Is Death Wish Coffee Worth the Hype? A Caffeine Lover’s Review
Meet Death Wish Coffee—the self-proclaimed “world’s strongest coffee” that doesn’t just wake you up… it launches you into hyperdrive.
Founded in 2012 by a small New York roaster, this isn’t your average cup of joe. With its skull-branded packaging and “drink at your own risk” attitude, Death Wish Coffee has built a cult following among:
- Night-shift workers who need to stay alert.
- Adrenaline junkies who laugh at “weak” coffee.
- Coffee fanatics chasing the boldest flavors.
But here’s the real question: Is it just marketing hype, or does it actually live up to its lethal name?
In this deep dive, we’ll explore:
✔ What makes Death Wish Coffee so extreme (hint: it’s not just caffeine).
✔ How it tastes (spoiler: it’s smoother than you’d think).
✔ Who should (and shouldn’t) drink it (heart palpitations warning).
✔ Fun ways to use it (espresso martinis, anyone?).
Ready to see if you can handle the world’s strongest coffee? Let’s brew this.
The Origins & Rise of Death Wish Coffee
From Small-Batch Roaster to Caffeine Legend
Death Wish Coffee didn’t start as a global phenomenon—it began in 2012 when founder Mike Brown set out to create the strongest coffee possible.
Why the Name “Death Wish”?
- The brand leans into extreme caffeine with a dangerous, rebellious vibe.
- The skull logo isn’t just for show—it’s a warning.
How It Went Viral
- 2016 Shark Tank Appearance: Though they didn’t land a deal, the exposure skyrocketed sales.
- Social Media Buzz: Memes, challenges (“Can you survive a cup?”), and word-of-mouth made it a cult favorite.
- Military & Trucker Fans: People with high-stakes jobs swear by its energy boost.
What Makes It Different?
| Feature | Death Wish Coffee | Regular Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | ~728mg per 12oz | ~95mg per 12oz |
| Beans | Robusta + Arabica blend | Mostly Arabica |
| Roast | Ultra-dark, smooth | Medium-light |
Bottom Line: It’s not just strong—it’s engineered for maximum kick without tasting like burnt charcoal.
The Science of Its Strength
Why Is Death Wish Coffee So Powerful?
1. Caffeine Content: The Nuclear Option
- 728mg per 12oz cup (compared to 95mg in regular coffee).
- That’s more than 2 Red Bulls in one mug.
2. The Bean Blend: Robusta’s Secret Weapon
- Most coffee uses Arabica (smoother, less caffeine).
- Death Wish uses Robusta beans, which have nearly double the caffeine.
3. The Dark Roast Trick
- Dark roasting reduces acidity, making it smoother than expected.
- But don’t worry—it still hits like a freight train.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to Death Wish, start with half a cup to test your tolerance
Taste Test: Flavor or Fury?
What Does the World’s Strongest Coffee Actually Taste Like?
You might expect Death Wish Coffee to taste like liquid asphalt, but here’s the surprise: it’s surprisingly drinkable.
Flavor Profile Breakdown
- Bold & Smoky: Think dark chocolate meets campfire (in a good way)
- Nutty Undertones: A hint of walnut or almond beneath the intensity
- Low Acidity: The dark roast smooths out the harsh edges
Pro Brewing Tips to Avoid “Motor Oil Mode”
- French Press Method (best for full flavor)
- Use 2 tbsp grounds per 6oz water
- Steep for 4 minutes
- Cold Brew Option (smoother experience)
- 1 cup coarse grounds to 4 cups water
- Steep 18-24 hours
- Espresso Hack
- Grind finer than usual
- Pull shorter shots (25-30 sec)
“First time I tried it, I expected battery acid. Got smoked caramel instead – just with enough caffeine to see through time.” – Reddit user @CoffeeMadness
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Drink Death Wish Coffee
The Perfect Drinkers ✅
- Night shift workers (nurses, truckers, security)
- Athletes needing pre-workout energy
- College students during finals week
- Anyone who thinks “regular coffee is for babies”
Warning Labels ⚠️
Death Wish isn’t for everyone. Avoid if you:
- Get jittery from normal coffee
- Have heart conditions
- Are pregnant/breastfeeding
- Take stimulant medications
Caffeine Overdose Symptoms
• Racing heartbeat
• Anxiety attacks
• Tremors
• Insomnia
Fun Fact: The company recommends no more than 2 cups per day – and they’re not kidding.
