Best Coffee for Cold Brew: Low Acidity, More Flavor, & Bolder Taste

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The jolt you get even from a single sip of cold brew is genuinely refreshing. The beauty of cold brew coffee is that it’s mild and smooth with not a lot of bitterness and even low in acidity. And the best part about it all is that the best coffee for cold brew is an ideal way for bringing out the most subtle characters and flavors of the bean.

But it goes without saying that this is not possible if the coffee bean or pre-ground coffee is not suitable for the cold brewing method. Please keep in mind that not all coffee beans share the same properties.

So it’s now time for me to answer the question, what is the best coffee brand for cold brew? I have reviewed not one but as many as 10 of them for you to choose from.

Best Coffee Beans For Cold Brew: Top 10 Recommendations​​

• Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Ground Coffee
• Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee Beans
• Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Cold Brew
• Verena Street Shot Tower Espresso Whole Bean
• Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass Medium Roast Whole Bean
• Cold Brew Lab Dark Roast Ground Organic Coffee
• Olde Brooklyn Coffee French Roast Whole Bean Coffee
• Café Du Monde Coffee Chicory
• Cold Buzz Coffee Hazelnut Cold Brew Iced Coffee
• Real Good Coffee Company Breakfast Blend Whole Bean Coffee

#1 Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Ground Coffee

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The first on the list is none other than Stone Street Coffee. This is a brand responsible for providing you with the most delicious handcrafted coffees. They produce specialty-grade coffee beans that are freshly roasted in small batches. And that also offer nothing but well-balanced taste profiles. Needless to say, their cold brew coarsely ground coffee here is no different.

The taste profile of the Colombian single-origin Arabica coffee is all things delightful. It’s smooth, bold, slightly sweet, low acidic, and well-balanced. As for the level of roast, that is dark. And grind level is coarse, thus perfect for slow, cold brew extraction.

The flavor of the ground coffee is the richest and purest in my opinion. No hints of artificial or plastic flavors. The dark roast, in particular, is the most delicious. This is great for caffeine enthusiasts who enjoy dark, roasty coffee. But if you don’t, then you can always add some cream or milk. The door to that is also wide open.

#2 Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee Beans

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Here’s another brand that proves the best coffee roast for cold brew is DARK. These dark roast coffee beans by Koffee Kult are great for balanced acidity and smooth flavor. It’s a very aromatic blend of pure Arabica coffee beans sourced from Sumatra, Colombia, and Brazil.

The flavor and aroma notes are reminiscent of cinnamon and cocoa. The body, no doubt, is heavy and smooth with a bright, long finish. This comes from a brand that’s family-owned. Koffee Kult’s primary focus is quality, there’s no denying that. They’ve transformed into an environment-friendly multi-roaster facility from just one small roaster.

As for the preparation, feel free to opt for the powerful adrenaline boost single shot. Or you can bring in some steamed milk for creating a delicious macchiato, cappuccino, and latte. In the case of the former, the tasting experience of the blend is both heavy and smooth with a cinnamon twist, long finish, and perky brightness.

#3 Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Cold Brew

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Who says that the best cold brew coffee beans on Amazon cannot be an organic version? Someone who has definitely not tried Tiny Footprint Coffee. There’s a lot you might like about this whole bean coffee other than the fact that it’s 100% organic.

The coffee is carbon-negative, the first of its kind actually. Isn’t that amazing? On top of that, the brand donates a part of its profits for funding reforestation. As a result of which more trees grow to eliminate carbon dioxide from the environment. While also providing a natural habitat for many animal and plant species.

As for the coffee, it’s pure Arabica and shade-grown. This is Tiny Footprint Coffee’s special Cold Press Elixir. It’s a blend of dark and light roasts with the most delicious Ethiopian coffees. That means the whole bean coffee is uniquely crafted for the cold brewing method.

What about the flavor profile? Silky, sweet richness with subtle floral and bright fruit tones should be expected. Along with a cocoa-infused body. Once cold brewed, the coffee delivers great flavor. And it’s not bitter, rather it’s chocolatey with complex tones.

How many coffee brands have you come across that provide great-tasting, organic coffee without causing harm to the environment? Not many I suppose.

#4 Verena Street Shot Tower Espresso Whole Bean

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The Shot Tower Espresso here is a dark roast by Verena Street. The whole bean coffee has an incredibly rich body with sweet, creamy complexity along with crema. This roast, no doubt, is the smoothest for cold brew, drip coffee, and espresso.

