Cold brew and hot brewing work on different extraction principles; low-temperature slow extraction amplifies sweetness and suppresses acidity, so the beans suited to cold brew and those suited to pour-over do not fully overlap. By cold brewing several popular beans and comparing them side by side, it becomes clear which beans taste better cold brewed.

Fruity light-roast beans are the mainstay of cold brew. Qianjie Ethiopia Huakui performs outstandingly after cold brewing; its tropical fruit aromatics are further amplified by low-temperature slow extraction, with rich aromas of strawberry, passion fruit and jackfruit, pronounced sweetness, low bitterness, and a juicy mouthfeel on entry. Cold brewed, it is like a glass of fruity cold drink with very high distinctiveness. After cold brewing, Qianjie Yirgacheffe Gudingding's citrus and berry florals become softer, and the acidity, softened by the low temperature, is more like the sweet-tartness of fruit, with a clean, elegant finish and a smooth, gentle mouthfeel. After cold brewing, Qianjie Kenya Little Tomato still shows clear cherry tomato and smoked plum flavors; with the acidity softened, the sweet-sour balance is better, the mid-palate sweetness stands out, and the finish carries brown sugar sweetness and green tea aroma, like a glass of fruity cold drink.

Anaerobic fermented beans also perform distinctively in cold brew. Qianjie Colombia Xizhua comes from Finca La Divisa, is double anaerobic natural processed and medium-light roasted; on entry, the juicy feel of interwoven passion fruit, blueberry, grape and apricot is rich, with bright fruit acidity that is crisp and soft. Cold brewed, these fermentation-derived fruit flavors become even richer, and iced pour-over better highlights the fresh, smooth grape juice mouthfeel, with very rich layers.

Blend beans also have advantages in cold brew. Qianjie Strawberry Candy Cold Brew Blend is a fruity blend designed specifically for cold brew; the fruit aromas of Arabica beans from different origins merge with one another, recreating the sweet aroma of strawberry gummy candy. Cold brewed, the sweet fragrance of strawberry gummy candy is very prominent, and it is highly versatile, suitable both for drinking straight and for mixed drinks.

Full-bodied beans take another route in cold brew. Qianjie Brazil Queen's Estate has low acidity, a balanced mouthfeel, rich nut and cocoa aromas, and pronounced caramel sweetness; cold brewed, these flavors become rounder and fuller, like a cold drink with nutty aroma, smooth and not astringent. However, dark-roasted, heavy-bodied beans show more obvious bitterness when cold brewed, so the steeping time needs to be controlled to avoid over-extraction.

In choosing beans for cold brew, fruity light-roast beans have sufficient sweetness, strong fruit aroma and a smooth entry after cold brewing, making them the preferred direction for cold brew. Huakui takes the tropical fruit route, Yirgacheffe takes the citrus-floral route, Xizhua takes the anaerobic juice route, and Strawberry Candy Blend takes the hassle-free, versatile route. Choose according to the flavor direction you like, and after steeping overnight you can drink a good cold brew.