Garrett Perez

Key Takeaways

• Cold brew coffee is a popular and versatile brewing method that provides smooth, low-acid beverages.
• Different roast levels affect the flavor of cold brew, with dark roasts providing intense flavors and medium roasts offering balanced taste.
• This article discusses our pick for the best beans for cold brew as well as tips on perfecting your cup, decaf options, DIY recipes & more!

The Art of Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew, with its delightful characteristics, has become a popular choice amongst coffee lovers worldwide. Unlike hot coffee, cold brew is a refreshing beverage made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for an extended period. This unique brewing method results in a low-acid, high-caffeine coffee that can be stored in the refrigerator and served over ice. A smooth cup of cold brew can indeed be a game changer and might even have you questioning your loyalty to your usual hot cup of java.

While iced coffee and cold brew may seem similar, they have distinct differences in terms of flavor, caffeine levels, and serving styles. Similarly, cold brewing differs from French press in the brewing process. While French press involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water and then pressing them through a filter, cold brew requires the coffee grounds to be immersed in cold water for a prolonged period. The versatility of cold brew also shines through in its strength as it can be prepared as a potent concentrate that can be diluted or as a ready-to-drink beverage.

Dark Roast vs. Medium Roast

When it comes to choosing coffee beans for cold brew, the roast level can significantly influence the flavor profile of your beverage. Typically, medium to dark roasts are used for cold brews, each bringing a unique taste to the table.

We shall examine the merits of these two highly favored roast levels to gain a deeper understanding of their effect on your cold brew.

Dark Roast Advantages

Dark roast beans are known for their intense, bold flavors. With notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and smokiness, they can transform your cold brew into a rich, gustatory experience. Dark roast beans are particularly advantageous for cold brew as their robust flavor profile is enhanced during the cold brewing process. Their reduced acidity level aids in maintaining the brew’s flavor, hence, they are a superior choice for those craving a smooth coffee cup.

Beyond their flavor benefits, dark roast coffee beans also possess numerous nutritional benefits. They are a source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain niacin, a key component for a balanced diet. Researchers have even found that dark roast coffee can aid weight loss and enhance the body’s antioxidant status. Nevertheless, bear in mind that dark roast coffee’s caffeine content may be slightly less than that of medium roast coffee (surprising, we know!).

Medium Roast Advantages

Contrarily, medium roast beans present a balance between acidity and boldness, which results in a more nuanced flavor profile for cold brew coffee. These beans contribute to cold brew by imparting a balanced taste with subtle notes of chocolate or nuts, creating a richer and smoother flavor. The moderate level of acidity in medium roast coffee can lead to a smoother and less acidic flavor in your cold brew compared to a darker roast.

Medium roast’s boldness augments the flavors of cold brew by furnishing a balanced and robust taste. The medium roast brings out the natural flavors of the coffee beans without overpowering them, ensuing in a smooth and rich cold brew experience. Keep in mind that dark roast coffee beans are known to have marginally lower caffeine levels than those in medium roast, making medium roast an excellent choice for those desiring a caffeine boost.

Our Picks For The Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew

Having gained knowledge about the art of cold brew and the influence of roast levels on its flavor, we’ll now examine our picks for the best coffee beans for cold brew. These beans come from various origins and offer a range of roasts and flavor profiles to suit different preferences.

Starting with the OVALWARE 08 Neptune – Cold Brew, this organic medium roast blend from Colombia and Brazil is sure to impress with its smooth and well-balanced flavors. Similarly, the Wink Coffee Cold Brew Reserve and the Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee offer unique flavor profiles with their 100% Arabica beans from the Colombian Andes. For those who like their brew strong and smooth, the Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee and Lucky Goat Cold Brew Coffee come highly recommended from many satisfied customer reviews. 

Rounding up the list are the following brands of cold brew coffee beans, perfect for making a refreshing cold brew at home:

• Spare Moment Cold Brew Coarse Ground Coffee
• Chamberlain Coffee’s Elephant Cold Brew Blend
• Cameron’s Vanilla Hazelnut Cold Brew Blend
• Coffee Bros. Cold Brew Blend

Each of these brands offers high-quality coffee beans with unique flavor profiles. But remember, the most suitable coffee for cold brew should possess a medium to coarse grind and a smooth, well-balanced flavor profile.