Are you an environment-friendly consumer? If yes, then maybe you would like to know that the brand sources coffee sustainably from farms that are Rainforest Alliance Certified. This means the protection of the environment, wildlife, and farmers is well taken care of.

The coffee is freshly roasted, so you don’t have to worry about that part at all. And the roasting is done in small batches for preserving the original quality.

Just the appearance of the rich coffee beans and their strong aroma are enough to seduce you into preparing a cup. And this cup is inevitably going to taste delicious, rich, and completely satisfying without any bitterness.

Admittedly, this is a good espresso that’s very hard to come by.

#5 Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass Medium Roast Whole Bean

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What do you know about the Kicking Horse Coffee’s Smart Ass Whole Bean? Do you know that just a half cup of this wakes you up like nothing else? This best coffee for cold brew is a wonderful chocolatey, bright concoction.

The aroma is full of stone fruit, vanilla bean, and sweet syrup. The tasting notes are packed with honeyed berry, milk chocolate, sugarcane, and tart red currant. And let me also bring to your notice that you’re looking at the best coffee for cold brew French press, pour-over, and drip machine.

It’s a bright, precocious, cheeky medium roast. That comes from shade-grown, organic Arabica coffee. The dark, deep, and delicious character of the whole bean is what appeals to the masses here. So, no doubt, it’s a superior recommendation. After all, the lush roast tastes like baker’s chocolate with a smooth finish and an acid profile that’s just minimal.

#6 Cold Brew Lab Dark Roast Ground Organic Coffee

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First off, what are the benefits of cold brew coffee grounds? You get less acidity, no bitterness, slightly sweet taste, extra-smooth flavor, and easy preparation. This is the kind of experience you’ve got going for you if you choose Cold Brew Lab.

The dark roast here is perfect for slow, cold brew extraction. It delivers your favorite caffeine-infused beverage with a low acidic, full-bodied, well-rounded, and smooth flavor. The coffee beans used are pure Arabica Colombian.

The blend consists of dark and medium roasts by the way. Both are combined to produce an extraordinary roast level ideal for cold brewing. So you every cup, needless to say, is going to be extremely smooth, flavorful, and bold.

And to top it all off, the ground coffee is organic too.

#7 Olde Brooklyn Coffee French Roast Whole Bean Coffee

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You know the coffee brand is genuinely good when it roasts coffee beans in limited batches. Much like Olde Brooklyn Coffee here. They wish to capture the original freshness and aroma of every blend, including this French roast. The coffee, later on, is sealed in air-tight bags and shipped immediately.

The coffee blends come from Guatemala, Brazil, and Colombia. So you’re highly likely to enjoy the unique taste profile. Speaking of which, the flavors aren’t overbearing, nor is there any bitterness you’re forced to deal with.

It goes without saying that the coffee beans are completely roasted to rich, dark, glossy brown. So a superb flavor is to be expected. Even the finish of every sip is long and smooth, much like what you’d expect from the perfect cold brew.

If on a hot summer day, you crave for something full-bodied, robust, and dark with hints of roasted chestnuts and cocoa, then that’s what you get with Olde Brooklyn Coffee.

#8 Café Du Monde Coffee Chicory

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It’s quite uncommon to come across coffee infused with chicory. And what chicory does is balance the stimulating effect of coffee. So if that’s the kind of cold brew coffee you’re looking for, you’ve found it.

The Café Du Monde Coffee Chicory reminds the drinker of New Orleans. The size of the grind is perfectly fine to prevent clogging up the filter. And the best part is that you get a pack of 3 in this case. And, in my opinion, that’s a great deal considering just how beneficial chicory is.

The roast is dark and strong, no denying that. Just one sip is enough to get you hooked on. But not in the kind of way that amplifies your anxiety levels. Meaning this coffee doesn’t make you feel restless or anxious. At the same time, it gives you all the energy you demand from caffeine to get started.

But the bold flavor and health benefits of chicory are the two reasons why this best pre ground coffee for cold brew is so popular.

#9 Cold Buzz Coffee Hazelnut Cold Brew Iced Coffee

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If anything, expect only high-quality coffee from the brand Cold Buzz Coffee. These are 100% Arabica coffee beans from all over the world. All you have to do for preparation is add the filter bags into your jar, fill the jar with water, seal it with the lid, and then place it in your refrigerator.

Once the brewing is done, remove the filter bags to enjoy your delicious cold brew concentrate. Just the way it is, or with milk. It prepares a super delicious cold brew. To be honest, the coffee tastes out of this world; it’s that smooth.

