Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew — Top 7 Options
Introduction
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Discovering the perfect coffee beans for your cold brew is essential to unlocking a rich and flavorful iced coffee experience. The journey to the ideal cup begins with selecting high-quality coffee beans that complement the cold brewing process.
In this exploration of the best coffee beans for cold brew, we’ll delve into key characteristics and varieties that elevate your chilled coffee to new heights of taste and satisfaction. Join us as we embark on the quest for the ultimate cold brew delight, starting with the foundation of exceptional coffee beans.
Below is the List of 7 Best Cold Brew Coffee Beans
Tiny Footprint Coffee, Organic Cold Brew Cold Press Elixir — Dark Roast
Overview
Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Cold Brew is a standout among cold brew coffees. This coffee is not only organic and sustainably sourced, but it’s also carbon negative, making it a great choice for those who want to have a cold brew adventure environmentally conscious.
The coffee beans used in this blend are shade-grown Arabica beans, which are known for their delicate and nuanced flavors. Additionally, most of the beans used are fair-trade or RainForest Alliance certified, ensuring that the farmers are paid fairly, and the land is treated with care.
However, the company also sources their from small, family-owned farms that are not fair-trade eligible, yet grow some of the most beautiful and best-tasting coffees on the planet.
The coffee is a mix of light and dark roasts, with the addition of the best Ethiopian coffees. This blend creates a unique and complex flavor profile, with notes of chocolate and a subtle sweetness.
One thing that sets Tiny Footprint Coffee apart is their commitment to sustainability. The coffee bands used in their packaging are fully biodegradable, and the packaging itself is recyclable.
Pros
- Organic and sustainably sourced coffee beans
- Carbon negative coffee
- Shade-grown Arabica beans for delicate and nuanced flavors
- Fair-trade or RainForest Alliance certified beans
- Packaging is biodegradable and recyclable
Cons
- May be more expensive than other cold brew coffee options
- Requires a longer brewing time compared to other brewing methods
Death Wish, Whole Bean Coffee — Dark Roast
Overview
Death Wish Coffee has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its high caffeine content. The beans used in this coffee are a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans.
One of the standout features of Death Wish Coffee is its caffeine content. Death Wish Coffee claims to have twice the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee making it a great choice for those who need an extra boost in the morning. However, it is important to note that excessive consumption of caffeine can have negative health effects.
Another advantage of Death Wish Coffee is that it is available in whole bean form, which ensures maximum freshness and flavor. It is recommended to grind the beans just before brewing for the best results.
Despite its popularity, there are some potential downsides to consider. Some customers have reported that the coffee has a bitter taste, which may not be to everyone’s liking. Additionally, the high caffeine content may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeine or have health conditions that require them to limit their caffeine intake.
Pros
- High caffeine content for an extra boost of energy
- A great choice for coffee lovers who prefer dark roasts
Cons
- Some customers report a bitter taste
- High caffeine content may not be suitable for everyone
- More expensive compared to other coffee options
Kicking Horse Coffee, Three Sisters — Medium Roast
Overview
Kicking Horse Coffee’s Three Sisters Medium Roast is an excellent choice for cold brew enthusiasts who want a well-rounded and flavorful cup of coffee. This coffee is made from high-quality Arabica beans that are organic, fair-trade, and shade-grown, ensuring that the farmers who grew them are treated fairly and the environment is protected.
The coffee beans used in this blend come from Indonesia, Central, and South America, creating a complex and rich flavor profile with notes of chocolate and hazelnut. The roasting process takes place in Canada, where the company is based, ensuring that the coffee is fresh and has a delicious aroma.
One thing that sets Kicking Horse Coffee apart is their commitment to sustainability.. They work directly with farmers and cooperatives to ensure fair wages and working conditions for those involved in the production process.
When it comes to cold brewing methods, Kicking Horse Coffee recommends a ratio of 1:4 for 1 cup of coffee. For a full batch of 4 cups, they suggest using 1 cup of coffee and 4 cups of cold, filtered water, and brewing for 12–14 hours in the fridge.
