Cold brew coffee has gained significant popularity in recent years, offering a smooth, low-acid alternative to traditional hot brewed coffee. It’s a perfect choice for those sweltering summer days or for anyone who prefers a milder, less bitter taste in their coffee. The cold brewing process involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. This method extracts the rich flavors without releasing the acidic compounds typically associated with hot brewing methods.
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Choosing the right coffee beans can make all the difference in achieving a delicious cold brew. The best beans for cold brew are often medium to dark roasts with low acidity, as they will result in a more balanced and full-bodied flavor profile. This ensures that even after the cold brew is filtered it will maintain a strong flavor. However, there’s also a myriad of bean origins and blends, which can offer unique tastes and aromas, making the selection process an exciting journey for coffee aficionados.
When shopping for cold brew coffee beans, it’s essential to consider factors such as roast level, bean origin, and the freshness of the beans, which can all influence the overall taste of your cold brew. Additionally, it’s crucial to choose brands with a reputation for quality, as the beans’ quality will directly impact your cold brew experience.
We’ve investigated countless coffee options available on Amazon and, after much consideration, have curated a list of the best cold brew coffee beans to help you create an exceptional and refreshing beverage at home. Let us guide you through our top choices, so you can discover the perfect beans for your cold brew preferences.
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Best Cold Brew Coffee Beans
We have carefully curated a list of the best cold brew coffee beans available on Amazon, ensuring a smooth and refreshing taste in every cup. Dive in to explore our top picks!
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mountain
We highly recommend Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mountain for its delicious blend of chocolatey Latin American and bright East African beans, perfect for cold brew lovers.
Pros
- Complex flavor with citrus zest, caramel, and hazelnut notes
- Direct Trade sourcing ensures quality and ethical practices
- Works well with various brewing methods, including cold brew
Cons
- Some users found it too mild in flavor
- Freshness of the product may vary in shipping
- Slightly pricier compared to other brands
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mountain Organic Whole Bean Coffee offers coffee enthusiasts an excellent option for cold brew coffee. With a burst of citrus, caramel, and hazelnut flavors, this medium roast provides an invigorating yet smooth experience. We enjoyed the versatility of this blend, as it worked well with different brewing methods such as espresso, pour-over, and cold brew.
As advocates of sustainability, we appreciate that Stumptown Coffee Roasters’ Direct Trade program ensures collaborative partnerships, fair prices, and long-term relationships with coffee producers. The company also achieved B Corp status in 2018, reinforcing their commitment to the environment, employees and community.
However, some users may find the flavor of Holler Mountain too mild for their taste. Depending on shipping time and storage, the freshness of the product may also vary, potentially affecting the quality of your cold brew. Lastly, the price might be a bit higher compared to other brands, so consider this factor if you’re on a budget.
Overall, we believe Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mountain’s unique blend of flavors, versatility in brewing, and the company’s commitment to ethical practices and sustainability make it a great choice for cold brew enthusiasts seeking quality coffee beans.
Kicking Horse Decaf Coffee
A great choice for those who want a decaffeinated coffee with bold flavor and eco-friendly practices.
Pros
- Swiss Water Process decaf
- Smooth yet bold flavor
- Organic, Fairtrade, and Kosher
Cons
- Pricier than other decaf options
- Not widely available in some regions
- Some may prefer non-decaf flavor
We decided to try Kicking Horse Coffee’s Decaf blend as we needed a caffeine-free option to enjoy in the evenings. Upon opening the bag, we noticed a rich and inviting aroma that didn’t hint at it being decaf at all. We brewed it using a French press, which we found to be a suitable method to truly enjoy this smooth, chocolaty coffee with roasted hazelnut notes.
What truly impressed us about Kicking Horse Coffee was their commitment to producing a high-quality, environmentally responsible product. Their beans are sourced from Central and South America and are grown using sustainable farming practices. This commitment extends to their decaf blend, which uses the Swiss Water Process to naturally remove caffeine without the use of harsh chemicals.
