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The best part of getting up is hot coffee in my cup (with creamer). But, come high noon, I opt for a homemade iced coffee or cold brew. Which got me thinking—how does the brewing process affect how my coffee tastes? Which tastes and smells better? Hot brew or cold brew?
The beans start out the same, right? And yes, it’s clear that the brew method impacts the final flavor, but I needed to know WHY. So I decided to Google it.
Scroll down to see what I found out.
Table of Contents
Hot Brew or Cold Brew – Which Smells & Tastes Better?
Here’s what I discovered: In a 2022 study1, researchers investigated the impact of hot and cold brewing on coffee’s flavor profile. Their findings provide valuable insights into why hot coffee tastes distinctly different than cold brew. Let’s dive in.
The nerds applied gas chromatography-mass spectrometry—a machine that heats up a sample and turns it into gas so its individual parts can be studied—and odor activity value calculation techniques (methods used to measure the strength of different smells) to analyze the aroma profile of coffee produced by hot and cold brewing methods.
Plain English: Nerds from several research institutions studied how brewing affects coffee’s flavor. They used special techniques and machines to heat up the coffee and examine its parts, focusing on how it smelled when brewed hot or cold.
Key Findings: Aroma
Interestingly, their findings revealed that most pyrazines—compounds that contribute to the aroma of coffee—were found in higher concentrations in cold brew coffee than in hot coffee. So if you’ve ever noticed a unique, slightly different aroma wafting from your cold brew, this could be part of the reason why.
This infographic shows the scent profiles (inner-most ring) and how they correspond to the specific compounds.
Aroma-active compounds identified using OAV > 1 in hot and cold brew coffee.
Key Findings: Flavor
The researchers also used a method called liquid chromatography, which helps separate the different parts of a liquid, to find 18 unique non-volatile compounds—compounds that don’t easily turn into gas and can affect the flavor of coffee—in the coffee.
Contrary to what you might think, most of these compounds were found in lower amounts in cold brew coffee compared to hot brew coffee. This level difference can change how the coffee tastes when you drink it.
Cold brew coffee smells better than hot brew
Sensory Evaluation
As for the sensory evaluation, the study found that cold brew coffee exhibited higher fruitiness and lower bitterness and astringent notes than hot brew coffee. This could be attributed to the presence of certain compounds, including linalool, furfural acetate, and quercetin-3-O-(6″-O-p-coumaroyl) galactoside (that’s my first daughter’s name, btw). So, if you prefer a less bitter, more fruity coffee experience, cold brew might be the way to go.
TL;DR: The study showed that cold brew coffee tastes fruitier and less bitter than hot coffee, thanks to certain compounds.
Best Beans for Cold Brew
For optimal taste and flavor, using high-quality coffee beans when preparing iced coffee is essential. If you prefer dark roasts, I highly recommend Spirit Animal Coffee. My second-favorite beans for cold brew are the Espresso Dark Roast from Volcanica.
In conclusion, how coffee is brewed dramatically changes its taste and smell. Both hot and cold brew methods yield distinct results due to different chemical reactions. So, whether you enjoy the warmth of a hot coffee or the cool refreshment of a cold brew, consider the science behind every sip. The flavors you experience are the result of complex interactions among various compounds.
If you’re intrigued by the science behind coffee brewing and would like to further explore the intricacies, the book “Coffee: A Comprehensive Guide to the Bean, the Beverage, and the Industry” by Robert Thurston, Jonathan Morris, and Shawn Steiman is a fantastic resource. It takes a deep dive into coffee’s history, culture, production, and its fascinating journey from bean to cup.
In the end, though, it’s all about personal preference. The beauty of coffee is its versatility – hot or cold, black or with creamer, sweet or unsweetened. Whether you’re a fan of the intense aromatics of a piping hot brew or the subtle fruitiness of a cold brew, your enjoyment is what ultimately matters most.
Iced coffee
Remember, experimenting with different brew methods can yield exciting results. Don’t be afraid to branch out from your go-to method and try something new – you never know when you might stumble upon your next favorite brew.
In my personal experience, I’m always ready for a new coffee journey. If I had to pick a favorite, I would honestly be torn between hot and cold brew. Each type offers unique taste profiles and sensory experiences that I truly appreciate.
During the warm summer months, a refreshing cold brew is my drink of choice. But when the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing like the warmth and comfort of a hot cup of coffee. In fact, throughout the winter, you’ll mainly see me with a hot Drip Coffee or an Americano in hand.
And let’s be real; sometimes, you need a quick caffeine fix. For those times, I don’t hesitate to reach for a cold brew or even day-old coffee. I have a habit of keeping leftover coffee from a pot in a mason jar. Pour that over some ice, and voila, you’ve got yourself an iced coffee.
So, whether you’re a fan of hot coffee or prefer the smoothness of cold brew, remember it’s all about the joy of the experience. Coffee, in all its forms, is something to be savored and enjoyed. For me, each cup, hot or cold, presents a delightful adventure.
Regardless, I am, and will always be, a devoted coffee lover. To all the other coffee enthusiasts out there, I hope you found this exploration into the science of coffee brewing as fascinating as I did.
After all, coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s a rich tapestry of aroma and flavor, of culture and history, of shared moments and quiet solitude. So, here’s to the next cup, hot or cold, and the incredible journey it takes to bring it to our lips.
Here’s to coffee – a true testament to the marvels of nature and the ingenuity of mankind. So whether you are a hot brew aficionado or a cold brew connoisseur, keep exploring, keep brewing, and most importantly, keep enjoying every cup!
Cheers!
Further Reading
For those who are interested in reading the full study, you can access it here.
References
Cai, Y.; Xu, Z.; Pan, X.; Gao, M.; Wu, M.; Wu, J.; Lao, F. Comparative Profiling of Hot and Cold Brew Coffee Flavor Using Chromatographic and Sensory Approaches. Foods 2022, 11, 2968. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11192968
Kelsey brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in the coffee industry, having honed his craft as a professional barista in both Seattle and Santa Barbara. He is an accredited member of The Coffee Association of America and holds an active membership in The Baristas Guild. Beyond his practical experience, Kelsey is deeply committed to the academic study of coffee history and its cultural impact. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys quality time with his family and shares his extensive knowledge of coffee through insightful articles on this blog.
