Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent cold brew system
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2019
Although I'm new to cold brewing I did do quite a bit of research before buying this cold brew system. And I'd highly recommend it to anyone. A couple quick tips for those getting started for the first time.
1. First, for those of you on a municipal water system your water is probably chlorinated. Mine is, so before I start to make a batch I fill a big bowl with cold water and let it sit on the counter while I'm grinding the coffee beans. This lets the chlorine evaporate off, not that it would probably hurt anything but I'd rather not have it in my coffee. Those of you on a private well don't have to worry about it.
2. Next, grind your coffee beans to a medium grind. Pre-ground coffee would probably work but a lot of it would get through the strainer. Some will anyway regardless, but I just pour off the last slowly and discard any grounds that settle to the bottom.
3. Next, put the strainer and gasket in the jar and fill the strainer about half to 2/3 full of grounds. They'll expand as they get wet so any more than that will sit above the water level and get wasted. Pour the water slowly through the grounds in the strainer when filling the container to the fill line.
4. Don't put the cover on too tight, especially if you're going to be putting in the fridge. The rubber gaskets get hard when they get cold so if you really tighten them you'll have a pretty hard time getting the cover off to take the grounds out before use.
5. There are a few factors in how strong the final brew is. First is the coffee beans you use, I use a medium or breakfast blend. Next is the brewing time, I usually go 15-20 hours. Finally, you can affect the brew by where you let it sit. You'll get stronger coffee if you let it sit at room temperature as opposed to in the fridge. I do a mix of both depending on when I start. If I make a batch in the morning I'll let it sit on the counter for several hours and then put it in the fridge overnight. If I make a batch in the afternoon I just let it sit on the counter overnight.
Finally, take the cover off and remove the strainer and grounds. I drink the coffee straight up as I use a medium blend, if it's too strong you can always dilute it as you wish. After drinking cold brew for a while, it's amazing how harsh hot-brewed coffee tastes now. I'll never go back.
