Coffee Cuppa’: Nitro Cold Brew

Iced or Cold brew coffee seems to be taking younger consumers by storm as its popularity increases. Iced coffee beverages have an increasing presence on restaurant menus, and are an opportunity for coffee shops everywhere.  With multiple brewing methods of cold brew comes unique and innovative brewing equipment, giving coffee shops a way to differentiate themselves with the type of cold brew they serve.

One particularly unique (and delicious) style of iced coffee is the Nitro Cold Brew. The coffee is brewed using beans and room temperature water for around 24 hours, and is then nitrogenated and kegged for use. Those that don’t use kegs have the nitrogen infused through pressurized valves as it’s being poured. The end result is a glass of cold brew with a stout-like effect, complete with a creamy, frothy head similar to that of a freshly poured draft beer.

But what does Nitro Cold Brew have to do with glassware? Just like glass affects the pour of a beer on tap, there are aspects to take into consideration when choosing a glass for Nitro Cold Brew: the cascading effect of the pour and the head of the drink. The ideal serving glass would be one that showcases both aspect of the drink; the customer should be tasting the sweetness of the froth with each sip of coffee.

Serving Nitro Cold Brew in a Pilsner or small pub or pint glass, such as the English Pub Glass by Libbey Inc., is best due to the tapered shape of the glasses. A narrow base and widened edge, allows the coffee to cascade without agitation, and gives an ideal surface area for the head to form. Glasses with a bowl or tulip shape cause the coffee to hit the center of the glass as it’s poured, lessening the cascading effect.

The best part of serving Nitro Cold Brew, besides the perfect pour of an elegant beverage, is the ability to get creative with presentation. There are many options for serving Nitro Cold Brew, and it’s important to select a glass that is both functional and serves as a representation of the coffee shop. Be on the lookout for Coffee Cuppa’ to join in on another coffee conversation.

-G. Stegall

Saturday Wakeup Call: Libbey Inc 10oz English Pub Glass