Discover the Ultimate Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew – A Coffee Lover’s Guide

Welcome to our search for the best coffee beans for cold brew. We’ve tasted and tested seven different kinds and are excited to share that Kicking Horse Coffee is our top pick. It’s the best overall for anyone who loves cold brew.

Why listen to us? Well, we’re a team of coffee lovers who’ve spent a lot of time brewing and tasting. Our kitchen is our coffee lab, where we try out different beans to see which ones make the best cup. Kicking Horse Coffee stands out because of its great taste and quality.

If you’re curious about what makes this coffee so good for cold brew or looking for the right coffee for your taste, you’re in the right place. We’ve explored various options, from solid and bold to light and smooth.

Stay with us as we dive into the details of these coffees. Let’s get started!

Our Best Coffee for cold brew.

1. Kicking Horse Coffee – (Best Overall)
2. Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve – (Best Dark Roast)
3. Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee – (Budget Pick)
4. Volcanica Coffee Cold Brew Blend – (Best Blend)
5. Java Planet Guatemalan – (Best Single Origin)
6. Tiny Footprint Coffee – (Best Organic)
7. JO Decaf – (Best Decaf Option)

7 Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew Reviewed

Besides our best overall pick, plenty of other great coffee beans for cold brew are out there. We’ve looked at how the coffee is roasted, where it’s from, the type of beans, how it’s made, how fresh it is, and what customers think.

From all this, we’ve put together a list of seven top coffee choices perfect for cold brew lovers. This list has something for everyone, no matter what kind of cold brew you like.

Why It’s Our Top Pick

Kicking Horse Coffee has been a standout Canadian brand since 1996, known for its commitment to quality and sustainable practices. It earns the title of best overall for cold brew due to its exceptional flavor profile and ethical production.

This medium-roast coffee blends the sweetness of sugar cane with the richness of milk chocolate and the depth of honeyed berries, creating a unique and captivating sensory experience. The mix of Arabica beans from Central Africa and South America contributes to a harmonious and complex flavor that is both enjoyable and distinctive.

Kicking Horse Coffee’s dedication to ethical practices is demonstrated through its USDA and Fairtrade certifications, ensuring that each cup is enjoyable and responsibly sourced.

While this premium coffee is priced slightly higher, its unique flavor profile and specialization in cold brew make it a worthy investment for those who appreciate a standout coffee experience. However, its distinctive taste may not align with preferences for traditional coffee flavors, and it may be less adaptable to other brewing methods.

Overall, Kicking Horse Coffee is an excellent choice for those seeking an organic, ethically produced coffee with a unique flavor profile. It’s particularly ideal for enhancing the cold brew experience, offering quality and taste that are hard to beat.

We recently tried the Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee and instantly loved its robust and smooth flavor. The low acidity makes it perfect for people like us who enjoy a strong coffee taste without unwanted stomach issues. The Colombian single-origin blend with the dark roast level enhances the depth of flavor in the cold brew.

One of our favorite things about this coffee is that it’s specifically crafted for cold brewing. Unlike other bulk coffee brands, the Stone Street Coffee Company ensures the beans are fresh and coarsely ground, which is ideal for making cold brews at home. Using our French press, mason jar, or cold brew maker, we’ve had consistent, delicious results every time.

The only downside is that the price may be slightly higher than some alternatives. However, it’s worth the investment for a coffee that lives up to its reputation. If you’re a strong coffee fan, try this blend. But be warned, it may be too intense for some people’s preferences.

We can confidently recommend Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee to fellow cold brew enthusiasts or people looking to try something new. Its fresh, strong, and smooth taste makes it hard to resist, and has quickly become our go-to coffee for cold brew at home.

We recently tried Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee and were impressed by the smoothness and sweetness of its flavor. The blend features Arabica beans sourced ethically from Guatemala and is USDA Organic. This attention to quality and sustainability appeals to us as we enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without guilt.

Bizzy’s blend is specifically engineered for cold brewing, producing a consistent and extra smooth drink every time. We could easily adjust the brew strength by adding more or less water, giving us complete control over the taste—the medium roast showcased notes of caramel and hazelnut, which we found delightful.

However, the blend might not satisfy those who crave bold coffee flavors. 

If you’re looking for a smooth and sweet cold brew coffee that is ethically sourced and organic, Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee might be the perfect choice. The blend allows for customization to suit your taste preferences and offers a refreshing experience, albeit at a slightly higher price.

 We recently sampled Volcanica Coffee’s Cold Brew Blend and were immediately impressed by its intricate flavor. Combining Ethiopian and Costa Rican Arabica beans, the medium roast tastes sweet, chocolatey, and nutty. This blend is perfect for a refreshing cold brew, delivering a satisfying, complex flavor that lingers pleasantly.

Volcanica’s commitment to ethical sourcing is evident in its Fair Trade and Alliance certifications, adding a layer of responsibility to your coffee enjoyment. The unique combination of beans from different origins contributes to its distinct flavor profile, making it a standout choice for cold brew aficionados.

However, those who prefer lighter roasts or different brewing methods might find this blend less appealing.

