The problem with how we normally make coffee is that not only do you get all that roasty goodness out of the beans, things like acids and irritating oils come along for the ride as well. This can make those of us without iron stomachs rethink a second cup. So what’s a java junkie to do? Try a little cold brew.

The Toddy® Cold Brew System is the brainchild of former chemical superfreak, Todd Simpson. Designed and patented back in 1964 this thing uses cold water to brew a cup of coffee that is 67% less acidic than those produced by traditional hot-brewing methods. By using cold water, you’ll be able to enjoy your coffee without all of the things that can have you making a beeline for el baño.

The instructions are fairly straightforward. It’s basically four steps: grind beans, add coffee and water to brewing container (make sure to put the rubber stopper in the bottom unless you like to lick your coffee off the counter), wait. It takes about 12 hours for the coffee to do its thing.

The process produces a thick, deep umber liquid concentrate. It’s super-strong, so I don’t recommend doing shots of the stuff. One pound of beans produces about six cups of the coffee concentrate. The beans tend to absorb the rest. The Toddy people recommend that you combine one part coffee concentrate and three parts water/cream/whiskey/liquid of your choice. It’s basically a taste thing. Add as little or as much as you want and take it either hot or iced.

I have tasted the end result, and it’s damn good. It produced a smooth, less-bitter, brew that is noticeably different. The other cool thing, you can store the coffee concentrate in your fridge for up to 14 days without affecting its flavor. That’s kind of a time saver in the morning.

Overall, the Toddy Cold Brew System experience is worth a try. I went in expecting to be let down by yet another snake oil salesman in barista’s clothing, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’m not saying this will make everyone a cold brew convert, but being exposed to a completely different way to enjoy one of your favorite legal stimulants is a good thing. Oh yeah, have your beans ground at the store - you can save yourself some headache.

$37.50
www.toddycafe.com