Brewing Techniques for Cold Brew Coffee

After selecting your beans, it’s brewing time! The most common techniques for preparing cold brew at home involve immersion brewing and slow drip. In the immersion technique, coffee grounds are submerged in water and allowed to steep, extracting the flavors slowly and efficiently. This method requires a vessel or container, a French press, a burr grinder and coffee cups.

Contrarily, the slow drip method entails the gradual dripping of water from a reservoir over a bed of ground coffee before it collects in a carafe. Each brewing method brings about variations in taste and aroma. Cold brew coffee generally has a milder and smoother flavor when compared to hot brewed coffee. The use of cold water in the brewing process can bring out more sweetness and reduce acidity.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cold Brew

Creating the ideal cup of cold brew isn’t as complex as rocket science, but it necessitates some skill, including making cold brew coffee. Here are some tips to help you perfect your cold brew. First, always use a coarse grind size for your coffee. The increased surface area allows the coffee to be absorbed in a consistent manner. Soaking slowly becomes easier than before.

The water temperature also plays a significant role in the brewing process. It’s recommended to use cold or room temperature water for cold brew coffee.

Finally, for cold brew coffee, the coffee-to-water ratio should be 1:4 (1 part coffee to 4 parts water). With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting your cold brew.

Decaf Options for Cold Brew Lovers

For those who adore cold brew yet want to steer clear of caffeine, there’s no need to fret! There are a variety of decaf coffee bean options available that won’t compromise on flavor. Swiss Water Process Decaf, Organic Decaf, and Decaf Espresso are just a few of the many choices you have at your disposal.

The process of making decaf coffee involves water-logging green coffee beans prior to roasting to extract the caffeine. Decaf coffee typically contains approximately 10% of the caffeine present in regular coffee. Despite the removal of caffeine, decaf coffee still presents several health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, and contains antioxidants that may help protect the body from disease⁽¹⁾.

DIY Cold Brew Recipes and Flavor Enhancements

Creating your own cold brew at home not only provides control over the strength and flavor of your coffee but also offers a range of possibilities for DIY recipes and flavor enhancements. From sweeteners to spices, there’s no limit to the ways you can customize your cold brew to suit your palate.

Non-dairy milk (such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk), cinnamon, honey, stevia, monk fruit extract, and maple syrup are just a few of the many sweeteners you can add to your cold brew. Spices like:

• cinnamon
• cardamom
• nutmeg
• vanilla
• cloves

can also be used to add a unique spin to your cold brew.

The brewing method you choose can also have a considerable impact on the flavor of your cold brew. Various brewing methods, such as immersion brewing or slow, low-temperature brewing, can lead to variations in taste and aroma. For the optimal flavor, it is recommended to use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:4, use cold or room temperature water, and steep the coffee grounds for a minimum of 12 hours.

Storing and Serving Your Cold Brew

After brewing your cold brew, proper storage is imperative to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. Here are some tips for storing your cold brew coffee:

• The ideal temperature for storing cold brew coffee is between 34°F and 38°F.
• It’s also recommended that you store your cold brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Stored properly, your cold brew concentrate can remain fresh for several weeks.

When it comes to serving your cold brew, presentation is key. Here are some tips:

• Serve your cold brew over ice in a tall glass.
• For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or a dollop of whipped cream.
• And of course, remember to enjoy your cold brew slowly, savoring each sip.

Sustainability and Ethical Coffee Sourcing

As you navigate the delightful realm of cold brew, considering the origins of your coffee beans is important. Sustainability and ethical coffee sourcing refer to practices that ensure all individuals involved in the coffee production process are treated fairly and compensated accordingly. This involves complete transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, from the farmers to the final product.

Brands such as:

• Cafédirect
• Equal Exchange
• Higher Ground Roasters
• Grumpy Mule
• BLK + Bold
• Cooper’s Cask Coffee
• Volcanica Coffee
• Grounds & Hounds
• Ethical Bean
• Blue Coffee Box
• John Farrer & Co.

