About Shot Of The Dark

The Story Behind the App

A few years ago, I set out to build an app that simply didn’t exist—one that would track my coffee tastings in detail: what I liked, what I didn’t, and why. I wanted something that learned my preferences and suggested new roasts to try based on real data from my own brews. As I shared the idea with friends, coworkers, and fellow coffee enthusiasts, the response was unanimous: “I want that too.”

So I dove in. I took an Udemy course on iOS development, built several practice apps to master the skills, and poured countless hours into crafting exactly what I’d envisioned. After testing it myself for weeks, I’m excited to finally share Shot of the Dark with you.

Why I Built This

Like many of you, I’ve gone deep down the rabbit hole—exploring single origins from local roasters or well established artisan roasters, dialing in pour-overs, and chasing those perfect fruity or chocolatey notes. But without a good way to track what I’d tried and how my palate evolved, I was just guessing on my next bag.

Shot of the Dark is the tool I wished I’d had from the start. It’s designed to:

  • Log quickly — Note roaster, origin, brew method, and your ratings in moments

  • Learn your taste — Deliver smarter, personalized roast recommendations the more you log

  • Stay personal — Your private journal, no social pressure

  • Grow with you — From casual daily cups to detailed flavor profiles and cupping-style notes

For Coffee Lovers, By a Coffee Lover

Whether you’re just discovering the joy of artisan roasts or you’re a seasoned home barista hunting the next 90+ scorer, this app is for you. No gatekeeping, no judgment—just a straightforward way to enjoy better coffee, one brew at a time.

Because life’s too short for mediocre cups.

Giving Back

A portion of proceeds from Shot of the Dark subscriptions supports Positive Childhood Alliance NC, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through education, advocacy, and community support. As a board member, this cause is close to my heart—and I'm grateful that your love of coffee can help make a difference for children and families in North Carolina.

Happy brewing,

Quick Facts

☕ Launched: April 2026

📱 Platform: iOS (iPhone & iPad)

🔒 Privacy: Your data stays on your device and iCloud—no tracking, no ads, no selling

🌱 Independent: Built with passion by a solo developer

Get in Touch

Have feedback, suggestions, or want to share your favorite roast? Email: shotofthedarkapp@gmail.com

Instagram: @shotofthedarkapp

I read every message and love hearing from the coffee community.