Though we enjoyed the flavor and appreciated the eco-friendly practices, we found this decaf coffee to be a bit more expensive than some other options on the market. Additionally, it is not as widely available in certain regions, which might make it difficult for some to access regularly. That being said, the taste, aroma, and environmental concerns make Kicking Horse a strong contender for the best decaf coffee available on Amazon.
Overall, if you’re looking for a decaf coffee that doesn’t compromise on flavor and supports sustainable practices, Kicking Horse Decaf is worth a try.
Lavazza Organic Tierra! Whole Bean Coffee
A delightful coffee experience with this light-roast, sustainably-grown blend suitable for various brewing methods.
Pros
- Outstanding floral and fruity aroma
- USDA organic and sustainably grown
- Versatile in brewing methods
Cons
- Light roast may not suit bold coffee lovers
- A little more expensive than other beans
- Not as creamy as some espresso blends
We recently tried the Lavazza Organic Tierra! whole bean coffee blend and were quite impressed with its unique flavor profile. The mix of Arabica varieties creates a full-bodied light roast that is undoubtedly enjoyable to sip. The blend’s floral and fruity aromatic notes stood out and provided a refreshing and smooth taste.
What we appreciated the most was that the beans are USDA Organic, Canada Organic, UTZ, and Euro Leaf Organic certified. This clearly shows that Lavazza is committed to 100% sustainability, sourcing their beans responsibly from around the world. Moreover, this blend is not only perfect for making traditional espresso but also works well in a drip coffee maker, French press, or moka pot.
On the other hand, if you are a lover of bold and dark coffee, the light roast of this blend might not completely satisfy your taste buds. Additionally, the price can be slightly higher than other coffee beans on the market. It’s also worth noting that due to its light roast, the blend may not produce the same level of creaminess compared to some other espresso blends.
In conclusion, if you cherish a unique and refreshing coffee flavor with versatile brewing options, the Lavazza Organic Tierra! whole bean coffee blend is worth trying. Although a bit pricier, its commitment to sustainability and exceptional taste make it a valuable choice for any coffee enthusiast.
Kicking Horse Coffee – Three Sisters Medium Roast
This coffee is perfect for those seeking a smooth, savory, and seductive cold brew experience with an impact on sustainability.
Pros
- Well-rounded and complex flavor
- Organic, Fairtrade, and Kosher certified
- Suitable for various brewing methods
Cons
- Beans can be less oily than other brands
- Price fluctuations on Amazon
- Aroma might be too mild for some
We recently tried the Kicking Horse Coffee – Three Sisters Medium Roast, and we were impressed by its smooth, well-rounded flavor with notes of sweet tobacco, stone fruit, and cocoa. This coffee is sourced from socially responsible farmers in Indonesia, Central, and South America, making it a guilt-free choice for sustainability-conscious coffee lovers like us.
The Three Sisters blend works well with multiple brewing methods, including French press, drip machine, pour over, and, of course, cold brew. We used it for our cold brew, and the result was a rich, smooth, and satisfying beverage without any bitterness. However, we noticed that the beans were slightly less oily compared to other brands we’ve tried, which might affect the extraction process or taste for some coffee enthusiasts.
The only downside we found with this product is its somewhat inconsistent pricing on Amazon. We’ve seen the price fluctuate within the $22-$39 range. We believe that a more stable price point would greatly improve the purchasing experience for consumers.
Nevertheless, we think the Kicking Horse Coffee – Three Sisters Medium Roast is a fantastic choice for those looking for a delicious and ethically sourced cold brew coffee bean option on Amazon.
OLDE BROOKLYN ITALIAN Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee
For a robust, aromatic, and intense coffee experience, OLDE BROOKLYN COFFEE’s ITALIAN Dark Roast Whole Bean is a top choice.
Pros
- Rich, strong flavor profile
- Freshly roasted in small batches
- Wide variety of blends available
Cons
- May be too strong for some preferences
- Bag color may vary upon delivery
- Not suitable for those who don’t like dark roasts
We recently tried the ITALIAN Dark Roast Whole Bean coffee from OLDE BROOKLYN COFFEE and found it to be a delightful, robust, and intense coffee experience. The small-batch roasting process ensures freshness and captures the unique, bold flavors of their blends, providing us with an invigorating cup of coffee.