These brands offer a variety of pre-ground coffee options for those who prefer the convenience of coffee grounds without the need for grinding their own beans.

are widely recognized for their dedication to environmental and social responsibility. Choosing brands that prioritize sustainability not only guarantees you a high-quality coffee, but also contributes to the welfare of the farmers and the environment.

Summary

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the art of cold brew coffee, the advantages of using dark roast and medium roast beans, the top 10 coffee beans for cold brew, different brewing techniques, and tips for perfecting your brew. We’ve also looked at decaf options, DIY recipes and flavor enhancements, as well as the importance of proper storage and serving practices. And finally, we emphasized the significance of choosing sustainably sourced coffee. With this information at hand, you’re now well-equipped to brew your own perfect cup of cold brew coffee!

Frequently Asked Questions

Brewing coffee is both an art and a science. This is especially true when it comes to French press brewing, a method revered for its elegance and simplicity, yet nuanced in ways you might not have explored. Let’s uncover the secrets to picking the best coffee beans for your French press. 

Why You Should Trust Us

• French press brewing is one of our personal favorite methods here at Brewcules. As such, we have tried a variety of different methods to get the best flavor possible. 
• We reviewed several different sources to find the common factors that most professional French press’ers agree upon. It is important to note, everyone’s palate is different, so test out for yourself small differences in brewing to find your favorite combo!

Key Takeaways

• Coffee selection for French press brewing requires consideration of roast level, origin and grind size.
• The ideal roast lies between light and dark roasts (known as a full city roast). Geography plays an important role in influencing taste.
• Mastering the correct coffee to water ratio, temperature, brew duration as well as using whole bean coffee are essential elements for crafting a perfect cup of French press coffee.

Let’s dive into the rich world of brewing French press coffee! 

Essentials of French Press Coffee Selection

French press brewing starts with the selection of humble coffee beans. Choosing the right beans for your brew isn’t just about personal preference, it’s a crucial step in crafting a top-notch cup of coffee. The roast level, the origin, and the grind size of the coffee beans all play a pivotal role in shaping the final brew.

Examining these factors helps us understand their significance.

The Ideal Roast: Navigating Between Light and Dark

Consider yourself a painter, with coffee beans as your palette. The roast level of the coffee beans is akin to the colors on your palette, influencing the flavor profile of your masterpiece, the brew. Light roast coffee beans are like bright colors, vibrant and acidic, imbuing your coffee with a fresh, bright flavor. On the other hand, dark roast coffee beans are akin to deep, intense colors, less acidic, and carrying a bold, robust flavor.

But what is the ideal roast for French press coffee? The answer lies somewhere in the middle, in the realm of medium-roast coffee beans. Often referred to as ‘full city’ by coffee connoisseurs, this roast brings out the sweet notes, perfect for the French press.

So, if you prefer your coffee with milk and sugar, these darker roasts will enhance the profound, chocolatey, and earthy flavors, making your French press coffee a symphony of taste and aroma.

Origin Matters: How Geography Influences Taste

Next, consider how global flavors influence your coffee. The geographical origin of coffee beans can greatly influence their taste characteristics. Just like grapes for wine, the soil, climate, and farming practices in a region can shape the flavor profile of your coffee.

When it comes to French press brewing, certain regions come to the forefront with their unique flavors. Some examples include:

• Central and South American coffee, which exhibits sweeter and nutty flavors such as chocolate or hazelnut
• Indonesian coffee, which is known for its earthy and spicy flavors
• Kona coffee, which has a smooth and rich taste

These ground coffee options are often favored choices for the best French press coffee.

Savoring a cup of Brazilian, Colombian, or Ethiopian coffee offers a symphony of flavors to your palate.

Grinding for Greatness: The Right Coarseness for Your Press

If selecting the right coffee beans is the first chapter of your French press brewing story, grinding them to the perfect size is the exciting plot twist. The coarseness of your grind can significantly influence the extraction process, and hence, the taste of your coffee.

Imagine your coffee grounds as a sponge. The coarser the grind, the slower the water moves through it, and the longer it takes to extract the flavors. For the French press, the recommended grind size is coarse, similar to kosher salt. This ensures that the water and coffee interact at an optimal rate, achieving a balance between under-extraction and over-extraction, and leading to a delicious cup of French press coffee.

