Intelligentsia Coffee is ideal for those who value nuanced flavors, ethical sourcing, and a lighter roast. Death Wish Coffee is better suited for those seeking a high-caffeine, bold, dark-roasted coffee with fair trade and organic certifications.
| Attribute | Intelligentsia Coffee | Death Wish Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Roast Level | Generally, single origins are light roast, most espressos and blends are medium roast, and select espressos and blends are dark roast. Some roasts are considered medium-light. | Dark. Also available in Medium roast. |
| Bean Origin | Single-origin coffees are sourced from specific estates, farms, or communities. Blends combine coffees from different places. They source beans directly from growers in Central America, South America, East Africa, and Ethiopia. | Blend. Primarily from India and Peru. Also sourced from Ethiopia and other countries throughout South and Central America. The Valhalla Java blend includes beans from Honduras, Guatemala, Sumatra. |
| Flavor Profile | Varies widely depending on the specific coffee. Some examples include milk chocolate, mandarin, and apple. Some coffees often taste like fruit. | Dark chocolate and black cherry notes. The medium roast has notes of stone fruit, caramel, and roasted peanuts with a smooth dark chocolate finish. |
| Caffeine Content | Not specified in the search results. | Around 728 mg per 12 fl oz cup. Approximately 59 mg per fluid ounce. |
| Acidity Level | Intelligentsia probably leans towards the acidic end of the coffee spectrum. Some have bright acidity, like a juicy clementine. | Low. |
| Body | Some have a silky body. | Full. |
| Certifications | They carry USDA certified organic single origins, blends, espressos, and decaf coffee. | USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified. |
| Roasting Date | Each order is individually roasted. They recommend consuming their coffee within three months of the roast date, with peak freshness within three weeks. | Not explicitly stated on the product page, but buying in small amounts helps guarantee freshness. |
| Packaging Type | Available in bags and various coffee pods, such as K-cups. Their coffee bags are designed with one-way degassing valves and zipper seals. | Available in bags, K-Cups, and instant packets. |
| Ethical Sourcing Practices | Intelligentsia is known for its commitment to direct trade, working closely with coffee growers to develop sustainable practices and paying above-fair trade prices for beans. Their Direct Trade community includes more than 50 partners in 14 countries. | Sourced from USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified arabica and robusta coffee beans, ensuring environmental protection and fair livelihoods for coffee farmers. |
| Price | $31 for 12oz (Ethiopia Alaka Natural Whole Bean Coffee as of May 2025) | $15.66 per pound |
| Ratings | Drinkers enjoy the great, light flavor of the coffee. | Not available |
| Pros | Great, light flavor, Easy on sensitive stomachs, Offers a compelling mix of quality, flavor, and transparency | High caffeine content, USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified, Smooth, never-bitter taste due to low acidity, Full-bodied flavor, Versatile brewing methods, especially recommended for French Press and Chemex |
| Cons | Not available | Roasting date not explicitly stated, Drip coffee maker may accentuate bitterness |