With bean varieties from Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala, OLDE BROOKLYN COFFEE offers a vast collection to choose from, ranging from sweet to strong. The ITALIAN Dark Roast Whole Bean is perfect for a bold black coffee, a midday espresso pick-me-up, drip-brews, cold brews, or even brewing in a French press.
What sets OLDE BROOKLYN COFFEE apart is their commitment to providing high-quality coffee blends at an affordable price without compromising quality. Their beans are roasted on a weekly basis to ensure a fresh and aromatic experience with every cup. While we loved the strong flavor profile of the ITALIAN Dark Roast, it is worth noting that it may not be ideal for those who prefer a milder or lighter roast.
Buying Guide – Key Factors to Look For
When it comes to choosing the best cold brew coffee beans, there are several factors we need to consider. In this buying guide, we’re sharing insights on how to select the perfect beans for your cold brew experience.
Roast Level
One important aspect to consider is the roast level of the coffee beans. Cold brewing brings out different flavors than hot brewing, so finding the right roast can greatly impact the final taste. Generally, medium to dark roasts work best for cold brew, as they tend to have lower acidity levels, which results in a smoother and more balanced flavor.
Bean Origin
The origin of the coffee beans also plays a significant role in determining the flavor profile. Beans from different regions have unique flavor characteristics. For example, African beans typically have fruity and floral notes, while Central and South American beans often have chocolate and nutty undertones. Experimenting with coffee beans from various regions can help you find your personal taste preference.
Freshness
Freshness is crucial when it comes to coffee beans. We recommend purchasing beans that have been recently roasted, ideally no more than a month old. Freshly roasted beans will yield a more vibrant and flavorful cold brew. Be sure to check the roast date on the packaging before making a purchase.
Grind Size
While this guide focuses on buying whole beans, it’s essential to mention the importance of grind size for cold brewing. A coarse grind is ideal, as it will help prevent over-extraction and bitterness in the final brew. If you’re buying pre-ground coffee, make sure to look for bags labeled specifically for cold brew or with a coarse grind size.
In summary, when looking for the best cold brew coffee beans on Amazon, consider the roast level, bean origin, freshness, and grind size. Experimenting with different options and paying attention to these factors will ultimately lead you to the perfect cold brew experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top coffee beans for cold brew?
We recommend using a medium to coarse grind for making cold brew coffee. Beans with chocolatey or fruity notes work well for cold brew, as the brewing process highlights these flavors. Some popular bean varieties for cold brewing are Ethiopian, Guatemalan, and Colombian. Make sure to choose high-quality, freshly roasted beans for the best results.
Which beans are specifically tailored for cold brewing?
Some coffee brands offer beans specifically designed for cold brewing. These beans are often roasted with a unique profile to bring out flavors optimal for a cold brew process. You might find coffee beans labeled as “Cold Brew Blend” or similar names on Amazon, which are specifically crafted for this brewing method.
How do cold brew beans differ from regular beans?
Cold brew beans are not vastly different from regular coffee beans. However, the flavors in cold brew coffee can vary significantly based on the origin and roast level of the beans used. Generally, beans with a medium or light roast are better for cold brewing, as they maintain their inherent flavor profiles without introducing too much bitterness.
What type of grind is ideal for cold brew coffee?
A coarser grind is ideal for cold brew coffee. This prevents over-extraction and results in a smooth, full-bodied taste. You can use a dedicated coffee grinder to achieve the right consistency or ask your coffee roaster to provide a coarse grind when purchasing your beans.
What brands are recommended for cold brew beans?
Some well-regarded brands offering cold brew beans on Amazon include Stone Street Coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and Tiny Footprint Coffee. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with other high-quality brands or local roasters. Look for a focus on sustainable and ethically-sourced beans, as these factors can contribute to a superior and more enjoyable cold brew coffee experience.
How does bean quality affect cold brew flavor?
Bean quality is essential to the flavor of your cold brew coffee. High-quality beans will deliver a smoother, more rounded flavor with minimal bitterness. Coffee beans that are freshly roasted, properly stored, and ethically sourced can significantly enhance your cold brew experience.