What characteristic is typical of cold brew coffee?

Cold brew coffee is characterized by its brewing process, which typically involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. This lengthy brewing process extracts flavors differently than traditional hot brewing methods. As a result, cold brew coffee tends to have a smoother, richer body with a notable decrease in acidity compared to hot coffee. The lower acidity is due to the reduced extraction of certain compounds, such as oils and acids, that are more soluble at higher temperatures.

This makes cold brew particularly appealing for those sensitive to acidity or who prefer a milder taste profile. While cold brew might sometimes have more caffeine than hot brewed coffee depending on the specific preparation method and coffee bean used, this is not a uniform characteristic and can vary widely, especially when considering different coffee-to-water ratios.