Exploring the Finest Coffee Beans for Cold Brew: Origins, Roasts, and More

Are you tired of your usual cup of joe and looking to step up your coffee game? Look no further – we have got the perfect solution for you. In this article, we will dive deep into the world of cold brew, revealing the best coffee beans for this irresistible concoction. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just someone seeking a refreshing and flavorful caffeine fix, we've got you covered. Get ready to discover the secrets behind the smoothest, boldest, and most aromatic cup of cold brew you've ever tasted. Let's brew up some magic with the best coffee beans for cold brew!

Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew

OVALWARE 08 Neptune - Cold Brew, Organic Medium Roast Whole Coffee Bean, Colombia and Brazil Blend (1lb / 16oz)

This bag immediately caught our attention with its bold cold brew label. OVALWARE offers a delicious blend filled with sustainable details.

Chocolate is a common flavor note in coffee, providing a balanced approach of sweetness and bitterness. However, some coffee lovers may seek alternatives. This bag adds a nutty kick to the mix, adding personality.

The coffee blend is certified organic, 100% Arabica, and medium roasted. The reduced acidity allows for the addition of milk without affecting the flavor.

Who Should Drink This?

Fans of old-fashioned drinks will appreciate this mild twist on the usual. The chocolate, nutty, and creamy flavors of 08 Neptune are seriously addicting. Add ice cubes to your cold brew or splash some milk to enhance the mouthfeel.

If dilution from ice cubes bothers you, create cold brew ice cubes and store them for later use.

Wink Coffee Cold Brew Reserve Whole Bean Coffee, Large 2.2 Pound Bag, 100% Arabica Coffee Beans, Single Origin Colombian Andes, Smooth, Bold & Sweet

If you can't decide between medium or dark roast for your cold brew coffee, Wink Coffee Cold Brew is the perfect choice. This medium-dark bag takes our top spot.

With high quality Colombian single origin beans and a fantastic roast level, you'll experience a nutty hazelnut kick with a hint of caramel in your cup. This blend is enjoyable even without adding syrup or sugar to balance the flavors.

Vegans and paleo dieters will appreciate Wink Coffee's cold brew staple. The larger bag size ensures you won't need to replenish your stock anytime soon, even if you're a daily coffee drinker.

Who Should Drink This?

If you're not a fan of dark roasts, this medium-dark blend offers a smooth, candied experience you'll want to savor. It's designed to create the silkiest cold brew concentrate.

Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend, Low Acid, 100% Arabica, Gourmet Coffee, Whole Bean, Dark Roast, Colombian Single Origin, 1 LB

For those who prefer the heaviest roasts in cold brew, Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee is the perfect choice. This Colombian origin coffee goes straight to the dark end of the spectrum.

The darker roast brings out chocolatey and smoky flavors. The low acidity allows for easy blending with other ingredients without any weird aftertaste. There's also a subtle nutty kick in this blend that adds to its appeal.

This bag is from the specialty coffee space, meaning it has undergone rigorous testing to be considered the best of the best. It's not only great for cold brew recipes, but also translates well into iced coffee.

Who Should Drink This?

If you're a fan of classic cold brew, Stone Street's dark roast offers rich chocolate notes with a slight nuttiness. It's ideal for those who enjoy simpler cups of coffee. Avoid adding syrup or sugar to fully appreciate the almond-like flavors.

Coffee Bros., Cold Brew Blend — Whole Bean — 100% Arabica — 1 Bag (12oz) — Medium Roast — Gourmet and Specialty

This blend stands out among the best cold brew options available. It offers a variety of flavor notes not typically found in this niche.

The blend combines the sweetness of brown sugar, tart berries, and sumptuous chocolate. The result is a mouthwatering experience. To fully appreciate the subtleties, it's best to grind the coffee immediately upon arrival and use it within two to four weeks.

With 100% Arabica beans and a specialty label, this blend offers a memorable coffee experience. Coffee Bros. is also committed to customer satisfaction and is happy to engage in one-on-one conversations with dissatisfied customers.

Who Should Drink This?

Those who enjoy complex flavors in their coffee will appreciate the multiple flavor notes in this blend. It provides a unique coffee experience beyond the classic flavors.

Cameron's Coffee Roasted Ground Coffee Bag, Flavored, Vanilla Hazelnut Cold Brew Blend, 12 Ounce

For those days when you want a hassle-free coffee experience, Cameron's Vanilla Hazelnut Cold Brew Blend is the perfect choice. This bag offers pre-flavored coffee that maintains the original coffee flavor without overpowering it.

Roasters need to be mindful not to drown out the coffee flavor while adding flavor. Cameron's successfully achieves this balance. This blend combines classic flavors of vanilla and hazelnut, resulting in a cold brew that tastes like café-quality. It can be enjoyed with or without milk, as there is no bitter note.

It's worth noting that this blend is allergen-free and gluten-free, providing peace of mind while enjoying a delicious cup of cold brew.

Who Should Drink This?

Coffee enthusiasts with a sweet tooth will enjoy the classic and tasty flavors in this bag. It offers a delightful coffee experience without any surprises. It's also a great choice for those who enjoy experimenting with different coffee drinks but prefer a more convenient option.

Bones Coffee Company Flavored Coffee Beans S'morey Time | 12 oz Whole Bean Coffee for Cold Brew Coffee | Low Acid Medium Roast S'mores Flavored Gourmet Coffee Beans (Whole Bean)

If you're craving the comforting flavors of a campfire, Bones Coffee Company's S'morey Time is the perfect choice. This toasty and succulent bag offers a delightful cold brew experience.

Bones Coffee Company is known for their commitment to flavorful coffee. This coffee bag is low in acidity and high in sweet flavor, allowing you to add as much milk as you desire. Despite the added flavor, they remain loyal to Arabica beans to maintain the complexity of high-quality coffee.

