Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, and there are two main types: bold vs. regular coffee. So, what is the difference between them, and which one is better? Let me take a closer look.
Contents
Bold vs Regular Coffee General Overview
Bold coffee is coffee that has been brewed with a higher coffee-to-water ratio than regular coffee. This ratio results in a more robust and concentrated cup of coffee. Many people find bold coffee to be too strong and prefer the taste of regular coffee.
I often use bold coffee in cold brew coffees and espresso drinks. It is also popular among people who like to add milk or cream to their coffee. On the other hand, regular coffee is made with a lower ratio of coffee grounds to water. This ratio results in a milder flavor.
Bold Coffee
Bold coffee is brewed with more grounds than usual. This results in a stronger, more concentrated flavor. Many people enjoy bold coffee because it has a richer taste and can be less bitter than regular coffee.
When drinking bold coffee, you may get a smoky, woody, or carbon smell from it. The first sip of bold coffee is the strongest however, the robust taste fades after a few sips. If you like your coffee strong and flavorful, bold coffee is the way to go.
How to Brew Bold Coffee
There are a few different ways to brew bold coffee, including:
- French press – This is one of the most popular methods for brewing bold coffee. The grounds are steeped in hot water for a few minutes, and then the plunger is pushed down to trap the grounds at the bottom of the pot.
- Espresso – It is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. This results in a strong, concentrated coffee with many flavors.
- Cold-brew – Steeping grounds in cold water make this brew for a long period. This produces a coffee that is less acidic and has a smoother flavor.
French Press Method
Many people use this method because it’s simple and easy to do. All you need is a French press, a plunger, one cup of ground coffee, and eight ounces of hot water.
- Add the grounds to the bottom of the French press pot.
- Pour hot water over the grounds and stir gently.
- Put the plunger lid on top, however, do not push it down yet.
- Let the coffee steep for three to five minutes.
- Push the plunger down slowly and carefully to ensure you exert pressure steadily.
- Serve and enjoy.
Espresso Method
This is a more complicated method to make bold coffee; however, the results are worth it. You will need a reliable espresso machine, coffee beans, and water.
- First, grind the coffee beans until they are very fine.
- Pack the grounds into the espresso filter basket.
- Level them off and tamp them down gently.
- Put the portafilter in the espresso machine and make sure it’s tightly attached.
- Brewing time should be about 22 – 25 seconds.
If you want a stronger cup of coffee, use more grounds. If you want a weaker cup, use fewer grounds.
Cold-brew Coffee
This is a good option if you want a strong cup of coffee and don’t like the acidic taste that comes with regular coffee. It also has a smooth flavor, which makes it a good choice for people who don’t like bitter coffee.
You will need one cup of coarse ground coffee and four cups of cold water to make bold coffee using this method.
- Place the coffee in a container with a lid.
- Pour the cold water over the coffee and stir gently.
- Cover the container and let it stand at room temperature for 12 – 24 hours. This helps to pull flavors from the coffee beans.
- Strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Serve over ice and enjoy.
Health Benefits of Bold Coffee
- It contains more caffeine than regular coffee. This can be beneficial if you are looking for an energy boost.
- Bold coffee also has a higher concentration of antioxidants. These substances can help protect your cells from damage and have other health benefits.
- Bold coffee is also a good source of essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and magnesium. This means it can help you meet your daily needs for these nutrients.
Regular Coffee
Regular coffee is brewed with fewer coffee grounds than bold coffee, resulting in a less concentrated drink. This makes it more palatable than bold coffee. It has a smooth and creamy aftertaste with a floral aroma.
Regular coffee is typically brewed at lower temperatures, around 195 – 205 degrees Fahrenheit. This results in a more mellow flavor without the bitterness of brewing at higher temperatures.
The downside to brewing at lower temperatures is that it can take longer, and the coffee may not be as hot when you drink it. Brewing time for regular coffee is typically around four minutes, although this can vary depending on the grind size and the amount of coffee used.
How to Brew Regular Coffee
- First, pour the coffee grounds into the coffee filter. Fill your coffee pot with clean, filtered water, and then place it on the stove. Bring the water to a boil, and then let it cool for about 30 seconds before pouring it over your coffee grounds.
- Next, don’t overbrew. Overbrewing is a common mistake people make when brewing coffee. The coffee grounds should be in contact with the water for about four minutes then remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for another minute to allow the coffee grounds to settle.
- Finally, pour your coffee and enjoy. Ensure you pour slowly so that the coffee does not become too bitter.
