As a coffee lover and part-time barista, I’ve always believed that coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual, a pause, a moment to connect.

To me, it's the perfect blend of art and science, allowing for creativity, contemplation, and precise measurement. Some of the best conversations I’ve had, the ones that have changed how I see the world, have happened over or about a cup of coffee. So when the idea of Dark Joy was born, I knew it had to be something special. Not just a coffee, but a conversation starter, a way to bridge the divides that seem to keep growing around us

The name came from The Parley, our sold out debate event we run at the Museum of Sticks & Stones (MoSS), where people explore tricky topics with curiosity rather than combativeness. One night, a debater introduced the idea of "Dark Joy"—that twisted pleasure we all experience when witnessing someone else’s discomfort, especially in the online world. Whether it’s watching a public figure get torn apart in the comments or feeling validated when an opponent stumbles in an argument, it’s a part of human nature we don’t often talk about. The moment that phrase was spoken, something clicked.

At MoSS, we’re all about finding ways to turn division into dialogue, hate into understanding, and isolation into connection. What if we could take the idea of Dark Joy and flip it on its head? What if we could create a coffee that didn’t just wake people up—but woke them up to the idea that common ground isn’t found, it’s built? That the beautiful dark brew we enjoy every morning could do more than shake off sleepiness, but could invite in opportunities to ponder deeper and with intention.

To make it happen, I turned to Coffee Mentality, a local specialty coffee roaster and cafe that, at its core, is built on the same values we wanted Dark Joy to represent. Ian Abadiano, the force behind Coffee Mentality, is someone who lives and breathes "People, Passion, Planet"—not just as a tagline, but as a way of life. He’s a mentor, a community builder, and a sustainability trailblazer. With his expertise in sourcing and roasting coffee, and building movements focused on bringing community together, we knew he was the perfect person to help us bring this vision to life.

Together, we created Dark Joy—a bold, complex coffee designed to slow you down, invite you in, and start conversations that matter. It’s not just about drinking coffee; it’s about pausing, listening, and seeing the human behind the opinion. Whether you’re sharing a cup with a friend, a stranger, or even someone you disagree with, Dark Joy is a reminder that even in moments of friction, there’s always a way to connect.

Proceeds from Dark Joy support MoSS’s mission to foster social cohesion, reduce hate and isolation, and create more spaces for real conversation. So whether you’re sipping it alone or hosting your own Dark Joy event, know that you’re part of something bigger—something that’s about more than coffee.

It’s about building bridges, one cup at a time.

☕ Dark Joy. Building Common Grounds.

Ready for Dark Joy? Grab your bag now. Interested in a Dark Joy pop-up for your team, community, or workplace? Or seeking socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible coffee for your business? Inquire here.

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