And the fact that it’s so easy to brew makes the deal seem even more enticing. On top of that, the brand offers not only Hazelnut but also French Vanilla, Mocha, Dark, Decaf, and New Orleans Chicory. So you get to tickle your every caffeine-infused fancy.

#10 Real Good Coffee Company Breakfast Blend Whole Bean Coffee

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The last one is for those who prefer their cold brew to be a light roast instead of dark or medium. This Breakfast Blend by Real Good Coffee Company is the perfect way to kickstart your mornings.

These coffee beans are made of superior quality Arabica beans sourced from South and Central America. The coffee is not only grown and sourced responsibly but also packaged carefully. And that says a lot about quality.

As for the taste, the Breakfast Blend offers the smoothest flavor. You get a citrus taste with aromatic hints of cream and milk chocolate. And you know what the best part is? That you can use these light roast whole beans with your French press, pour-over, espresso, drip, and more. In short, they’re good for all types of brewing methods.

Cold Brew Coffee 101 – Complete Guide

What Is the Big Deal About Cold Brew Coffee Anyway?

Is cold brew coffee the same as iced coffee? The answer is NO.

Cold brew coffee is prepared when ground coffee is steeped using cold filtered water. You steep it for a few hours in your refrigerator for extracting the delicious, rich flavor of the coffee beans. As for iced coffee, it’s prepared using regular brewed coffee, which is later cooled and then poured over ice cubes.

So the difference here is that cold brew is prepared without using any heat. And that’s a big deal because no heat means less acidity and more flavor.

How Does Temperature Affect the Taste of Coffee?

When the temperature is within the range of 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit, you get hot coffee. On the other hand, cold coffee extraction occurs within the temperature range of 35-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

No heat involved in the brewing method is what provides the cold brew with unique characteristics. However, no heat also implies that you have to use twice the amount of coffee grounds you normally do. Along with putting in more hours in terms of brewing time.

As a coffee lover, maybe you already know that the majority of solubles and acids of coffee get extracted as a result of being exposed to a certain high temperature. These solubles and acids are responsible for bringing about the light, floral notes. This explains why cold brew coffee is so stomach-friendly and low in acidity. But, at the same time, its flavors are more muted.

In that case, you have to make sure you choose the best coffee beans or grounds for cold brew. That has the ability to make your caffeine-infused beverage the most flavorful and smooth.

Cold Brew: Slow Drip vs. Immersion

So I hope you know there are two ways to prepare a cold brew. One is immersion while the other is a slow drip. The former is the most common method of cold brew preparation at home. Thanks to the simple technique it follows.

For immersion, you steep ground coffee beans in cold water. Steep them for around 12 to 24 hours before filtering them. As for the slow drip method, you drip ice water slowly over ground beans, which is then collected in the carafe located below. The primary advantage of slow drip cold brew is the speed. Even so, this method takes 3-5 hours for yielding a single cup.

What about the difference in the taste and flavor of your cold brew? The immersion technique delivers a concentrated brew that’s full-bodied. And the drip technique gives you a more diluted beverage, which is more medium-bodied. So it all depends on how you like your cold brew.

Cold Brew: Whole Bean Coffee vs. Pre-Ground Coffee

Now that the method of cold brewing is set in place, it’s time to figure out what form of coffee is the most suitable for cold brew. Is it whole bean coffee? Or is ground coffee? This factor too depends on your personal preferences. Meaning there’s no one right answer to this.

The thing about using pre-ground coffee for cold brew, or any other brewing method, is that it’s convenient. And it’s also a good choice for those working on a budget. This means you don’t have to spend money on a separate coffee grinder. Plus, you get to brew as soon as you receive your pre-ground coffee package.

But in terms of what is better, here’s the answer. Once the coffee beans are ground, the greater part of their aroma and freshness is released during the initial few minutes. This suggests that the pre-ground coffee version doesn’t present you with the opportunity to make the most of that rich, delicious freshness and aroma.

Whole bean coffee, on the other hand, is a much more valuable choice with regards to coffee flavor. However, for whole bean coffee, you have to buy and use a legitimate coffee grinder. Otherwise, consistency of the grind size, and ultimately the flavor of your cold brew, get compromised.

Speaking of coffee grinders, the most suitable ones for cold brew are mill or burr grinders. They ace it in terms of highest degree consistency.

