Blue Bottle vs Stumptown
Why They Make The Cut?
Review Summary
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of the Three Africas blend is truly exceptional. It offers a complex mix of jammy notes from the natural Ethiopian coffee, pleasant acidity from the washed Ethiopian, and body and sweetness from the washed Central African. When cold brewed, it produces a drink with impressive depth and luminosity that spans the coffee spectrum.
I found the cold brew to be smooth and well-balanced, with a nice interplay of fruit notes and deep sweetness. It's refreshing and easy to drink, yet still complex enough to satisfy more discerning palates.
The flavor profile of Stumptown's Original Cold Brew with OATLY is smooth, rich, and well-balanced. The cold brew coffee provides a robust base with notes of chocolate and subtle fruitiness, while the Oatly oat milk adds a creamy texture and slight sweetness without overpowering the coffee. The result is a harmonious blend that's not too sweet, allowing the nuances of the coffee to shine through.
Flavor Notes
Caffeine Content
Blue Bottle doesn't provide specific caffeine content for their cold brew set. However, cold brew generally contains more caffeine than regular coffee due to its concentrated nature. Based on my experience, it provided a good energy boost without feeling jittery.
It's worth noting that you can adjust the strength (and thus caffeine content) by changing the coffee-to-water ratio or diluting the final product to your liking.
Stumptown's Original Cold Brew with OATLY contains caffeine equivalent to 8 oz of cold brew, which is about 1.5 cups of drip coffee. This provides a solid energy boost without being overpowering, making it suitable for those who need a pick-me-up but don't want the jitters associated with higher caffeine content.
Convenience Factor
The Blue Bottle Cold Brew Set is quite convenient, especially for those who enjoy making cold brew at home. The set comes with everything you need to get started, including the coffee and brewing instructions.
One minor inconvenience is that you need to plan ahead, as cold brew typically needs to steep for 12-24 hours. However, once brewed, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, which is great for having coffee ready to go.
Convenience is a strong point for this product. The 11 oz carton is ready to drink, requiring no preparation or additional ingredients. It's perfect for busy mornings, on-the-go situations, or when you want a quick and easy cold brew fix. The compact size also makes it easy to store in the fridge or pack in a bag.
Ease of Use
The cold brew set is straightforward to use, even for those new to making cold brew. Blue Bottle provides clear instructions on their website and with the product.
The process involves combining ground coffee with cold water, letting it steep in the refrigerator, and then filtering. While it's not as instant as some concentrate options, the process is simple and yields great results.
Stumptown's Original Cold Brew with OATLY is extremely easy to use. There's no need for brewing, mixing, or measuring - simply shake the carton, open, and pour. This simplicity makes it accessible to anyone, regardless of their coffee-making skills or available time.
Scoring Breakdown
Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee Cold Brew Set
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Cold Brew
Attribute Ratings
Origin
Blue Bottle Coffee Cold Brew Set
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Cold Brew
Quick Facts
Recommended Preparations
Best prepared as a cold brew by combining ground coffee with cold water and steeping for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. Can be diluted to taste and served over ice. The concentrate can be stored for up to two weeks when refrigerated.
Ready to drink straight from the carton. Simply shake well before consuming. Can be enjoyed cold or over ice.
Ideal For
Pros and Cons
Blue Bottle Coffee Cold Brew Set
- Exceptional flavor profile
- High-quality, freshly roasted beans
- Versatile brewing options
- Requires advance preparation
- More expensive than some alternatives
- Lack of specific caffeine content information
Stumptown Original Cold Brew with OATLY
- Smooth, balanced flavor
- Convenient ready-to-drink format
- Sustainable packaging
- Vegan and low sugar
- Higher price point
- Limited size options
- May not suit those who prefer stronger coffee