Why Cold Brew Is Often Made With Dark Roast Coffee Beans

In 2015, Starbucks made headlines by adding cold brew coffee to its menu. However, according to The Coffee Wave, cold brew coffee may have existed in Japan as early as the 1600s before reaching the Americas in the 1800s. During the hot summer months, the refreshing, cool drink is a great way to get your caffeine fix.

The process of preparing cold brew coffee, however, is not as straightforward as brewing a cup of hot coffee and waiting for it to cool. The Coffee Wave explains that to make authentic cold brew, the coffee grounds must steep in cold water for at least 12 hours. Even longer, if you desire a more potent taste. Although it may seem more convenient to purchase your daily cold brew from a local coffee shop, doing so can be costly. Therefore, if you decide to start brewing coffee at home, it is essential to know which beans to use.

According to CNet, when preparing cold brew coffee for a large group, dark roast coffee beans are generally considered to be the best option.

The cold brew method can accentuate the robust, earthy flavours of dark roast coffees in a way that it cannot with lighter roasts. Dark roast coffee is also ideal for making a large batch of cold brew to store in the refrigerator, as the flavour profile remains stable during the brewing process. With lighter roasts, you may occasionally lose the fruity flavours you seek. According to The Coffee Wave, cold brew can be refrigerated for up to two weeks if stored properly, so you’ll want to choose a bean with longevity. (And as an added bonus, dark roast coffee is typically less expensive than light or medium roast coffee, so it’s even better for your wallet.)

If you decide to make your own homemade cold brew, we recommend grabbing a bag of dark roast coffee, even if your personal preferences lean towards a lighter roast; you may be pleasantly surprised by the flavour difference. And even if it is a tad too dark for your taste, you can always sweeten it to your liking and add the dairy of your choice to mellow the flavour.

Read more • tastingtable.com