Coffee Strength Review
Self-proclaimed world's strongest coffee. We tested it for caffeine, flavour, and whether it's actually drinkable — or just a gimmick.
Death Wish lives up to its caffeine claim AND tastes good — which is the hard part. It's the best high-caffeine coffee on the market for people who need maximum effect without drinking ash.
Death Wish Coffee was founded in 2012 by Mike Brown in Saratoga Springs, New York. The original goal was simple: make the strongest possible coffee that still tastes good. The brand grew rapidly after winning a free Super Bowl ad slot in 2016 (a competition they entered on a whim).
The strength comes from two sources: using Robusta beans (which contain 2–2.5x more caffeine than Arabica) blended with Arabica for flavour, plus a roasting process designed to preserve caffeine rather than burn it off. The result is approximately 300mg caffeine per 12oz brewed cup — roughly double the average.
The first sip is always a surprise. "World's strongest" sounds like it would taste medicinal or burnt — Death Wish doesn't. There are genuine notes of dark cherry and bittersweet chocolate, similar to a well-pulled espresso. The Robusta bitterness is noticeable but controlled.
Best brewing method: French press or AeroPress. These methods preserve more of the body. Drip works well too. Avoid brewing it weak — underdosed, the Robusta notes come through more sharply.
The Valhalla Java variant is slightly smoother — less dark cherry intensity, more of a nutty chocolate profile. If you find Original a bit sharp, start with Valhalla.
Death Wish Coffee
The original. ~300mg caffeine per cup, dark cherry and chocolate notes, USDA Organic. For when you need coffee that actually works.
Death Wish Coffee
Co-created with Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society). Smoother and slightly less intense than Original — better for those who want strength without maximum bitterness.
Death Wish Coffee contains approximately 300mg of caffeine per 12oz cup — roughly double the average coffee. This is achieved by using Robusta beans (naturally higher in caffeine) alongside Arabica, plus a specific roasting process that preserves more caffeine than typical dark roasts.
No — and this surprises most people. Despite being an extra-dark roast, Death Wish uses a proprietary slow-roast process that develops bold flavour without the burnt, ashy quality common in dark roasts. Expect notes of dark cherry and chocolate, not charcoal.
Yes. Death Wish Coffee is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified. The beans are sourced from India and Peru. For a high-caffeine specialty brand, the ethical sourcing credentials are strong.
Start with the Original blend. One cup and you'll understand the name.
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