Most people use the terms interchangeably, and most cafes let them. But cold brew and iced coffee are made differently, taste differently, and behave differently in your body. If you've ever found iced coffee too sharp or cold brew too heavy, the reason is usually in the process.

What iced coffee actually is

Iced coffee is brewed hot. Usually as a strong espresso or a concentrated filter. And then poured over ice. The ice dilutes it as it melts, which is why a well-made iced coffee accounts for that dilution in the brew ratio. The heat extraction pulls out a full range of compounds quickly, including some of the more acidic ones. That's not a flaw; it's just what hot water does to coffee.

What cold brew actually is

Cold brew is steeped in cold or room-temperature water for a long time. Usually 12 to 20 hours. No heat is involved at any point. The slow, cold extraction pulls out fewer of the acidic compounds and more of the sweeter, heavier ones. The result is a concentrate that's lower in acidity and higher in sweetness than hot-brewed coffee. It's also higher in caffeine per millilitre, because it's a concentrate.

Why the bean choice matters more for cold brew

Because cold brew extracts differently, the origin and process of the bean shows up in a different way. A bright, acidic washed Ethiopian that's excellent as a hot espresso can taste flat and dull as a cold brew. A natural-process or honey-process bean with more inherent sweetness tends to translate better. At Spruce Blend Gates, we use our current washed Yirgacheffe for cold brew in summer because the citrus notes hold up well even without the acidity. But it took a few test batches to get the steep time right.

Which one is right for you

If you want something that tastes like coffee but cold, iced coffee is usually the better call. If you want something smoother, sweeter, and easier on the stomach. Particularly if you find hot coffee harsh. Cold brew is worth trying. Neither is objectively better. They're just different drinks made from the same ingredient.

If you want to try both side by side, come in on a Saturday morning when the filter bar is running. We can make you an iced filter and a glass of cold brew from the tap and you can decide for yourself.