All about cold brew

Meaning of Cold Brew

Cold brew is a compound word combining "cold", and "brew",
meaning to brew or steep. It refers to coffee brewed
using cold or room temperature water instead of
hot water traditionally used for extraction.

The Origins of Cold Brew

The origin of cold brew coffee is not precisely documented,
but there are two prominent theories.

One theory suggests that during the Dutch colonization
of Indonesia, Dutch sailors devised cold brew as a method
to brew coffee while on long voyages.
Since they couldn't use fire on wooden ships,
they started brewing coffee using room-temperature water.

Another theory proposes that cold brew was
invented in Indonesia as a method to reduce
the bitterness of Indonesian coffee beans.

Cold Brew Extraction Method

Drip Method

There are two methods for extracting cold brew coffee.
One of them is the drip method, which involves
dripping water slowly onto coffee grounds,
similar to what we already know.
This process typically takes at least 10 hours or more for
extraction. The coffee grounds are steeped in water until
the concentrated coffee drips into a container below.

The drip method requires a long extraction time
and specialized equipment, which can be a drawback.
However, it allows for a rich and clean concentrate,
offering a smooth coffee flavor.

Percolation Method

Percolation involves placing ground coffee beans into a large
container, adding water, and letting it steep at room-
temperature for 10-12 hours before filtering out impurities.
It's a simpler extraction method compared to drip brewing.

The advantage of percolation is that it doesn't require special
equipment and the extraction process is straightforward.
However, because the beans steep in water for
an extended period, their oils may leach out more,
potentially resulting in a cloudier or weaker taste.

Differences between Cold Brew and Dutch Coffee

Cold brew and Dutch coffee can be considered
the same term. Both refer to coffee extracted using cold
or room-temperature water over a long period.

The method was originally developed by the Dutch,
but it was introduced to Japan where locals adopted
the technique and started calling it 'Dutch coffee'
to signify its Dutch origins.

Since then, there has been some distinction between
cold brew and Dutch coffee based on extraction methods.
Some define Dutch coffee specifically as the drip method.

Differences between Cold Brew and Americano

Cold brew and Americano may look similar,
but there are distinct differences between them.
Cold brew involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water,
whereas an Americano is typically made by
diluting espresso with hot water.

As a result, cold brew tends to have less acidity
and bitterness, offering a smoother and cleaner taste profile,
whereas Americano retains some acidity,
giving it a slightly tangy flavor.

Additionally, cold brew has a higher caffeine content
compared to Americano because it uses cold coffee
concentrate over time. If you're sensitive to caffeine,
it's advisable to adjust by adding more water or reducing
the amount of coffee concentrate when drinking cold brew.

Introducing Nespresso Cold Brew Style Intense Capsule

Nespresso also has capsules that are suitable for cold brew.
Let us introduce the new Cold Brew Style Intense Capsule
from Nespresso.

This capsule combines the roasting aroma and caramel notes
of Arabica beans from Central and South America to create
a smooth and cold brew with a silky texture.

The first extraction starts quickly with hot water to develop
the coffee's body and extract delicate nuances of aroma.
Subsequently, the extraction continues at the same
temperature as the water tank to exclude any bitter aftertaste.
Fill a cup with ice and cold water from the tank,
then extract directly onto it to enjoy.

*The Cold Brew Style Intense capsule is exclusive to
Vertuo Plus and Vertuo Next machines.