Death Wish vs. The Competition
How Other “Strong Coffees” Stack Up
| Brand | Caffeine (per 12oz) | Price | Taste | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Death Wish | 728mg | $$$ | Bold, smooth | Worldwide |
| Black Insomnia | 702mg | $$$ | More bitter | Limited |
| Biohazard | 474mg | $$ | Harsh | Online only |
| Starbucks Blonde | 360mg | $ | Light | Everywhere |
Why Death Wish Wins
- Better flavor balance (not just pure bitterness)
- Wider availability (Amazon, Walmart, their website)
- Stronger branding (you remember the skull logo)
Beyond the Mug: Creative Uses
Turn Your Coffee Into An Experience
🍸 Cocktail Recipe: Death Wish Espresso Martini
- 2oz Death Wish cold brew concentrate
- 1.5oz vodka
- 1oz coffee liqueur
- 0.5oz simple syrup
Shake with ice, strain into chilled glass
🍪 Baking Hack: Caffeine-Charged Brownies
Replace regular coffee in recipes with:
- 2 tbsp Death Wish grounds in batter
- OR 1/4 cup brewed coffee
⏳ DIY Cold Brew Concentrate
- 1 cup coarse grounds + 4 cups water
- Steep 24 hours
- Strain – lasts 2 weeks refrigerated
Mix 1:1 with milk or water
Product Lineup: More Than Just Beans
Death Wish’s Full Caffeine Arsenal
☕ Brewables
- Whole bean (for freshness)
- Ground (for convenience)
- Single-serve pods
🚀 Ready-to-Drink Options
- Nitro cold brew cans
- Espresso shots
💀 Merch That Screams “Caffeine Addict”
- Skull-emblazoned mugs
- “Fueled by Death” t-shirts
- Subscription service (auto-delivery)
Final Verdict: Should You Try It?
The Good 👍
- Unmatched caffeine kick
- Surprisingly smooth for its strength
- Ethically sourced beans
The Bad 👎
- Expensive ($20/lb vs $12 for premium brands)
- Too intense for casual drinkers
- Risk of over-caffeination
Who It’s Perfect For:
“If you need coffee that could wake the dead, this is your holy grail.”
Who Should Avoid:
“If you get shaky from a Starbucks latte, run away.”
Where to Buy & Final CTA
📍 Best Places to Purchase
- Official website (subscription discounts)
- Amazon (fast shipping)
- Select Walmart locations
🔥 Limited Editions to Try
- Valhalla Java (Odinson blend)
- Barrel-Aged Cold Brew
🎯 Final Call-to-Action
“Ready to meet your new caffeine overlord? Grab a bag of Death Wish Coffee today
FAQ’s
What is special about Death Wish Coffee?
Death Wish Coffee is known for its bold flavor and super high caffeine content, making it perfect for those who need an extra kick to start their day!
How much caffeine is in a Death Wish Coffee?
Death Wish Coffee packs a punch with about 728 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce cup—nearly four times stronger than regular coffee!
Is Death Wish Coffee banned by NCAA?
No, Death Wish Coffee isn’t banned by the NCAA, but its high caffeine content could exceed NCAA limits if consumed in large amounts.
Does Death Wish Coffee have more caffeine than Red Bull?
Yes, Death Wish Coffee has significantly more caffeine than Red Bull—about 59 mg per ounce compared to Red Bull’s 9.5 mg per ounce!
