Rethinking Cold Brew: Faster Doesn't Mean Inferior

Learn how extraction methods make all the difference

Educational

The Brew Bomb Team

December 13, 2024

Accelerated Cold Extraction in action using a HIVE Café 6.

Accelerated Cold Extraction in action using a HIVE Café 6.

*Insert table of contents*

For years, the standard of cold brew involved a simple, time-honored ritual: coarsely ground coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours. This method, known as immersion brewing, has undoubtedly earned its place in the coffee world. It's reliable, and requires minimal equipment.

At Brew Bomb, we respect this tradition. We understand the dedication and patience that goes into crafting each batch. However, we also believe in innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. What if we told you there's a way to achieve a superior cup of Cold Brew in a fraction of the time?

Where We Started: The Kyoto Influence

Our journey began with an appreciation for Kyoto-style cold brew. This method, characterized by a slow, mesmerizing drip of water through a coffee bed, highlights the nuanced flavors of the beans. While aesthetically pleasing, the Kyoto Tower presents challenges for those looking to scale up production. Consistency, flow rate control, and space constraints can become significant hurdles.

This is where Brew Bomb's Accelerated and Active Cold Extraction technologies come in. We've taken the principles of Kyoto brewing and reimagined them for the modern coffee professional, offering a solution that's both efficient and scalable.

Accelerated Cold Extraction: Harnessing the Power of Gravity

Immersion brewing relies on passive extraction, where coffee grounds steep in water over an extended period. But what if we could actively move water through the coffee bed, maximizing water to coffee contact and extraction efficiency?

Our Accelerated Cold Extraction process does just that. By harnessing the natural force of gravity, we facilitate a continuous flow of water through the grounds, extracting the coffee's full potential in a fraction of the time.

  • Effortless Extraction: No more manual agitation or constant monitoring. Gravity does the work for you.
  • Built-in Filtration: The coffee bed itself acts as a natural filter, eliminating the need for messy reusable filters and producing a crystal-clear brew.
  • Concentrated Brew and Flavor: Achieve high concentrations with richer flavors and  greater efficiency.

Active Cold Extraction: Precision and Control

We didn't stop at simply accelerating the brewing process. Our Active Cold Extraction (ACE) technology introduces programmed brew and rest intervals. This allows for unprecedented control over the extraction process, enabling you to fine-tune your brew for specific flavor profiles and desired outcomes.

Debunking the Myths: Speed and Quality

We understand that the idea of 30-minute cold brew might seem at odds with everything you know. But the truth is, a significant portion of the coffee's soluble compounds, including caffeine, are extracted within the first few minutes of brewing (compositional changes in brewed coffee are measured as a function of brewing time) ). Our systems optimize this initial extraction phase, ensuring a full-bodied, flavorful brew in a fraction of the time.

Key variables that influence your final brew:

  • Origin: Each coffee origin has unique characteristics that respond differently to extraction.
  • Coffee to Yield Ratio: The ratio between coffee and yield is what primarily drives the quality of the final outcome.
  • Grind Size: Pairing grind size with coffee to water ratio optimizes cup quality.
  • Brew Time: Total brew time and intervals can be adjusted to achieve your desired flavor profile.
  • Water Flow Rate: Control the speed of water flow for consistent extraction.

The Brew Bomb Advantage

With Brew Bomb, you're not just getting faster brew times. You're gaining:

  • Superior Cup Quality:  The fundamental advantages of a single pass drip method combined with the precision of our brewers consistently crafts a Superior Cup when compared with immersion brewing. 
  • Clarity and Cleanliness: Say goodbye to cloudy cold brew and messy filtration.
  • Unparalleled Control: Fine-tune every aspect of your brewing process for consistent, high-quality results.
  • Increased Efficiency: Brew large batches in record time, keeping up with demand and maximizing productivity.
  • Automation: Our ACE Brewer, for example,  automates the entire process, freeing up your time and resources, while our larger commercial brewers, such as the X-Series, give you similar automated capabilities at a much larger scale.

Addressing Your Questions

We recognize that transitioning to a new brewing method can raise questions. Here are some common concerns we hear:

  • "Do your methods affect the quality of my cold brew?" It seems counterintuitive, however, our systems are designed to extract the full spectrum of flavors from your beans, resulting in a complex and nuanced cup. You may even discover new depths and subtleties in your favorite coffees.
    Something else to chew (drink) on: Immersion brewing often leads to inconsistent results, where unwanted bitter compounds are released. Our controlled extraction process helps avoid this, resulting in a cleaner, more nuanced cup.
  • "Why hasn’t this been done before?" It's a combination of factors! For years, immersion brewing dominated, leading to a mindset that longer brew times were essential for quality.  However, recent research shows that key coffee compounds extract quickly, opening the door for faster methods.  We've leveraged this knowledge and combined it with technological advancements to create precise, automated systems that optimize extraction.
  • "Is this method more expensive?" While the initial investment in our equipment may be higher, you'll see long-term cost savings through reduced labor, less waste, and increased efficiency.
  • "Can I use any type of coffee bean?" Absolutely! Our systems are versatile and can handle any roast level. Simply adjust your grind size and brewing parameters accordingly.

Ultimately, the proof is in the cup.

We encourage you to try our technology (backed by our Brew Bomb Guarantee) or schedule a call with us so we can discuss how our equipment would suit your specific business.

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