Crafting the Perfect Cup: French Press Brewing Techniques

With the ideal coffee bean selected and the grind completed, it’s time to focus on the brewing techniques. Mastering the French press brewing method is like learning to play a musical instrument. It’s all about understanding the nuances and hitting the right notes, from the coffee-to-water ratio to the brewing time and temperature.

Water Wisdom: Achieving the Optimal Temperature

In the orchestra of French press brewing, water is not just a mere spectator; it’s an instrumental player. The temperature of the water can influence the rate of extraction and therefore, the taste of your coffee.

Consider a pot of water heating on a stove. As the temperature rises, the water molecules move faster. Now, imagine this water pouring over your coffee grounds. The faster-moving hot water extracts the flavors from the coffee grounds more effectively. For the perfect French press coffee, the water temperature should be around 200°F.

If the water is too hot, your coffee might taste bitter, but if it’s too cool, you might end up with a weak, under-extracted brew. So, remember, like Goldilocks, we want the temperature to be just right!

Timing is Everything: Mastering Brew Duration

In French press brewing, timing is the conductor of our brewing orchestra. It controls the rhythm and pace of the extraction process, directly influencing the taste and strength of the coffee.

Imagine the brewing process as a dance between the water and the coffee grounds. The longer the water and coffee grounds dance together, the more flavors are extracted, resulting in a bolder taste. Conversely, if the dance is cut short, the brew will be milder and less intense. Therefore, it is important to adjust the brewing time according to your preference.

The recommended brewing time for French press coffee is four to five minutes, a sweet spot that allows for optimal extraction of flavors. Try testing for yourself different lengths of time. We’ve found that on days where a strong rich cup is needed, five to eight minutes will give a more full-bodied experience. 

Curated Collection: Top Coffee Brands for Your French Press

Having understood the art and science behind French press brewing, it’s time to focus on the best coffee brands for your French press. Whether you enjoy exploring the unique offerings of specialty roasters or prefer sticking to the tried-and-true mainstream brands, we’ve got you covered.

Artisanal Excellence: Specialty Coffee Brand Highlights

Begin with some artisanal gems in the coffee world. Specialty coffee brands are the Van Goghs of the coffee industry, dedicated to quality and sustainability. They ensure that the coffee is fresh, flavorful, and ethically sourced.

Sipping on the best coffee beans from The Barn in Berlin, Germany, or indulging in a cup brewed from beans roasted by Coffee Supreme in Wellington, New Zealand, can be a unique experience. Our current favorite for French press brewing, Bristot, comes from near the towering Dolomites. Each sip tells a story of dedication and passion for quality coffee. So next time you’re brewing your French press coffee, consider trying beans from these esteemed artisanal coffee roasters.

Mainstream Marvels: Recognizable Brands That Don’t Disappoint

For those who prefer reliable and familiar tastes, there are numerous mainstream coffee brands that promise consistent quality for your French press brewing. These brands have mastered the art of producing exceptional coffee that caters to a wide range of taste preferences, including:

• Allegro
• Starbucks
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Folgers
• Maxwell House
• Peet’s Coffee

Enjoying a cup of French press coffee brewed from Allegro Coffee’s beans or savoring the rich flavor of Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend can make for a delightful experience. These brands continue to deliver quality without compromising on flavor, making them excellent choices for your French press brew.

Freshness Factor: Why Whole Bean Coffee Reigns Supreme

If coffee beans were the characters of our French press story, then freshness would be the plot. Freshness plays a critical role in ensuring a flavorful brew. Whole bean coffee, compared to pre ground coffee options, can stay fresh longer and provide a deeper, richer flavor.

Opening a bag of fresh coffee beans can be an experience in itself. The aroma that fills your kitchen is unmatched, especially when they are roasted coffee beans. To ensure this freshness, remember to store your beans properly – in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and moisture.

So, for your next French press brew, consider using whole french press coffee beans and grinding them just before brewing. You’ll be rewarded with a cup of coffee that’s truly exceptional.

