Today we are gonna explore about the difference between the two types of cold brew coffee. It's gonna be a long one. Let's dive right in!
Some of you may know that nitro coffee is made from cold brew coffee. The question here is, wouldn't it tastes the same?
Although it's the same coffee, nitrogen plays a huge role in changing some of the properties of the coffee that includes taste, texture and appearance.
Brewing Process
Cold brew coffee is steeped in cold (or room temperature) water for around 12 - 24 hours. If you would like to learn how to make your own cold brew, check out our previous post here.
Nitro coffee takes a step further in the brewing process, which infuses it with nitrogen, hence the name "nitro coffee". Nitro coffee also involves a bit more equipment to produce, such as pressurized kegs and special dispensers.
Serving and storage
Cold brew can be stored up to around 14 days after it's ready to serve. Usually in glass bottles or jars inside the fridge. It can be served right out from the fridge with ice or without, up to personal preferences.
It's a bit complicated to store nitro coffee because the equipments needed. Basically it's stored in a pressurized keg within a kegerator system.
A kegerator is a dispensing unit usually for beers or carbonated drinks which also involves separate gas tank.
image source: webstaurantstore.com
Nitrogen is then infused with coffee inside the keg, and can be stored around 3-4 weeks. Although the coffee can be stored longer, it's best to serve it fresh, to prevent nitrogen from dissipating within the keg.
A special faucet / scout tap is needed to dispense and serve nitro coffee without ice. The same dispenser / tap that you see at bars where they serve draught beers.
Flavor, visual & taste
Cold brew coffee is less acidic and smoother than hot brewed coffee because of the longer steeping time and colder temperature. It also produces sweeter notes.
Here is the biggest difference of the two!
The micro bubbles in nitro coffee gives it a smoother texture and mouthfeel than regular cold brew. And comes with a visually appealing reverse cascading effect and a foamy head. Imagine that perfect pour of Guinness!
Bonus: Both have higher caffeine content compared to regular coffee. Especially nitro cold brew, when it's served without ice.
Take away notes
Cold brew coffee is already expensive compared to regular coffee. Nitro coffee on the other hand is usually considered the most expensive option in the menu, because of the extra steps and equipment needed to produce it.
If you are interested in making your own nitro coffee at home, do not worry. NitroBrew has a much simple solution that cost a fraction of a kegerator. Check out this page to know more about nitro and how it can help you in producing delicious nitro drinks!
It's a long one today, hope you like this article. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. Until next time!
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