chapter 414

1/31/2016

Death Wish

be careful what you wish for

The smallest company to ever win a free million dollar commercial to be aired during the Super Bowl is Death Wish Coffee located here in Clifton Park (actually Round Lake where I often kayak). Although their business has already been a success with a cult following, it is expected to boom after the football game. Wondering how they can handle the success.

The slick commercial video that beat 15,000 other companies in the contest is on Youtube now. 

Sports Illustrated voted it the #1 commercial.

They were all very friendly at the company and let me have a few K cups to try. I had bought a pound of the Valhalla Java Odinforce Blend maybe preferring a milder brew. 

Mike Brown, the CEO, explained in this brief video the history of his coffee and the contest. On my brief visit to their tiny space in the warehouse complex I met most of the staff. It's amazing how this little company is causing such a splash on the big scene. 

They offer a no bull shit guarantee that this stuff is the strongest coffee in the world (video). 

Just down the road is Yankee Distillers across from Schmaltz (previously covered). Was in a visiting mood mode so I stopped there to just give it a brief check out. A very friendly bunch. They weren't officially open but gave me a little private tour and a free sample of Burbon anyways. It's made from New York corn and the taste reminded me of climbing into the silo to pitchfork down some corn silage for our dairy cows on the old Connelly farm.

I think he said they are required to use new White Oak barrels among a bunch of other regulations in this industry. They also make rye whiskey and vodka. 

Clifton Park is growing like crazy. Every time you turn around there is something new. Maybe I'll stick around a while to see what happens next.

On a side note: We accompanied Lucas to Art Glass for the annual Lucas plate production. There, I learned that you need more than two adults to control a two year amongst the hundreds of interesting touchable non-touchable shelf items while also trying to paint a plate. 

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