Pros
- Made from high-quality organic, fair-trade, and shade-grown Arabica beans
- Rich and full-bodied flavor
Cons
- May be more expensive than other cold brew coffee option
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender, Whole Bean Coffee — Medium roast
Overview
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender Whole Bean Coffee is a delicious and complex medium roast coffee made from beans sourced from Indonesia, Latin America, and Africa. The unique blend of these beans creates a smooth brew with a flavor profile that is rich, smooth and creamy.
Although this coffee is not organic, it is still a high-quality and ethically sourced product that supports small-scale coffee farmers around the world. Additionally, it is suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and paleo.
When it comes to, Stumptown Coffee Roasters recommends a ratio of 1:5, meaning one part coffee to five parts water. This will create a strong concentrate that can be diluted to taste with water or milk.
One thing to note about this is that it is not suitable for those who prefer organic coffee. However, the company is committed to sourcing their beans ethically and supporting small farmers.
Pros
- Delicious and complex flavor profile
- Ethically sourced beans that support small farmers
- Suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and paleo diets
- Can be used for cold brewing or other brewing methods
Cons
- Not organic
- May be too strong for those who prefer milder coffee
- May be more expensive than other coffee options
Lavazza Dek Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Decaffeinated — Dark Espresso Roast
Overview
Lavazza Dek Whole Bean Coffee Blend is a decaffeinated dark espresso roast that offers a creamy and aromatic coffee experience. This authentic Italian coffee is a blend of Brazilian and Vietnamese Arabica and Robusta varieties, which come together to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
The decaffeination process used in this coffee is gentle, resulting in a rich taste and aroma that is similar to regular espresso. The beans are roasted to a dark espresso roast, which adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The result is a smooth and satisfying cup of coffee that is perfect for those who love the taste of espresso but want to avoid caffeine.
One thing that sets Lavazza Dek Whole Bean Coffee Blend apart is its great scent, which is sure to awaken your senses and invigorate you for the day ahead. The beans are blended in Italy, ensuring that you get a truly authentic Italian coffee experience.
Pros
- Decaffeinated dark espresso roast for a rich and satisfying taste without the caffeine
- Creamy with a great scent
- Authentic Italian coffee experience
Cons
- May be more expensive compared to other decaf coffee options
Copper Moon Whole Bean Coffee — Roast Coffee
Overview
Copper Moon Whole Bean Coffee is a dark roast coffee that is sourced from 5 continents and 17 countries, resulting in a unique blend of flavors. This coffee is also Rainforest Reserve Organic and kosher certified, making it a great choice for those who value sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
One thing that sets Copper Moon apart is their commitment to environmental sustainability. The Rainforest Reserve Organic certification ensures that the coffee is grown and produced in a way that protects the biodiversity of the rainforest and supports the communities that live there.
Pros
- Unique blend of flavors sourced from 5 continents and 17 countries
- Rainforest Reserve Organic and kosher certified
- Bold and rich flavor profile with notes of chocolate and caramel
- Roasted in small batches for freshness and consistency
- Commitment to environmental sustainability
Cons
- Dark roast may be too bold for some palates
Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend — Dark Roast
Overview
Peet’s coffee is a blend of high-quality Arabica beans sourced from various regions. This blend creates a complex and bold flavor profile, with notes of dark chocolate, smokiness, and a subtle sweetness.
One of the key features of Peet’s Coffee is their commitment to high quality coffee and sustainability. They source their beans from small farms and cooperatives, ensuring that the farmers are paid fairly, and the land is treated with care. Additionally, their beans are roasted in small batches to ensure optimal flavor and freshness.
When it comes to brewing, Peet’s Coffee recommends a ratio of 2 tablespoons (10g) of ground coffee for each 6 ounces of water. For the very best coffee flavor, use cold, filtered water.
