Dark Matter Starry Eyes Whole Bean Coffee (12 oz): Flavor, Brew Tips & Where to Buy

Last updated on July 27th, 2025 at 09:52 pm

If you’re tired of dark roasts that taste bitter or flat, you’re not alone.

Dark Matter Starry Eyes Whole Bean Coffee 12 oz flips the script—with rich brownie sweetness, smooth vanilla notes, and a warm almond finish.

It’s bold, but balanced. Complex, yet easy to drink. And crafted by one of Chicago’s most rebellious specialty roasters.

Whether you brew espresso, drip, or pour-over, this 12 oz bag delivers a cup that’s both punchy and polished.

In this guide, you’ll discover what makes Starry Eyes different, how to brew it right, where to buy it, and how it stacks up against other fan favorites.

Let’s dive in—because your next great cup of coffee might start here.

About Dark Matter Coffee & the Starry Eyes Blend

Dark Matter Coffee isn’t your average roaster. It’s a bold, Chicago-based brand known for pushing boundaries—with both flavor and philosophy.

• Location: Based in Chicago’s Humboldt Park, deeply rooted in the local coffee scene.

• Ethics: They source directly through their “Direct Relationships” model, partnering with farmers in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico.

• Vibe: Expect wild names, edgy artwork, and blends with personality. This isn’t just coffee—it’s a movement.

Why it matters: You’re not just buying beans. You’re supporting small-lot farms, direct trade, and one of the most rebellious voices in craft coffee.

Roast Level & Philosophy

Starry Eyes is marketed as a dark roast—but don’t let the label fool you.

• What you’ll taste: A roast that drinks smoother than typical dark roasts. No ashy bitterness. No burnt aftertaste.

• What users say: Many describe it as more like a medium roast in body and flavor balance.

• Why it stands out: It preserves sweetness and nuance without losing boldness.

Bottom line: If traditional dark roasts feel too harsh, this one offers a smoother, more refined experience.

Tasting Notes & Flavor Profile

Every cup of Starry Eyes delivers a layered, dessert-like profile.

• Main notes: Brownie, vanilla, almond

• Mouthfeel: Smooth and creamy with low acidity

• Crema: Particularly rich when brewed as espresso

You’ll get subtle sweetness and nuttiness upfront, followed by a rich, chocolatey finish.

Perfect for: Fans of flavorful dark roasts, espresso lovers, or anyone looking for a bold-but-balanced daily brew.

Starry Eyes 12 oz: Size, Packaging & Grind Options

When buying from Dark Matter’s official site, you get full control.

• Default: Whole bean, so you can grind fresh for peak flavor

• Custom grinds available:

  • Drip

  • Espresso

  • Press pot

  • Pour-over

Choose based on your brew method—no grinder at home? Select your grind and you’re good to go.

Pro tip: Whole bean stays fresher longer and gives you better flavor control.

Packaging & Pricing Across Retailers

Starry Eyes 12 oz is widely available—and prices vary by seller.

• Dark Matter site: ~$20, multiple grind options

• World Market: ~$18–19

• Amazon & Berkeley Bowl: ~$22

• Tierra Distilling Co. & Heinz Catering: Listed at similar mid-$20 ranges

What to look for:

• Make sure it’s whole bean if you plan to grind fresh

• Check roast date if freshness matters to you

• Watch for bulk discounts or free shipping offers

Takeaway: Shop smart—price, freshness, and grind choice all affect your brew experience.

Read Also:

Coffee Essentials:
👉 How to Make Coffee with Whole Beans
👉 Teacup vs Coffee Cup Guide

Brewing Tips & How to Dial in Starry Eyes

Don’t treat this like your typical dark roast.

According to espresso fans on Reddit, Starry Eyes behaves more like a medium roast when dialed in.

Here’s how to get the most out of it:

• Dose: Start with 18 g of ground coffee.

• Yield: Pull 45–50 g for a longer shot.

• Time: Aim for 25–30 seconds.

This wider ratio brings out its balanced sweetness and avoids the bitterness you’d get with a shorter pull.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment. This blend responds well to adjustments.

Best Grind Settings for Other Methods

No espresso machine? No problem.

Dark Matter Coffee offers grind-to-order options for multiple brewing styles. You’ll still get rich flavor—just dial in your settings correctly.

Here’s what works best:

• Press Pot / French Press: Go coarse to avoid over-extraction.

• Pour-Over (V60, Chemex): Use medium-fine for clean flavor and balance.

• Drip Machine: Stick with a medium grind for optimal flow and extraction.

Why it matters: A wrong grind can kill the flavor. Choose the right one to bring out the notes of brownie, almond, and vanilla.

Flavor Tips & Adjustments

Want to take your cup to the next level? Here’s how to fine-tune it.

Brew Variables to Adjust:

• Water temperature: Stay between 195–205°F. Lower temp = smoother flavor.