Cold Brew Grind Size

Now the grind size of your coffee matters a whole lot when it comes to the cold brewing method. Grinding coffee beans on your own or buying pre-ground coffee; whatever the case, you have to get the right grind size. And by right, I mean coarse grind for cold brew.

Fine coffee grounds deliver more bitter or harsher flavors due to over-extraction. So if you’re going for the slow drip cold brew method, you have to take the grind size into consideration. With a coarse grind, the dripping takes place more quickly and smoothly. As for a finer coffee grind, it can get very dense, which might restrict the dripping action.

Cold Brew: Dark Roast vs. Light Roast

Do you prefer dark roast over light or the other way around? You can experiment to check what tastes the best for your cold brew. There’s no harm in that because both roasts are good for this particular brewing method. However, you should also know that hot coffee roast preferences are not the same for cold coffee.

Light and medium coffee roasts are more acidic naturally. This means the cold brewing process destroys most of the acidity present within the beans. So if you like your coffee to have a less acidic profile, you should go for light to medium roasts.

Those who love dark roast cold brew enjoy it because of the richer, darker flavors such as nuts, earthiness, and chocolate.

Light roasts feature bright acidity, which is not very easy for the cold brewing technique to extract just by the way. And that, in turn, often delivers muted flavors. At the same time, lighter coffee roasts demand a longer time for extraction. That’s because the beans’ cellular structure, in this case, is not largely damaged by their roasting process.

Cold Brew: Blend vs. Single Origin

At Koobies coffee, experts highly recommend single-origin coffee beans for your cold brew. The method of cold brewing makes way for a taste that’s full of subtle notes. Only then can you truly appreciate and value the single-origin coffee bean.

As for coffee blends, they’re great for regular coffee drinkers. Coffee blends strike the perfect balance between bitterness, sweetness, and acidity. But the cold brew method doesn’t offer much acidity and bitterness, to begin with. So a coffee blend doesn’t seem like such an appropriate choice here.

Simple Way to Prepare the Most Delicious Cold Brew

So how do you go about preparing the best cold brew of your life? Just follow the 1:4 ratio, which is 1-part coffee with 4-parts water.

• When using whole coffee beans, grind those beans first. Around one whole cup is more than enough. Make sure the grind size is coarse to prevent over-extraction.
• And if using pre-ground coffee, this version too should have a coarse grind size.
• Add the coffee grinds to your pitcher with 4 cups of water. Then cover it up with the lid.
• You can let the pitcher stay out or place it in your fridge. Just keep in mind that steeping in the refrigerator takes longer.
• If you’ve decided to let it sit outside, then 12 hours should do the trick. Otherwise, 18-24 hours in the fridge are necessary.
• Once that time is complete, strain the coffee and dilute it using milk or water. You can also add ice to make the most of the intense flavor.

Cold Brew: Milk or No Milk?

Cold-brew fanatics prefer drinking their cold brew BLACK. It’s because the flavors of the coffee are already quite subtle. So it doesn’t make any sense diluting your coffee further with the help of dairy.

But if you like it that way, then add 1-part milk to 3-parts cold brew.

Cold Brew: Cream or No Cream?

Once you try the cold brew coffees I’ve reviewed in this post, you’ll realize just how naturally creamy they are. This means you don’t feel the need to enhance the drink with cream or milk.

But if you feel like adding some cream, then there’s nothing wrong with that. Just like milk, use 1-part cream for every 3-parts cold brew.

Cold Brew: Ice or No Ice?

What does ice do? It’s a simple question. Ice melts, right? Meaning on a hot summer day, the ice cubes in your cold brew are going to melt faster to dilute your drink. And this means interfering with the flavor of your favorite coffee.

But if you still prefer your cold brew with ice cubes, then use rounded ice instead of cubes as the former melts slower than the latter. This produces less dilution.

You can also add whiskey stones. Place whiskey rocks or stones in the freezer until they become ice-cold. And then add them to your caffeine-infused beverage without worrying about dilution possibilities. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

Another genius alternative is freezing your cold brew using an ice tray. And then adding these frozen cubes of cold brew to your actual chilled brew. What an idea!

The EndNote

For many people, drinking coffee is what gives them the power to not just get out of bed in the morning. But to also wake up all their senses and get moving. Caffeine offers benefits like boosting weight loss, increasing alertness, improving physical energy, enhancing thinking skills, and reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, and skin cancer.

But, let’s be honest, that’s not why you drink coffee on a daily basis. You consume caffeine because it’s downright delicious. In that case, I’ve got two words just for you, COLD BREW.

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