Black Coffee vs Cold Brew. What’s the Difference?

Brewing Method

Generally, black coffee is made using hot water, either by steeping coffee grounds in hot water or using a coffee machine that utilizes hot air pressure. On the other hand, cold brew is made without the use of hot water, but rather with cold or room temperature water.

Unlike traditional brewed coffee, which involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water and can be served immediately after brewing, cold brew requires a longer process. First, the coffee is steeped in cold or room temperature water for 8-12 hours. During this process, various flavors from the coffee beans are extracted more thoroughly. This results in the unique taste that you can savor in your cold brew. This steeping process gives cold brew coffee its low acidity and bitterness levels. It's this extraction process that makes cold brew coffee known for its sweet and distinct flavor compared to other black coffee beverages.

Flavor

In terms of caffeine content, cold brew coffee contains twice as much caffeine as other black coffees. In terms of flavor, cold brew coffee has a smoother taste with lower bitterness levels. In fact, cold brew coffee can even bring out chocolate notes from the coffee beans used. Regarding flavor, black coffee has a lighter taste compared to cold brew.

Serving Method

Black coffee can be served hot or cold. Meanwhile, cold brew coffee is served cold, either straight or with ice cubes. You can also add milk to your cold brew coffee if you prefer!

Read Also: The Characteristics of a Delicious Black Coffee

Cold Brew vs Iced Black Coffee

People often compare cold brew to iced black coffee. Of course, these two black coffee beverages are different due to their distinct brewing methods. Typically, iced black coffee is made with espresso as a base, brewed with hot water pressure, and then combined with cold water and ice cubes.

In contrast, cold brew coffee is brewed using cold or room temperature water, resulting in a chilled coffee. As the result, cold brew coffee doesn't need to be served with ice cubes. On the other hand, iced black coffee requires ice cubes for serving, which can cause it to dilute over time as the ice melts.

In conclusion, cold brew remains a unique and distinct black coffee beverage due to its unconventional brewing process. The absence of hot water usage allows cold brew to produce a complex and sweet taste. Have you started craving for a cold brew coffee?

To enjoy a glass of black coffee, don't forget to use NESCAFÉ Classic. NESCAFÉ Classic offers a strong flavor. Additionally, its blend of Robusta coffee bean flavors with a perfect formulation makes it easy to dissolve, perfect for daily enjoyment!