Best Coffee Beans You Need to Try for Cold Brew

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Cold-brew coffee has taken the country by storm, and with good reason. It’s arguably the simplest brewing technique and doesn’t require any fancy gadgets or constant babysitting. It’s made by placing coffee grounds in a container with room temperature water. The coffee is then soaked in water for an extended period of time, sometimes up to 24 hours. The resulting flavor of cold-brewed coffee is smooth, sweet, & less acidic than hot brewed coffee. In fact, it is often up to 70% less acidic than coffee made with hot water.

Obviously, the most important variable in this brewing technique is the coffee beans. The java you choose will make or break your brew, so choose wisely.

In case you’re new to the cold-brew scene, I put together a list of all the best coffee beans ideal for cold-brew. I’ve tried these brands and found their rich and smooth flavors to be perfect for the long-soaking brewing technique.

The Best Coffee Beans for Cold-Brew Coffee:

Cold Brew Lab

  • Beans sourced from Colombia
  • 100% Arabica coffee beans
  • Blend of medium & dark roasts
  • USDA Certified Organic

After months of trying different cold-brew batches, I’m still to find ones as good as the coffee I got from Cold Brew Lab. I like to order whole bean coffee and grind it myself before I start brewing, and I recommend the same for you as well, but more on that later. This coffee is deliciously smooth and tasty. The consistency of my brew was fantastic, and the pleasant mouthfeel gave me a long-lasting impression.

I suggest starting your cold-brew journey with Cold Brew Lab, but if you’re inclined to try something different I made a list of all the best coffee beans for cold-brew coffee.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been running a few experiments with cold-brew and found some coffee beans you’ll enjoy in this form. I put them all together on this list for you to consider.

The Best Coffee Beans Ideal for Cold-Brew Coffee

NameRoastSourced From
Cold Brew Lab
Cold Brew LabMedium and Dark MixedColombiaCheck Price
Coffee Bros.
Coffee Bros.MediumBrazil and EthiopiaCheck Price
Wink Coffee
Wink CoffeeMediumColombian AndesCheck Price
VALHALLA JAVA Whole Bean Coffee
Valhalla JavaDarkIndonesia, Central and South AmericaCheck Price
Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve
Stone Street CoffeeDarkColombiaCheck Price
Best Coffee for the French Press
Kicking Horse CoffeeDarkColombiaCheck Price
Organic Coffee Co. French Roast
Organic Coffee Co.FrenchCentral and South AmericaCheck Price
Bulletproof the Mentalist medium-dark roast
Bulletproof The MentalistMedium-DarkBrazil, Guatemala, and ColumbiaCheck Price

Cold Brew Lab Whole Bean

  • Beans sourced from Colombia
  • 100% Arabica coffee beans
  • Blend of medium & dark roasts
  • USDA Certified Organic

Cold Brew Lab should be your number one choice when starting to make cold-brew coffee for the first time. They carefully select specialty coffee beans from Colombia and bring them to both medium and dark roasts to create a bean perfect for cold-brew. It’s their specialty.

I suggest sticking with the whole beans when purchasing your coffee and grinding the beans fresh right before your brew. This way you’ll preserve the freshness of these beans right up to the most opportune moment. This in turn will make your coffee rich in natural flavors but still smooth and void of bitterness. This is easily one of the best coffee beans for cold-brew by all accounts.

These were the first beans I used for cold-brew, and I loved the finished product so much I decided to make more. I’ve grown to experiment with different beans since then. I’m not sure that would have been the case if the first batch didn’t leave such a good long-lasting impression on me. I suggest trying Cold Brew Lab for your cold-brew coffee because I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Coffee Bros Cold Brew Blend

  • Beans sourced from Brazil and Ethiopia
  • 100% Arabica coffee beans
  • Flavor notes: chocolate, mixed berry, and brown sugar
  • Smooth and sweet finish

These relatively new players in the coffee community are making a name for themselves with this outstanding Cold Brew Blend. Two passionate brothers created the ideal batch of coffee beans perfect for cold-brew coffee. If you’re looking for the right coffee beans to use for cold-brew, you’ve found them.

Whether you’re making some for yourself or for a business, having the right beans can make all the difference. Coffee Bros really hit a home-run with their Cold Brew Signature Blend.

Wink Coffee Cold Brew Reserve

  • Beans sourced from the Colombian Andes
  • 100% Arabica coffee beans
  • Flavor notes: Caramel, toasted hazelnut, and cocoa
  • Small batch roasted

A somewhat lesser-known coffee company made this perfect cold-brew roast that you need to take notice of. These single-origin coffee beans sourced from the Colombian Andes result in sweet, bold, and smooth coffee.