Health Benefits of Regular Coffee
- Improved mental alertness and productivity: Coffee can improve mental alertness and productivity by providing a much-needed energy boost.
- Improved physical performance: the caffeine in regular coffee can improve physical performance by helping to increase adrenaline levels and release fatty acids from stored body fat, making them available for use as energy.
- Reduced risk of certain diseases: Coffee consumption has been linked with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain types of cancer.
- Boosted immune system: Coffee can help to boost the immune system by increasing the production of cytokines, which are essential for fighting infection.
- Improved brain health: Coffee consumption has been linked with a reduced risk of dementia and stroke and enhanced cognitive function.
Similarities and Differences between Bold and Regular Coffee
Bold and regular coffee are both deeply brewed, however, they have very different flavors. Let me compare and contrast the two to see how similar or dissimilar they are. I will also take a look at their major distinguishing factor.
Similarities
- You can prepare them with different types of milk: You can enjoy both regular and bold coffee with whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, and more.
- You can customize them and add different flavorings such as syrups, spices, and other flavors.
Differences
Bold and regular coffees are different in their flavor, appearance, brewing, and their effects. These differences make each coffee type attract people with unique tastes.
Flavor
Bold coffee is often described as being more intense or “full-bodied” than regular coffee when it comes to flavor. This is because bold coffee has a higher concentration of coffee oils and solids, making the flavor more intense.
Some people also find that bold coffee has a more “complex” flavor, while regular coffee is more “simple.”
Appearance
In terms of appearance, bold coffee is usually darker in color than regular coffee. The longer brewing time extracts more color from the coffee grounds.
Bold coffee also tends to have a thicker body than regular coffee due to the higher concentration of coffee grounds.
Brewing
Bold coffee typically requires a longer time than regular coffee when brewing. This is because larger coffee grounds need more time to extract all of the flavor and caffeine fully.
Also, because of the thicker body of bold coffee, it is often brewed with a coarser grind than regular coffee. This helps the coffee grounds to extract more slowly and produce a fuller-bodied cup of coffee.
Effects
Bold coffee is known to be more acidic than regular coffee. This can cause an upset stomach for people who are not used to it.
Also, because of the higher concentration of coffee oils and solids, bold coffee can sometimes leave a bitter aftertaste in the mouth. This is not always the case; however, it is something to be aware of.
The Major Distinguishing Factor
The major distinguishing factor between bold and regular coffee is the flavor. Bold coffee has a much stronger and richer flavor than regular coffee. If you’re looking for a flavorful caffeine fix, bold coffee is the way to go.
Bold coffee can be a delicious and refreshing way to start your day when brewed correctly. It is made with a darker roast of beans, which brings out more oil from the bean during brewing. This extra oil can make bold coffees appear syrupy.
The added oils also create a fuller body and mouthfeel compared to regular coffees. The longer roasting time also caramelizes sugars in the beans, giving bold coffees their characteristic oaky taste.
When to Drink Bold Coffee
When you’re looking for a caffeine boost, there’s nothing quite like bold coffee. It has a more intense flavor than regular coffee, and it can pack a real punch. If you’re looking to get energized fast, drink a cup of bold coffee.
If you are not a fan of strong coffee, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to make bold coffee more palatable. Adding milk or cream will help take the edge off and sweeten it with sugar or syrup. If you are looking for a bolder cup of coffee, give these tips a try:
- Use freshly ground bold beans
- Add more coffee grounds than you would for regular coffee
- Brew for a shorter amount of time
- Use a French press for a bolder cup of coffee.
When to Drink Regular Coffee
Regular coffee is the way to go when you need to be up and at an early meeting or want to get through a project without feeling jittery. You will not have the energy highs and lows that come with drinking bolder blends.
If you’re brewing at home, there are a few things you can do to make your regular coffee taste even better. Try using higher quality beans, grinding the beans yourself, or using a pour-over method to brew your coffee.
Which Coffee Is Better?
The choice you make of the better coffee depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a coffee with a stronger flavor, then go for the bold variety. However, if you prefer something a little milder, then the regular option is probably better for you.
The low acidity levels make it possible to drink regular coffee on an empty stomach without feeling full or getting acid reflux.
Some people prefer to drink regular coffee in the morning because it is lighter and more refreshing. Conversely, some people prefer to drink bold coffee in the morning because it provides more caffeine boost.
Conclusion
It ultimately depends on your personal preferences when it comes to bold vs regular coffee. If you need an extra boost of energy in the morning, bold coffee may be the better choice for you; otherwise, regular coffee is generally lighter and more refreshing.
