Comparative Profiling of Hot and Cold Brew Coffee Flavor Using Chromatographic and Sensory Approaches

Coffee brewing is a complex process from roasted coffee bean to beverage, playing an important role in coffee flavor quality. In this study, the effects of hot and cold brewing on the flavor profile of coffee were comprehensively investigated on the basis of chromatographic and sensory approaches. By applying gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and odor activity value calculation, most pyrazines showed higher contribution to the aroma profile of cold brew coffee over hot brew coffee. Using liquid chromatography, 18 differential non-volatiles were identified, most of which possessed lower levels in cold brew coffee than hot brew coffee. The sensory evaluation found higher fruitiness and lower bitterness and astringent notes in cold brew coffee than hot brew coffee, which was attributed by linalool, furfural acetate, and quercetin-3-O-(6 ''-O-p-coumaroyl) galactoside. This work suggested coffee brewing significantly affected its flavor profile and sensory properties.

Automated summary

This study comprehensively investigated the effects of hot and cold brewing on the flavor profile of coffee using chromatographic and sensory approaches. The results showed that cold brew coffee had a higher contribution of pyrazines to aroma, lower levels of differential non-volatiles, and higher fruitiness with lower bitterness and astringent notes compared to hot brew coffee.