S'morey Time is a fantastic option for a dessert-like cold brew, especially after a savory meal.

Who Should Drink This?

If you enjoy adding various ingredients to your coffee and have a sweet tooth, this delightful pre-flavored bag is an excellent choice. It offers classic and tasty flavors without any surprises. It's also ideal for those who love experimenting with coffee drinks but prefer a convenient option.

Tiny Footprint Coffee USDA Organic Cold Brew & Press Elixir, Ground Coffee, Carbon Negative, 16 Ounce

If you care about the behind-the-scenes details of coffee, Tiny Footprint Coffee is the perfect choice. This brand is "carbon negative," actively working against the environmental damage caused by the industry. They donate a portion of their profits to reforestation efforts in Ecuador. They are also USDA certified organic and committed to shade-grown coffee.

As for the coffee itself, it offers a unique flavor profile for cold brew, combining fruity and floral notes. These flavors are common in Ethiopian origins. While this blend may not pair well with milk due to its zesty, fruity, and floral flavors, black coffee lovers will enjoy this cold press elixir.

Who Should Drink This?

Coffee enthusiasts looking for a departure from the typical chocolate or caramel flavors will appreciate this blend. It offers a pleasant cold brew experience with subtle flavors that are equally enjoyable when brewed hot. It's not recommended for those who prefer to add sugar or milk to their coffee, as these flavors may not complement each other.

What Origin of Coffee is Best for Cold Brew?

Colombian coffee reigns supreme when it comes to cold brew. Its consistently fruity, complex, and sweet flavors make each cup addicting.

Peruvian and Brazilian coffees closely follow in terms of flavor. It's worth experimenting with different origins to determine which flavor profile you prefer the most.

When Should I Use My Cold Brew Coffee Beans?

Fresh coffee beans always taste better than stale ones. It's recommended to use your cold brew coffee beans within two to four weeks to ensure maximum flavor.

When storing your beans, make sure to pack them tightly in a cool, dry place.

What Kind of Roast is Best for Cold Brew?

For a classic cold brew experience, opt for a darker roast. This eliminates most acidity, which can be difficult to balance in the final cup.

Medium and medium-dark roasts are also good choices, offering a balance between sweetness and bitterness. Lighter roasts are not as common for cold brew, as they tend to be milder in flavor with more acidity and floral notes that may not pair well with milk.

If you prefer black coffee, a light roast is suitable. Personal taste preferences should always be considered when making a purchase.

What Type of Grind is Best for Cold Brew?

Similar to French Press coffee, cold brew requires a coarse grind. This allows the coffee to steep for a longer period of time.

The ideal cold brew grind should resemble small wood chips. This can be achieved with a manual or electric coffee grinder.

Avoid using a fine grind, as it can result in overly bitter and sour cold brew.

Can you make a cold brew with any coffee beans?

Medium and dark roasts are preferred for cold brew. They produce strong coffee with low acidity and flavors of chocolate and hazelnut. It is best to use beans specifically crafted for cold brew or those that are most suitable.

If you're unsure about selecting the right beans, our comprehensive list of the best coffee beans for cold brew can guide you.

What Coffee Does Starbucks Use for Their Cold Brew?

Starbucks has a distinct flavor that many coffee lovers crave. Their default choice for cold brew is Colombian coffee.

Starbucks uses 100% Arabica beans, focusing on a well-balanced medium roast. They also offer options from Africa and Latin America. To recreate the Starbucks café experience at home, try to match these features for a similar flavor.

What do I need to make cold brew at home?

Craving a glass of chilled cold brew? It's easy to make at home, with no need for fancy equipment. All you need is a coffee pitcher, coarsely ground coffee beans, and water.

The most important component is patience, as cold brew requires a steeping time of at least 8 hours.

How to Make Cold Brew

To make cold brew, follow these step-by-step instructions:

• Grind your coffee beans coarsely.
• Place one tablespoon of ground coffee into a mesh bag.
• Insert the mesh bag into a container.
• Pour filtered water over the mesh bag.
• Cover the container and let it steep for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
• Remove the mesh bag from the container.
• Mix the same amount of cold water and concentrate to create your cold brew.
• Serve over ice.
• Add coffee-flavored syrup or sweetener according to your taste preferences.

What to Consider While Making Cold Brew

There are several factors to consider when making cold brew coffee:

Water Source

The water source you use can significantly impact the taste of your cold brew. Using filtered water will result in a clean, sweeter taste.

Size of Coffee Grounds

The size of your coffee grounds can affect the outcome of your coffee. For cold brew, use a coarse grind. Rub the grounds between your fingers to check for grittiness. If they feel gritty, they are coarse enough. Using fine grounds can result in a bitter cold brew.

Water Temperature

Avoid using hot water, as it can make the cold brew taste bitter or acidic. Use cold or room-temperature water.

Brewing Time

For optimal flavor extraction, steep your cold brew for around twelve hours. Adjust the brewing time if your grounds are very coarse.

Remember, personal taste preferences may vary, so consider your own preferences when making a purchase.

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best coffee beans for cold brew, it's important to consider the origin, roast, and grind of the beans. While any coffee beans can be used for cold brew, certain origins like Ethiopia and Guatemala are known for their flavor profiles that work exceptionally well in this method. As for the roast, a medium to dark roast tends to produce a richer and smoother cold brew. And when it comes to the grind, a coarse grind is highly recommended to prevent over-extraction and bitterness. With these factors in mind, you can now confidently embark on your cold brew journey right in the comfort of your own home. So grab your favorite coffee beans, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the refreshing and bold flavors of homemade cold brew.