Using these beans in cold-brew unlocks their true potential. Every mug with caramel, hazelnut, and cocoa flavors is extremely satisfying for anyone who enjoys cold coffee.

Death Wish Valhalla Java

  • Beans sourced from Indonesia, and Central and South America
  • A mix of Arabica and Robusta
  • Extra strong coffee
  • Certified organic

A real treat for anyone who enjoys strong coffee. This batch will supercharge your cold-brew with extra caffeine without distorting its taste. Death Wish is known for making really strong coffee but they nailed the hammer on the head with these beans, especially when brewed cold.

Easily one of the best coffee beans used for cold-brew, Valhalla Java, is ideal for people who like a little extra kick from their coffee.

Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve

  • Beans sourced from Colombia
  • 100% Arabica coffee beans
  • Strong/bold coffee flavor

If you’re still looking for the best coffee beans for cold-brew, or you’re making your way through this coffee bean hitlist, then you need to give Stone Street a shot. These particular beans are everything you’re looking for in a good cold-brew coffee bean!

Stone Street spent a long time perfecting this batch to reach the ideal roast and flavor for the perfect cup of cold-brew. This batch is slightly sweet, very smooth. I love that how balanced it is with a strong and true bold coffee flavor. 

Kicking Horse Coffee Grizzly Claw

  • Beans sourced from Colombia
  • 100% Arabica coffee beans
  • Flavor Notes: Winey
  • Committed to a greener coffee footprint

If you add this to your list of must-try beans you won’t be disappointed. The coffee is all-organic roasted right in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. As Canada’s number one selling whole bean coffee company they offer top-notch quality coupled with unrivaled service.

The reason you’ll enjoy these beans in cold-brew is that they are rich in flavor but still smooth and delicate. The freshness of these beans pierces through the package they arrive in and their aroma continues to impress wheater brewed in hot or cold water.

Organic Coffee Co. French Roast

  • Beans sourced from Central and South America
  • 100% Arabica coffee beans
  • Flavor notes: Smoky
  • USDA Organic and Kosher

These beans are perfect for mature coffee enthusiasts who need a little stronger coffee flavor in their cold-brew. These all organic beans have no added flavors, just a 100% natural coffee taste making them perfect for a cup of cold-brew.

This coffee is suitable for any brewing technique, but when used for cold-brew the flavor oils rise to the surface of the bean for a full-bodied coffee with a smoky finish.

Bulletproof The Mentalist

  • Beans sourced from Brazil, Guatemala, and Columbia
  • 100% Arabica coffee beans
  • Flavor notes: Almond and caramel
  • Gluten-free

These coffee beans have been hand-picked by experts in the famous mountain ranges of Central and South America to guarantee the highest quality coffee.

Bulletproof calls this medium-dark roast The Mentalist and it provided a perfect flavor for cold-brew coffee. Dark cocoa and vanilla aromatics open up to a rich, full-bodied coffee with cherry sweetness.

When brewed cold this coffee is bold, flavorful, and smooth. What makes it unique is that it’s not as oily as most other dark roasts. Bulletproof offers a perfect mix of flavor and kick you need to try in your cold-brew.

Quick Tips for Making Cold-Brew at Home

If you’ve found the perfect beans for your next brew it’s time to put them in water and let time do its thing. I made an entire article that will show you how to make great cold-brew coffee at home. Here, are some of the quick notes:

  • Find a large jar or pot to brew the coffee in
  • Mix the coffee with water in the jar. Make sure all the coffee is underwater
  • Stir the coffee to engage the water and beans
  • Steep for 18-24 hours
  • Strain the coffee out of the jar

These simple steps will help you along the way to making the perfect cold-brew coffee every time!

Summary

Now you should be well equipped, with everything you need to make perfect cold-brew coffee every time. It all starts with the coffee beans you choose, that’s why I made this list of the best coffee beans for cold-brew, so you don’t get stuck with a couple of duds, as I did.

My goal was to help you find the best beans for your brew or project. I figured I’d share a few tips to help you with your journey. I hope you got everything you came for and are ready to make your own brand of coffee.

Related Question

Why Is Cold-Brewed Coffee Less Acidic?

In simple terms, cold water doesn’t release the same acids from the coffee beans as hot water. Higher temperatures extract acidic parts of the bean which can irritate your stomach.

Can I Use Any Coffee for Cold-Brew?

Yes, you can make cold-brewed coffee with any coffee beans. For best results, you’ll want to use fresh beans ground coarsely. Although, it’s good to know that some beans are grown and roasted for specific purposes like espresso, French press, or cold-brew.


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