• Coffee-to-water ratio:

  • Espresso: 1:2.5

  • Pour-over: 1:15–1:17

  • French Press: 1:12–1:14

• Brew time:

  • Espresso: 25–30 sec

  • Pour-over: ~3 min

  • French Press: 4–5 min

Suggested Brewing Methods:

• Espresso: Pull longer shots for better sweetness.

• Pour-over: Accentuates the vanilla and almond notes.

• French Press: Rich mouthfeel, great for bold chocolate tones.

• Drip: Clean and consistent — best for daily drinkers.

Bottom line: Small tweaks = huge difference in flavor. Dial it in based on your gear and taste preference.

Real User Feedback & Reviews

Real people love this roast—and they’re not shy about it.

“The dark roast does produce a very rich crema… flavor is very smooth – nutty, not so much chocolaty – it’s very well balanced.”
– Reddit user, espresso enthusiast

“You’ll have a bitter, sour… it’s much more like a medium roast coffee.”
– Reddit discussion on dialing in Starry Eyes

Takeaway: This isn’t a harsh, charred dark roast. It’s smooth, sweet, and complex—if you brew it right.

Ratings from Retailers

Across major platforms, Starry Eyes earns consistent 4.5+ star ratings. Here’s what stands out:

• Target: Shoppers love its smooth, non-bitter profile.

• Amazon: Many praise the aroma and crema when used for espresso.

• World Market: High marks for flavor depth and freshness.

Most users highlight one thing: it’s bold but balanced—a rare combo for a dark roast.

How Starry Eyes Compares to Other Dark Matter Blends

Choosing the right Dark Matter roast? Here’s how Starry Eyes stacks up against the brand’s other bestsellers.

Starry Eyes vs. Unicorn Blood

• Roast level: Both are marketed as dark, but Unicorn Blood leans smokier.

• Sweetness: Starry Eyes is smoother, with more vanilla and almond tones.

• Dialing difficulty: Unicorn Blood needs precise dialing to avoid bitterness; Starry Eyes is more forgiving.

Starry Eyes vs. A Love Supreme

• Flavor: Love Supreme has brighter acidity with fruit notes, while Starry Eyes leans chocolatey and nutty.

• Brew method: Love Supreme suits pour-over or Aeropress; Starry Eyes is great for espresso and French press.

Starry Eyes vs. Giant Steps

• Body: Giant Steps offers a bolder, heavier cup with more roast-forward flavor.

• Balance: Starry Eyes wins in complexity and smoothness.

• Use case: Giant Steps = power punch. Starry Eyes = refined daily drinker.

Bottom line: If you want a dark roast without the burn, Starry Eyes is your pick.

Flavor & Roast Comparison Table

Use this chart to match your taste and brew style.

Where to Buy & Price Comparison

Ordering from the source has its perks.

• Price: $20 for a 12 oz bag

• Grind options: Whole bean or grind-to-order (drip, espresso, French press, pour-over)

• Shipping: Typically ships within 2–3 business days

• Extras: Subscriptions available for regular delivery

Best for: Maximum freshness and full control over grind type.
Where: DarkMatterCoffee.com

Retailers & Resellers

You’ll find Dark Matter Starry Eyes 12 oz at several trusted retailers:

• World Market: $18–$19 (often in-store and online)

• Berkeley Bowl: $22.29 via Heinz Catering

• Amazon: Prices vary; often includes user reviews and fast Prime shipping

• Target: In stock online with occasional promotions

Tip: Prices vary based on location, seller, and stock. Always check for the freshest roast date.

Availability & Shipping Notes

Before you check out, keep these in mind:

• Not always in stock. Popular blends like Starry Eyes often sell out, especially direct.

• International shipping: Limited or unavailable on the official site.

• Subscriptions: Available on the Dark Matter site for hands-free restocks.

Pro tip: Use a subscription if you go through a bag every 1–2 weeks.

Conclusion

Dark Matter Starry Eyes Whole Bean Coffee 12 oz is the rare dark roast that checks all the boxes—smooth, sweet, and surprisingly versatile.

You get boldness without bitterness, depth without effort, and enough flavor to please both casual sippers and espresso nerds alike.

Whether you’re buying your first bag or dialing it in for the perfect shot, this roast delivers.
It’s well worth a spot in your brewing rotation.

FAQs 

Is Starry Eyes a true dark roast?

Technically, yes—but it drinks more like a smooth medium-dark with less bitterness and more sweetness.

What grind is best for espresso vs. pour-over?

• Espresso: Fine grind

• Pour-over: Medium-fine
  Choose grind-to-order or buy whole bean and grind fresh.

How to adjust ratio/extraction for balanced flavor?

• Espresso: 1:2.5 ratio (e.g. 18g in → 45g out) over 25–30 seconds

• Drip/pour-over: 1:15 to 1:17 coffee-to-water ratio
  Adjust temperature and time to reduce bitterness or boost clarity.

Can I buy in other sizes or subscriptions?

Currently, Starry Eyes is sold in 12 oz bags. Subscriptions available from the official site.