Considerations on Cold Brew Concentrate

Concentrated cold brew is a potent form of cold brew coffee characterized by a higher coffee-to-water ratio during the brewing process. In traditional form it involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a strong, flavorful concentrate. This concentrate is typically diluted with water, milk, or alternative milk before consumption to achieve the desired strength.

Key Characteristics:

• High Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Concentrated cold brew is distinguished by a significant increase in the amount of coffee used in the brewing process compared to regular cold brew. Common ratios range from 1:4 to 1:8 (coffee to water), producing a concentrated liquid that packs a flavor punch.
• Intense Flavor Profile: The higher coffee concentration results in a more intense and robust flavor profile. Some coffee enthusiasts appreciate the bold and rich taste that concentrated cold brew delivers.
• Versatility in Dilution: Consumers have the flexibility to dilute the concentrate according to personal taste preferences. This adaptability makes it suitable for those who enjoy experimenting with the strength of their coffee.
• Precision Needed: Achieving the perfect balance in dilution requires precision. Too much dilution can result in a weak brew, while too little can make the coffee overly strong. This aspect may be challenging for those who prefer a more straightforward brewing process.

Comparing Cold Brew Concentrate to Ready-to-Drink (RTD):

Advantages of Cold Brew RTD:

• Convenience at Its Core: Ready-to-Drink cold brew eliminates the need for user intervention. Its grab-and-go convenience appeals to individuals with a fast-paced lifestyle, offering instant refreshment without the need for dilution.
• Consistent Flavor Profile: RTD cold brew ensures a consistent flavor with every sip. With precise brewing and packaging, users can expect the same taste experience every time, eliminating the variability associated with home dilution.

Let's talk about costs per portion (250ml):

(Calculations based on average results from five extractions)

Baby Hardtank

• Coffee: Guatemala Finca La Maravilla Bourbon Natural
• Price: $58 / 1000g
• Dose: 325g
• Cost per batch: $18,85
• Brewed coffee weight: 4192,5g
• TDS: 1,53%
• Liquid retained ratio: 1,62
• Amount of portions (250ml): 16,77
• Cost per portion: $1,12

24h Cold Brew Concentrate

• Coffee: Guatemala Finca La Maravilla Bourbon Natural
• Price: $58 / 1000g
• Dose: 200g
• Cost per batch: $11,60
• Brewed coffee weight: 584,2g
• TDS: 3,84%
• Liquid retained ratio: 2,2
• Dilution: 880g
• Final TDS: 1,53%
• Total brew weight: 1464,2g
• Amount of portions (250ml): 5,86
• Cost per portion: $1,98

While Cold Brew Concentrate holds the fort for flavor enthusiasts, still the economic advantage leans toward Ready-to-Drink extracting methods, especially when considering the costs associated with black coffee dilution. With a substantial difference in cost per portion, RTD presents itself as a financially savvy choice for those valuing simplicity and consistency over intricate brewing processes.

Looking ahead, the potential of cold brew concentrate appears promising, yet unlocking its true prowess demands a shift in brewing paradigms. The current immersion methods, while appreciated for their versatility, might not be efficient enough to harness the full potential of flavor extraction. Innovation is encouraging the industry to look for new brewing methods that can increase total dissolved solids (TDS) and extraction levels without resorting to drastically increasing the coffee-to-water ratio. The future of cold brew lies in the hands of visionary brewing technologies that can redefine the boundaries of extraction efficiency.

PS. I will certainly dig into the issues of extraction yield and turbidity in the context of cold brew in future articles. These are important aspects that significantly affect the quality and properties of the final infusion. Stay tuned for in-depth analysis of these key elements in upcoming discussions on the evolving cold brew coffee market.