How do you enhance the experience of cold brew coffee, already extraordinary on its own? One of the best ways to make cold brew is with the Kyoto Method, using a Yama Cold Brew Tower. It is not only visually appealing and fun, but the science meets magic creation process extracts a better cup in a shorter period of time than the typical cold brew method. A faster cup of cold brew? Yes, absolutely. Investing in a Tower is surprisingly not so painful for all of its functional and aesthetic benefits.
This guide will teach you how to make outstanding cold brew, yielding an incredible cup, while using a piece of equipment that absolutely stands out from all others. We've included a few pro tips to ensure you extract the best possible brew from these remarkable machines. Read on to master their artistry!
How does a Yama Cold Drip Tower work?
- It is a simple process of watching gravity work in a beautiful way.
- Water and ice combine in a hand blown glass beaker.
- Use the brass valve to control the drip rate. Dial in perfection.
- The cold water drips through a middle beaker which has a paper filter on top and a ceramic filter on the bottom. Between these are the grinds from your favorite beans.
- The extraction slowly spirals down a glass coil into the carafe, which collects the rich, antioxidant packed flavor, ready for consumption.
Pro tip: For a little bit of extra filtration, use a second paper filter in the middle beaker on top of the ceramic filter. This will serve as an added protection against rogue coffee grinds, make your ceramic filter last longer and result in an even cleaner, brighter final product.
How long does a Yama Tower take to brew?
- We have conducted thorough (and delicious) testing with these towers and we recommend aiming for a 4 hour brew time. Always keep it under 6 hours, or you risk an off taste from over-extraction.
- Most cold brew methods require 12-24 hours.
Is the Yama Cold Brew Tower the most beautiful and satisfying vessel to exhibit the cold brew process? Does it really make a difference in flavor?
Yes. Wood, glass and brass combine for a striking piece of art that fits on any countertop. This brewer on display in your coffee shop or home enhances ambiance, stimulates conversation and may even hypnotize its viewers.
Pro tip: It takes up less space than the presence it creates, but a little breathing room and a space with minimal traffic will preserve your tower's safety and ensure it continues to put on a show for years to come.
The massive 25 cup models have an even more dramatic bearing than the standard 6-8 cup models (44 in. tall vs 30 in. The Yama Tower guarantees a flavorful, refreshing and pure cold brew experience that consistently exceeds expectations. It removes bitterness and replaces it with the hidden notes of your beans, giving them new life and incomparable complexity. All of the glass components are hand blown borosilicate glass that is heat resistant and dishwasher safe.
Pro tip: All Yama glass and metal pieces are easily replaceable, including beakers, coils, carafes and lids. Yama Silverton valves also fit these brewers.
We cannot recommend this family of cold brew producers enough. You will be enchanted by the first drip, so go ahead, choose your color and order yours today!
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Bonus! General Cold Brew FAQ
Newer brewer or need a refresher on the basics? Here are the cold brew questions we are asked the most.
What is cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee is a refreshing and smooth way to enjoy your favorite caffeinated beverage. People wonder, are cold brew and iced coffee the same? No, while iced coffee is an enjoyable classic, creating cold brew is a distinctive craft that takes patience and a touch of wizardry. The result is a naturally sweet flavor that mellows the acidic and oily components found in a typical iced coffee, yielding more complex flavors with a smoother mouth feel. Cream and sugar are only distractions from the natural balance and should be avoided.
Where can I find it and what is the best cold brew?
While you can find it pre-made in grocery stores, chain coffee shops and even some gas stations(!) Do yourself a favor and skip those options completely! Cold brew needs to be brewed, by you, or any skilled barista who will fill your cup with their love and care. No cold brew should come from a plastic jug or drink dispenser next to a soda machine!
Of all of the many preparations, our favorite is the Kyoto-style cold brew, known for its exceptional clarity and low acidity. Yama celebrates this game changing method, which will edge out the cold brew competition for your establishment. It is also a centuries old innovation, a cornerstone in Japanese coffee tradition.
Pro tip: Yama also combines the visual appeal of its towers with versatility in a compact package. The Yama Glass Silverton works great for smaller batches of not only cold brew, but pour over, tea and traditional iced coffee.
What else do I need to know about cold brew?
- Does cold brew go bad? Yes, but you can store it for up to 14 days in a refrigerator.
- Do I need special beans? We recommend medium to medium light roasts for peak classic cold brew flavor, but you can use any beans you choose, even decaf!
- What size grind? Medium coarse, with the texture of sea salt. Too fine of a grind will not allow water to pass through and could clog the beaker, resulting in an overflow. If it is too coarse, the water will pass through too quickly and not create a proper extraction.
- Can I infuse my cold brew with any flavors? Herbs, spices, citrus zest, or even chocolate can be mixed in before you start brewing.
- Can I heat cold brew? Yes you can, but why ruin a good thing?
- Will it become bitter? It is possible, but with a little bit of troubleshooting, you can prevent this. If your cold brew is too bitter, try changing your grind size, coffee dose, or water dose. A strong roast can sometimes taste bitter, but you can mitigate this with a small amount of cold water.
