Cappio vs Grady's
Why They Make The Cut?
Review Summary
Flavor Profile
Alright, so this is probably the only redeeming part of drinking Capio Coffee. The flavor isn’t too horrible, however, it does have a very slight sour taste to it. I think that’s a byproduct of their unique extraction process…
And if I had to compare it to the other cold brew concentrates I’ve tried, it probably fits right in the middle. However, some of the other coffee drinkers I’ve talked to have different opinions. A few of them say it’s the best coffee they’ve ever tasted.
And the other coffee aficionados, well… let’s put it in their own words:
“It tastes very bitter, like old sludge from the coffee pot at Grandma’s house.”
Now, I think that’s the problem with having this patented and trademarked process. Because it locks you into following the same exact process for DECADES, even when better-tasting brewing, roasting, and mixing methods come out.
Grady's Cold Brew offers a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other cold brews. The New Orleans-Style blend, infused with chicory and spices, creates a rich, smooth taste that's both bold and nuanced. Many customers rave about its velvety texture and the fact that it's enjoyable even without added milk or sugar.
The flavor is described as robust yet smooth, with no bitter aftertaste often associated with cold brews. The addition of chicory adds a subtle depth to the coffee, while the proprietary blend of spices contributes to its distinctive taste without overpowering the coffee notes.
Customers particularly appreciate the consistency of flavor across batches, indicating Grady's commitment to quality control in their brewing process.
Flavor Notes
Caffeine Content
Here’s another place where Capio dropped the ball. Because in my opinion, it should be illegal for a company that sells a stimulant (yes, coffee is a stimulant) to NOT publish how much caffeine is in the product.
I’ve tried to email and call Capio’s customer service time to find this information (as we’ll talk about in the customer service review section)... but they haven’t given me a straight answer.
The fact that I can’t know how much caffeine is in their cold brew concentrate is straight up RIDICULOUS! Other people have complained about this problem online too, and I can’t believe that they still haven’t published this crucial information.
While Grady's doesn't explicitly state the caffeine content on their packaging or website, cold brew coffee generally contains more caffeine than regular brewed coffee due to its concentrated nature. Based on customer reviews, the caffeine kick from Grady's Cold Brew is substantial, providing a strong energy boost.
It's important to note that the caffeine content can be adjusted based on how you dilute the concentrate. This flexibility allows users to control their caffeine intake according to their preferences and tolerance levels.
For those sensitive to caffeine or looking to monitor their intake, it would be beneficial if Grady's provided more specific information about the caffeine content in their product.
Convenience Factor
Alrighty then, let’s move onto the next point. When you think of a coffee concentrate, you think of a really powerful form of coffee, where you just have to add a small amount of it to water in order to make your cup of goodness. (Like Javy or Jot where you just need 1tsp - 1tbsp)...
However, with Capio’s cold brew concentrate, that’s NOT what you get. If you follow their directions, using 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water… yeah you’ll get coffee. But from my taste test, it was WEAK, so I had to add in a lot more concentrate to my coffee…
Basically, I had to use almost half a bottle to make a 12oz cup of coffee. And considering the fact that each bottle runs about $10, that’s a rip off! So if you want to regularly make your coffee with Capio, you better stock up on A LOT of bottles. And you better be ready to give them hundreds of dollars every month.
Grady's Cold Brew scores high on convenience. The concentrate format allows for easy storage and quick preparation of coffee drinks. Each 32 oz bottle provides multiple servings, reducing the need for frequent purchases.
The fact that it's readily available for home delivery or in many grocery stores adds to its convenience factor. Customers appreciate the ability to have their favorite cold brew on hand without the need to visit a coffee shop.
The concentrate's versatility is another convenience factor. It can be used to make both hot and cold coffee drinks, catering to different preferences and seasons.
However, the need for refrigeration before and after opening might be a slight inconvenience for some, especially when traveling or in situations where refrigeration isn't readily available.
Ease of Use
I’ve mentioned this in a few of my other reviews, but I can’t stand it when concentrates use the “1 part concentrate 2 parts water” stuff. When I’m making my coffee in the morning, I’m already DEAD tired, and I don’t want to be doing math at 6:30 in the morning…
So, what I started doing after a few days, was just eyeballing how much concentrate I poured into my mug. Is that scientifically accurate? NO! But it’s a heck of a lot easier than grabbing a bunch of measuring cups and trying to get the perfect ratio of concentrate to water.
Grady's Cold Brew is designed for easy use. The concentrate format allows for simple preparation - just mix with water or milk according to your taste preference. This ease of use is particularly appreciated by customers who want a quick, hassle-free coffee experience.
The product comes with clear instructions on the recommended ratios for mixing, making it easy even for those new to cold brew concentrates. The ability to adjust the strength by varying the amount of concentrate used adds to its user-friendly nature.
One potential area for improvement could be providing more detailed guidelines or recipes for various coffee drinks that can be made with the concentrate, which would enhance the user experience further.
Scoring Breakdown
Coffee
Cappio Cold Brew
Grady's Cold Brew
Attribute Ratings
Origin
Cappio Cold Brew
Grady's Cold Brew
Quick Facts
Recommended Preparations
1 part concentrate to 2 parts water (though reviewer suggests using more concentrate for better taste)
Ideal For
Pros and Cons
Cappio Cold Brew
- Convenient to use
- Available in grocery stores
- Only a few servings per bottle
- Bitter tasting
- Bulky in a fridge
Grady's Cold Brew
- Unique New Orleans-Style flavor
- All-natural and dietary-friendly
- Convenient concentrate format
- Versatile for hot and cold drinks
- Lack of specific caffeine content information
- Requires refrigeration
- Limited recipe suggestions