# TLDR Review: Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Beans (2 Pack)

*Published: 2025-12-25 | Updated: 2025-12-25 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/death-wish-coffee-dark-roast-beans-(2-pack)*

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## Product: Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Beans (2 Pack)
**Brand:** Death Wish Coffee

## Pros
- Offers a bold and smooth flavor without the bitterness often found in dark roasts.
- Produces a seriously great cup of coffee with rich dark roast notes and no harsh aftertaste.
- Robust yet smooth, with pleasant hints of chocolate and cherry, making it enjoyable for fans of dark coffee.
- Provides an effective, noticeable caffeine kick that helps maintain energy as promised.
- Espresso shots pull smoothly with thick, black crema without causing issues like channeling or puck cracking.
- Lacks the usual acidic taste found in many espressos, resulting in a rich, smooth experience.
- Suitable for regular use and subscription arrangements, consistently tasty for daily drinkers.
- The roast is at the "second crack" stage, slightly oily but not burnt, ideal for fine grinding and espresso.
- Home-brewed espresso from this coffee is often said to outperform popular coffee chains like Starbucks or Peet’s.

## Cons
- The coffee sometimes produces a thin crema, possibly due to freshness or roasting date limitations.
- Inclusion of Robusta beans can lead to a coffee aroma but less fruity fragrance and crema than some expect.
- Cappuccinos made with this coffee may have a noticeable bite and lack smoothness for some palates.
- Performs better with brewing methods like Moka Pot, French Press, or drip coffee than with espresso for certain users.
- Freshness is critical; coffee may taste significantly better with a recently roasted bag than older stock.
- A minority of users report an overpowering cigarette ash smell and a consistently unpleasant flavor that even cream or sugar can’t mask.
- This off-putting odor from certain batches reportedly lingers in coffee machines after brewing, which can be frustrating.
- The intense flavor and caffeine kick might be too strong or bitter for those who prefer milder coffee choices.

## Bottom Line

If you’re craving a *bold, strong coffee with a smooth yet intense dark roast* and an *extra caffeine kick* that energizes without leaving a bitter aftertaste, Death Wish Coffee Co.'s whole bean dark roast is your go-to. It’s especially loved by espresso lovers who appreciate a rich, smooth, and complex cup that can easily outshine well-known coffee chains. Just make sure to check the roast date to get the freshest beans—freshness makes all the difference here. Be aware that some find the flavor too aggressive or report a strange smoky note, so this one isn’t for the faint-hearted or light coffee drinkers. For those wanting a slightly fruitier aroma or gentler taste, exploring other premium dark roasts might be worth a look.

If you want to explore other strong dark roast options with solid caffeine punch but possibly different flavor profiles, we can help you find some alternatives.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Offers a bold and smooth flavor without the bitterness often found in dark roasts. | The coffee sometimes produces a thin crema, possibly due to freshness or roasting date limitations. |
| Produces a seriously great cup of coffee with rich dark roast notes and no harsh aftertaste. | Inclusion of Robusta beans can lead to a coffee aroma but less fruity fragrance and crema than some expect. |
| Robust yet smooth, with pleasant hints of chocolate and cherry, making it enjoyable for fans of dark coffee. | Cappuccinos made with this coffee may have a noticeable bite and lack smoothness for some palates. |
| Provides an effective, noticeable caffeine kick that helps maintain energy as promised. | Performs better with brewing methods like Moka Pot, French Press, or drip coffee than with espresso for certain users. |
| Espresso shots pull smoothly with thick, black crema without causing issues like channeling or puck cracking. | Freshness is critical; coffee may taste significantly better with a recently roasted bag than older stock. |
| Lacks the usual acidic taste found in many espressos, resulting in a rich, smooth experience. | A minority of users report an overpowering cigarette ash smell and a consistently unpleasant flavor that even cream or sugar can’t mask. |
| Suitable for regular use and subscription arrangements, consistently tasty for daily drinkers. | This off-putting odor from certain batches reportedly lingers in coffee machines after brewing, which can be frustrating. |
| The roast is at the "second crack" stage, slightly oily but not burnt, ideal for fine grinding and espresso. | The intense flavor and caffeine kick might be too strong or bitter for those who prefer milder coffee choices. |
| Home-brewed espresso from this coffee is often said to outperform popular coffee chains like Starbucks or Peet’s. |  |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*