In the ever-evolving world of coffee, where beans meet water in countless variations, one method has risen to prominence for its delightful characteristics: cold brew coffee. With its smooth and rich flavor, it has become a beloved choice for coffee enthusiasts.
But does brewing coffee in cold water make it different from a hot brew? And does it matter how you brew it?
To find out, we embarked on a quest to conduct a taste test using three distinct brewing styles, ensuring fairness by employing the same type and amount of coffee grounds, and water for each method. Our chosen coffee blend was the luscious Peet's Coffee Dark Roast Major Dickenson.
The Brew Styles:
- Hot Brewed (20 minutes) using a Chemex: Our journey began with the Chemex, a popular choice for hot brewing. The coffee grounds met hot water for 20 minutes, creating a cup that carried the familiar flavors of coffee. However, some felt it was a tad diluted, perhaps due to the amount of water used.
- Refrigerated Cold Brewed (24 hours): The second contender, cold brewed for 24 hours in the fridge, revealed a stark contrast. It eliminated a significant portion of the bitterness and presented a taste entirely distinct from the hot-brewed counterpart. Yet, there was still a perception of slight dilution in flavor.
- Astrobrew Cold Brew Maker (20 mins): The final method with the Astrobrew Cold Brew Maker, emerged as the dark horse in this race. It was met with unanimous approval from our panel of coffee aficionados who indulge in both hot and cold brews. Notably, this brew exhibited none of the bitterness or acidity that characterized the first hot brew. Instead, it offered a full-bodied, wholesome flavor profile that left an impression. The secret might lie in the reduced dilution compared to the 24-hour steeping method, allowing the coffee's essence to shine.
In the end, the Astrobrew Cold Brew Maker reigned supreme as the champion of our taste test. Its ability to preserve the coffee's natural flavors, eliminate bitterness, and offer a full-bodied experience won the hearts and taste buds of our discerning judges. It seems that for those seeking the epitome of cold brew perfection, this method might just be the secret ingredient they've been searching for.
So, whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a casual coffee lover, exploring various brewing methods can uncover hidden gems in your daily cup. The perfect cold brew may vary from person to person, but the Astrobrew Cold Brew Maker certainly left a lasting impression on our panel, making it a must-try for any coffee enthusiast on a quest for the ultimate cold brew experience.
Looking to try it? There is a bit of a wait. AstroBrew is currently only available for pre-order with delivery late 2024. The cold brew innovation is set to launch its Kickstarter campaign, but available now exclusively on www.astro-brew.com. We’re also taking the cold brew maker on the road and will be the top coffee shows, so keep an eye out - we might just be around the corner.
