5 Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew: A Taste Test
Are you a cold brew enthusiast searching for the perfect beans to elevate your summer coffee game? Look no further! We've done the legwork (and the taste-testing) to bring you our top picks for the best coffee beans for cold brew. Whether you're a seasoned cold brew connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the world of chilled coffee delights, this guide will help you find your new favorite beans.
Introduction: The Cold Brew Craze
Cold brew coffee has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. Its smooth, less acidic flavor profile and refreshing nature make it the perfect companion for hot summer days. But not all coffee beans are created equal when it comes to cold brewing. The right beans can make the difference between a mediocre cup and a mind-blowing cold brew experience.
In this post, we'll dive deep into the world of cold brew coffee beans, exploring what makes a bean ideal for this brewing method and sharing our top 5 picks based on extensive taste testing. So grab your favorite mason jar and let's get brewing!
What Makes a Great Cold Brew Bean?
Before we reveal our top picks, let's quickly cover what qualities make a coffee bean perfect for cold brewing:
- Roast level: Medium to dark roasts typically work best for cold brew.
- Origin: Single-origin beans often shine in cold brew, but blends can work well too.
- Flavor notes: Look for beans with chocolate, nutty, or caramel notes for a rich cold brew.
- Coarse grind: While not a bean characteristic, remember to grind your beans coarsely for cold brew.
Now, let's dive into our top 5 picks!
The 5 Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
1. Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve
Origin: Colombian Supremo Roast: Dark Tasting Notes: Chocolate, nuts, low acidity
Stone Street Coffee's Cold Brew Reserve is a fan favorite among cold brew enthusiasts, and for good reason. These 100% Colombian Supremo beans are specifically roasted for cold brewing, resulting in a smooth, well-balanced flavor that's perfect for those hot summer days.
What we loved:
- Rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of nuttiness
- Extremely low acidity, perfect for sensitive stomachs
- Comes pre-ground for cold brew (though whole bean option is available)
2. Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso
Origin: Blend (South America, Central America, East Africa) Roast: Medium-dark Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, brown sugar, stone fruit
While not marketed specifically for cold brew, Intelligentsia's Black Cat Classic Espresso blend surprised us with its exceptional cold brew performance. This versatile blend creates a complex and nuanced cold brew that's sure to impress even the most discerning coffee lovers.
What we loved:
- Complex flavor profile with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity
- Smooth mouthfeel with a lingering chocolate aftertaste
- Works great for both cold brew and hot espresso drinks
3. Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast
Origin: Nicaragua Roast: Medium Tasting Notes: Caramel, chocolate, hints of fruit
For those seeking a healthier option, Lifeboost's Medium Roast is a fantastic choice. These single-origin Nicaraguan beans are organic, low-acid, and mycotoxin-free, making them an excellent option for health-conscious cold brew lovers.
What we loved:
- Clean, smooth flavor with no bitterness
- Low acidity makes it easy on the stomach
- Ethically sourced and environmentally friendly
4. Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
Origin: Blend (Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala) Roast: Dark Tasting Notes: Caramel, hazelnut, smooth
Bizzy's Organic Cold Brew Coffee is specifically crafted for cold brewing, and it shows in the final product. This blend of ethically sourced beans from Peru, Nicaragua, and Guatemala creates a smooth, flavorful cold brew that's perfect for both black coffee lovers and those who prefer their brew with milk.
What we loved:
- Smooth, sweet flavor with no bitterness
- Coarse grind size perfect for cold brew
- Affordable price point for organic beans
5. Volcanica Coffee Costa Rica Peaberry
Origin: Costa Rica Roast: Medium Tasting Notes: Honey, almond, citrus
Rounding out our top 5 is Volcanica's Costa Rica Peaberry. These rare, small beans pack a flavor punch that translates beautifully to cold brew. The result is a bright, complex cold brew with a subtle sweetness that sets it apart from the crowd.
What we loved:
- Unique flavor profile with bright, citrusy notes
- Smooth texture with a clean finish
- Versatile enough for both cold brew and hot brewing methods
How We Conducted Our Taste Test
To ensure a fair comparison, we followed a standardized cold brew process for each bean:
- Coarsely ground 1 cup of beans
- Combined with 4 cups of cold, filtered water
- Steeped for 16 hours at room temperature
- Filtered and served over ice
We evaluated each cold brew on the following criteria:
- Flavor profile
- Smoothness
- Acidity
- Aftertaste
- Overall enjoyment
Tips for Making the Perfect Cold Brew at Home
Now that you've chosen your beans, here are some tips to help you achieve cold brew perfection:
- Use the right ratio: Start with a 1:4 coffee to water ratio and adjust to taste.
- Grind coarsely: A coarse grind prevents over-extraction and bitterness.
- Use cold or room temperature water: Never use hot water for cold brew.
- Steep for 12-24 hours: Find your sweet spot for optimal flavor extraction.
- Filter thoroughly: Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a smooth brew.
- Dilute if needed: Cold brew concentrate can be strong, so feel free to dilute with water or milk.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Cold Brew Bean
Cold brew coffee is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy your daily caffeine fix, especially during the warmer months. By choosing the right beans, you can elevate your cold brew game and discover new flavor profiles you never knew existed in your favorite beverage.
Whether you prefer the rich, chocolatey notes of Stone Street's Cold Brew Reserve or the bright, complex flavors of Volcanica's Costa Rica Peaberry, there's a perfect cold brew bean out there for everyone. Don't be afraid to experiment with different beans and brewing methods to find your ideal cold brew combination.
So, which bean will you try first? Grab a bag, start brewing, and enjoy the smooth, refreshing goodness of homemade cold brew coffee!
Key Takeaways
- The best coffee beans for cold brew are typically medium to dark roast with chocolate, nutty, or caramel flavor notes.
- Single-origin beans can offer unique flavor profiles, while blends provide consistent, balanced taste.
- Coarse grinding and proper steeping time (12-24 hours) are crucial for achieving the perfect cold brew.
- Experimenting with different beans and ratios can help you find your ideal cold brew combination.
- Cold brew coffee offers a smooth, less acidic alternative to traditional hot brewed coffee, making it perfect for summer enjoyment.