongest Coffee.” It’s gained popularity, even reaching outer space when a package of freeze-dried Death Wish Coffee was sent to astronauts on the International Space Station in 2015.

The Ordering Process

Ordering Death Wish Coffee is simple. You can find it on Amazon or through the Death Wish website. Choose between whole bean or pre-ground options in one-, two-, or five-pound bags. However, pre-ground coffee is only offered in a medium drip grind, so it’s not ideal for espresso or French press users. You can also opt for Death Cups (K-Cups) in packs of 10, 20, or 50.

While the price is on the higher end, you can save by subscribing: 10% off on the Death Wish website and 5-10% off through Amazon subscriptions.


The Coffee

Caffeine Content

Death Wish Coffee’s claim to fame is its high caffeine content. And after testing it, we can confirm—it’s strong! A standard 8-ounce cup contains 472 mg of caffeine, far surpassing the FDA’s recommended daily limit of 400 mg. That’s why there’s a caffeine warning on the packaging!

The high caffeine level comes from a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. Robusta beans are known for their high caffeine content but have a less desirable flavor, which may be a drawback for coffee purists.

SEE ALSO: Easily Calculate Your Caffeine Intake!

Surprisingly Smooth Flavor

Despite the high caffeine, Death Wish Coffee delivers a surprisingly smooth flavor. It’s dark but not bitter, making it enjoyable black or with milk. We brewed it in a Chemex and were impressed with the results.


The Packaging

Death Wish Coffee’s packaging features a playful skull and crossbones, with a caffeine warning on the back. While the bag design is fun, we wish it had a resealable closure. It does include wire ties and a one-way degassing valve, though.

Extras

Death Wish Coffee offers a 365-day satisfaction guarantee. If it’s not the strongest coffee you’ve ever had, you can get a refund.

The Verdict

What’s our take on Death Wish Coffee? If you’re after a strong, dark coffee with a serious caffeine kick, this is for you. It’s dark, smooth, and doesn’t taste bitter. Plus, it’s Fair Trade and organic, and available in a range of options, including whole bean, pre-ground, and K-Cups.

While it’s not the cheapest option, and the Robusta blend may not appeal to coffee connoisseurs, Death Wish Coffee delivers on its promise of strength and flavor. If you can handle the caffeine and the price, this dark roast is worth trying.