Cold Brew Coffee

Green Coffee for Cold Brew

Cold brew brings out a different side of coffee - mellow, sweet, and often unexpectedly complex. These green coffees have been selected for how well they perform under slow, cold extraction. Think berry-rich naturals, chocolatey honey-process lots, and fruity experimental styles that shine without heat. Rwandan and Kenyan coffees tend to do especially well, but cold brew is a forgiving method with plenty of room to explore.

  • What makes a coffee good for cold brew?

    Coffees that do well in cold brew tend to have strong underlying sweetness, low bitterness, and flavours that hold up through long extraction. Naturals, honeys, and experimental lots often develop rich fruit, chocolate, or tea-like notes when brewed cold. Washed coffees can work too, but they usually come through cleaner and more delicate.

  • Which flavour profiles work best in cold brew?

    Cold brew tends to round off acidity and soften sharp edges, so it works well with coffees that have bold, sweet notes - like berries, stone fruit, dark chocolate, or even peach iced tea. If you’re after clarity or florals, hot filter methods might be a better fit.

  • Does origin matter when choosing a cold brew coffee?

    Certain origins do tend to shine. Rwandan and Kenyan coffees often deliver vibrant fruit and clean structure, while South American naturals can bring chocolate and depth. Still, cold brew is versatile - it’s less about region and more about finding coffees with enough character to come through after a long steep.

Your questions, answered

Do I need a specific roast level for cold brew?

Cold brew handles a range of roast levels, but light to medium roasts tend to work best with the coffees in this collection. They help preserve fruity notes while still developing enough body and sweetness to carry through a long steep.

Why are naturals and honeys better than washed for cold brew?

Naturals and honeys tend to produce more developed sweetness and fuller flavours - qualities that come through clearly in cold brew. Washed coffees can be more subtle and clean, but they may taste thin or muted without the brightness of hot brewing.

How long should I steep my cold brew?

Most cold brews steep between 12 to 18 hours, depending on grind size, ratio, and flavour goals.

Can I use these coffees for other brew methods too?

Definitely. While they’re selected for how well they perform in cold brew, many will also work in immersion brewers like French Press, or even as filter coffees if you adjust your grind and recipe.

Do fruity coffees taste sour when used as a cold brew?

Not usually. Cold brewing tends to soften acidity, so fruity coffees often come through as sweet and mellow - more like stewed fruit or dried berries than sharp citrus. If your cold brew tastes sour, it could be due to under-extraction or a roast that’s too light.