In conclusion, Volcanica Coffee’s Cold Brew Blend is a fantastic choice for those seeking a unique, flavorful, and ethically sourced coffee for their cold brew preparations. Its rich and complex flavor profile and commitment to sustainability make it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts.

Our tasting experience with Java Planet’s Guatemalan Organic Coffee Beans was delightful. This medium roast, boasting rich flavors of caramel and chocolate, is a perfect choice for those who love a smooth and flavorful cold brew.

The ethical standards upheld by Java Planet, evidenced by its USDA and Fair Trade certifications, add significant value to the coffee, ensuring that you enjoy a delicious brew and supporting responsible coffee production practices.

While the price is slightly higher than some other options, the unique flavor experience and ethical assurance it provides justify the cost. However, its rich and specific flavor profile might only be some’s cup of coffee, particularly for those who prefer lighter roasts or more traditional coffee flavors.

In summary, Java Planet’s Guatemalan Organic Coffee Beans are an excellent choice for cold brew lovers looking for luxurious and ethically produced coffee. Its rich flavor and high-quality beans make it a standout option for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Our tasting experience with Java Planet’s Guatemalan Organic Coffee Beans was delightful. This medium roast, boasting rich flavors of caramel and chocolate, is a perfect choice for those who love a smooth and flavorful cold brew.

This coffee’s bright and floral tones are a testament to the quality of Ethiopian Arabica beans. Every sip is infused with a lively and distinct flavor, making it an excellent choice for a cold brew that’s out of the ordinary.

Tiny Footprint Coffee’s commitment to the environment is commendable. The brand’s focus on organic, fair trade, and shade-grown practices not only enhances the coffee’s quality but also supports sustainable agriculture.

However, while justifiable by its quality and ethical standards, this coffee’s unique taste profile and higher price point might not align with everyone’s preferences or budget. Additionally, its particular suitability for cold brew means it may not be the best choice for those who use other brewing methods.

In conclusion, Tiny Footprint Coffee is a fantastic selection for those who value environmentally friendly practices and enjoy a unique, vibrant flavor in their cold brew. It’s a responsible and delightful choice for coffee enthusiasts looking to make a positive impact on their coffee consumption.

Our experience with JO Decaf was a journey into decaffeinated coffee’s rich and complex world. The blend of flavors like chocolate, cedar, licorice, and black raspberry creates a fascinating, bold, and nuanced taste. This coffee proves that decaf doesn’t have to be dull or flavorless.

The commitment to ethical sourcing and production is evident in its organic, fair trade, and kosher certifications, adding a layer of responsibility to the coffee experience. These certifications ensure that coffee is not only good for the consumer but also the farmers and the environment.

While the cost is a bit higher than some other coffees, this is understandable given the decaffeination process and the ethical standards upheld. However, its unique and robust flavor profile and dark roast might not suit everyone’s taste, particularly those who prefer a more traditional or lighter coffee experience.

JO Decaf is an excellent choice for coffee lovers looking for a high-quality, decaffeinated option with a rich and exciting flavor. Its ethical credentials and complex taste profile make it a standout choice for those seeking a guilt-free and enjoyable coffee experience any time of the day.

How to choose the best coffee beans for cold brew

We’ll break down the important factors to consider when choosing the perfect bean.

1. Flavor Profile

First and foremost, let’s consider the flavor. Cold brewing tends to bring out a smooth, less acidic taste, so think about your preferences. Do you enjoy fruity and bright flavors or darker and more chocolatey notes? Remember, your favorite hot coffee doesn’t translate well to cold brew, so feel free to experiment.

2. Roast Levels

Coffee roasts range from light to dark. Each roast level significantly influences the flavor of your cold brew. Light roasts retain the bean’s acidity and fruitiness, while medium and dark roasts bring out richer, more robust flavors.

However, exploring light roasts can lead to pleasantly surprising flavor profiles, especially if they possess vibrant, fruity notes.

3. Grind Size

Grinding too fine could result in over-extraction, leading to bitter or overly intense flavors.

4. Freshness (Whole Beans vs Pre-Ground coffee)

Freshly roasted coffee beans are essential for a flavorful cold brew. Beans gradually lose their flavors and aromas over time, so the fresher the beans, the better the taste.

Pre-ground coffee, while convenient, might deliver a different depth of flavor.

5. Bean Origin – Blend or Single Origin?

Blend: This is a mix of beans from different places. It is suitable for a balanced taste with different flavors mixed.
Single Origin: A Bean is from one specific place. They give you a unique taste that shows off the special qualities of that region.

6. Type of Bean – Arabica or Robusta?

Arabica beans are usually sweeter and softer, with a fruity, sugary taste. They’re famous for their smooth flavor. On the other side, Robusta beans are stronger and a bit harsher. They have more caffeine and a bolder taste.

Finals Thoughts

Our verdict is clear: Kicking Horse Coffee tops our list for cold brew. It strikes the perfect balance, catering to various taste preferences, whether you favor bold or smooth coffee. This choice guarantees a satisfying cold brew every time.

We highly recommend giving Kicking Horse Coffee a try for your cold brew needs.

Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments and let others know how it worked for you. Also, feel free to spread the word by sharing this article with fellow coffee lovers!