Pros
- Complex and bold flavor profile
- High-quality Arabica beans
- Commitment to quality and sustainability
- Roasted in small batches for optimal flavor and freshness
- Suitable for various brewing methods
Cons
- May be more expensive compared to other coffee options
- May be too strong for some coffee drinkers
Step-By-Step Guide on Making Cold Brew Coffee
Here is a brief step-by-step guide on making cold brew coffee:
Measure your coffee to water ratio
Decide how much cold brew you want to make and calculate the appropriate ratio of coffee to water.
Grind your coffee as coarse as possible
Use a burr coffee grinder to grind your coffee beans as coarse as possible. This will help to prevent over-extraction and bitterness in the final product. It’s best to avoid using pre-ground coffee for cold brew because the pre-ground coffee has already lost much of its aroma and flavor due to the extended exposure to oxygen.
Use room temperature water
Fill a large container or pitcher with room temperature water. Add the ground coffee to the water and stir gently to ensure that all of the coffee is fully saturated.
Let it steep for 12–24 hours
Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for 12–24 hours, depending on how strong you want your cold brew to be. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee will be.
Strain the coffee
After steeping, strain the coffee using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. This will remove any coffee grounds and leave you with a smooth, delicious cold brew.
Serve and enjoy
Pour your cold brew coffee over ice and add any desired sweeteners or milk. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing cold brew!
What Coffee Does Starbucks Use for Their Cold Brew
Starbucks uses a blend of Latin American and African coffee beans for their cold brew. This blend is specifically chosen for its robust flavor and profile and is roasted to a dark roast level to enhance the bold, smooth taste of the coffee.
The Latin American component of the blend provides a smooth and balanced flavor, while the African component adds a fruity and complex undertone. The combination of these two regions produces a unique flavor profile that is perfect for cold brew.
The coffee beans used by Starbucks for their cold brew are of high quality and are carefully selected for their flavor profile and consistency. They are freshly roasted and ground on-site to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
Starbucks also offers a pre-packaged cold brew coffee concentrate that can be purchased in stores or online. This is made using the same blend of Latin American and African coffee beans and can be used to make cold brew at home. It is a convenient option for those who want to enjoy Starbucks-quality cold brew coffee without having to leave their homes.
What coffee roast is best for cold brew
The roast level of coffee beans is an important factor to consider when making cold brew coffee. Light roast coffee beans have a more acidic and fruity flavor profile, medium roast coffee beans have a more balanced flavor profile, and dark roast coffee beans have a bold and intense flavor profile.
Many coffee experts recommend using a medium to dark roast for cold brew, as the longer roasting process brings out more natural oils and sugars in the coffee, creating a smoother and sweeter flavor profile while reducing bitterness.
However, personal preference plays a big role, and some coffee drinkers may prefer a lighter roast for a brighter and more tangy taste. Experimenting with different roast levels and considering other factors such as type, freshness, and flavor profile can help you find the perfect combination for your cold brew.
What Type of Grind is Best for Cold Brew
For cold brew coffee, a coarse grind is recommended as it allows for a slower extraction process, resulting in a smoother and less acidic taste. Fine or medium grinds can lead to over-extraction, bitterness, and a cloudy and gritty final product.
The slower extraction process of a coarse grind is essential for, as it uses time instead of heat to extract flavor from the ground coffee beans. Overall, a coarse grind is the best type of grind for cold brew coffee.
Can you make cold brew with any coffee beans
Yes, you can use any beans for the cold brewing process. However, the type and quality of coffee beans you use can have a significant impact on the flavor profile of the final product.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, cold brew is a popular and delicious way to enjoy coffee, with a smooth and less acidic taste. While any type of coffee bean can technically be used for cold brew, choosing high-quality, freshly roasted whole beans with a medium to dark roast level and coarsely ground will result in the best flavor profile.
Experimenting with different coffee beans, ratios, and brewing methods can help you find the perfect combination for your taste buds. Remember to consider other factors such as water quality and brew time for the best cold brew experience.