The writers here at the Graveyard are fueled by a few simple things: metal, horror movies, alcohol (in vast quantities!) and, possibly even more important than alcohol, CAFFEINE! So when I, not so innocently searching the web for who the hell knows what, stumbled upon a coffee company with a horror theme I knew I needed to sample their wares and see what they were all about. How could I not as a self-respecting caffeine and horror addict?! I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.

I got in contact with the fine folks at Coffee Shop of Horrors and they were kind enough to help fuel my love of caffeine, instantly recognizing that we are kindred  addict souls. So when the package arrived on my doorstep a few weeks ago I couldn’t wait to get my bean on with a bit of a horror bent.

First off, I should mention the packaging, or more specifically, the artwork that graces the packaging. From Frankenstein’s monster to hellhounds to witches, Coffee Shop of Horrors have covered all the keystones of the genre as well as making sure that the art work is just as good as the beans contained within that black envelope. Not that you should ever judge a book (or bean) by its cover, but let’s be honest, first impressions count.

Now, onto the beans!

Reanimator Morning Blend

I decided to sample this roast on a morning that in my mind was perfect for its monstrous artwork: slightly hung over, fuzzy headed and in general slow to start. As soon as I ground the beans I knew I was going to be a fan. They were rich smelling and just the smell of them was already awakening my system.  Brewing them filled my kitchen with an aroma of caffeinated goodness that could wake even the most rag tag pile of sewn together limbs and bring them into the world of the living. Not too dark and not to light, this roast is a great start to anyones day, be they monster or mad doctor.

Black Dog

Cracking open the second envelope of beans, I was again greeted with that familiar smell all coffee addicts love, but not as strongly as the Reanimator roast. This is a far lighter roast than the Reanimator (or anything I regularly drink ) so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one. To my surprise, I was made a fan from the first sip of the nutty, earthy brew. Like I said just a few lines earlier, I don’t normally drink lighter roasts so it could just be that this is new territory and therefore exciting for my tastebuds, but of the two roasts here this one is by far my favorite. It doesn’t punch you in the gut like a darker roast, it more guides you from the dark depths of tiredness and lethargy into the waking world of the living (or living dead depending on the company you keep).

That’s all for part 1. I still have some more roasts to sample but the oven like temperature of my house limits the amount of hot drinks i can enjoy. Once this heat calms down I will tell you all about the rest of the surely tasty roasts i have in my over-caffeinated claws. Until then kiddies, stay spooky!

Head on over and check out the massive selection they have in theirstore. I’m sure you’ll find a roast that caters to your preferred horror niche