The Grind at Home: Best Practices with Coffee Grinders

Grinding your own coffee beans at home is like adding your personal touch to your French press brew. It allows you to control the coarseness of the grind and enjoy the freshest possible coffee.

Grinding your coffee beans at home fills your kitchen with the aroma of fresh coffee. To grind your coffee at home, a burr grinder is your best bet. It allows you to achieve a consistent grind size, which is crucial for optimal extraction. So, invest in a good coffee grinder and enjoy the difference it makes to your French press coffee.

From Beans to Brew: Step-by-Step French Press Recipe

Alright hero, having gone from selecting the right beans to grinding them at home, it’s finally time to brew some coffee! Here, we’ll walk through a step-by-step French press coffee recipe.

Draw the curtains on a lazy Sunday morning, letting the sunlight stream in. You measure your coffee grounds, heat the water to the right temperature, and start the brew. After a few minutes, you press the plunger down, pour the coffee into your favorite mug, and take a sip. A pro tip here, don’t push the plunger all the way down! Let it sit on the top of where the liquid starts. This allows for a continued, bolder, and richer taste as your drinking progresses. The rich, full-bodied flavor of the coffee awakens your senses, and you smile. That’s the magic of French press coffee.

Beyond Black: Enhancing Your French Press Coffee

While a well-brewed French press coffee is delicious on its own, there are several ways you can enhance its flavor. Some options include:

• Adding milk or cream to create a creamy and smooth texture
• Sweetening your coffee with sugar, honey, or flavored syrups
• Adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a unique flavor twist

These additions can take your coffee experience to the next level.

Your French press coffee is a canvas, ready for you to paint with flavors. Here are some ideas to enhance your brew:

• Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it
• Sprinkle some cardamom or cinnamon for warm and slightly spicy notes
• Infuse it with a dash of vanilla extract for a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your perfect cup of coffee.

So, next time you brew your French press coffee, don’t hesitate to experiment and discover your own perfect blend.

The Sustainability Scoop: Eco-Friendly Coffee Choices

As coffee lovers, we not only have a responsibility to brew great coffee but also to support sustainable practices in the coffee industry. Choosing eco-friendly coffee brands is a step in that direction.

Consider a coffee plantation where coffee plants grow under the shade of taller trees, serving as a habitat for various species. This is shade-grown coffee, one of the many sustainable practices in the coffee industry. Along with fair trade practices and organic farming, these initiatives ensure that our love for coffee also contributes to a healthier planet and a fairer society.

So, next time you buy coffee, consider choosing brands that support these values.

A Mug’s Journey: From Coffee Plant to French Press

Take a step back and trace the journey of coffee beans from the plant to your French press. It’s a journey that spans continents and involves countless hands, all contributing to the cup of coffee you savor every morning.

Envision a coffee plantation with coffee plants laden with cherries. Once the cherries are ripe, they are harvested, processed, and dried to reveal the coffee beans. These beans are then sorted, roasted, and finally ground to the perfect size for your French press brew. Each stage of this journey contributes to the unique flavor and aroma of your coffee, making each sip a testament to the journey of the beans from the plant to your French press.

Alternate Angles: French Press vs. Other Brewing Methods

While French press brewing has its unique charm, it’s not the only way to brew coffee. There are many other brewing methods, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s compare French press brewing with a few other popular methods.

Consider a spectrum of coffee brewing methods:

• Espresso machine: uses high pressure to extract a potent brew that emphasizes the tart and floral notes of the coffee
• Drip coffee maker: water drips slowly through a filter containing coffee grounds, resulting in a milder brew
• French press: offers a full-bodied, robust coffee with a strong aroma

So, whether you prefer the potency of an espresso or the mildness of drip coffee, there’s a brewing method for everyone.

Final Take Aways

In this flavorful journey, we’ve explored the art and science of brewing the perfect French press coffee. From selecting the right coffee beans and achieving the ideal grind size, to mastering the brewing techniques and even enhancing the flavor of our brew, we’ve delved deep into the world of French press coffee. We also compared French press brewing with other methods and learned about the journey of coffee beans from the plant to the French press. So, armed with this knowledge, it’s time to brew a cup of French press coffee that’s truly remarkable.

Frequently Asked Questions