Nitro Coffee is a smooth, creamy, and rich cold coffee beverage combined with nitrogen gas that gives it that special foamy top. Several varieties of nitro coffee are available, and each brings something unique to the table.
The History of Nitro Coffee
The history of nitro coffee is a relatively simple one. Nate Armbrust, a food scientist who worked at Stumptown Coffee Roasters, developed it. He created the beverage using a cold-brew process that creates a smooth, creamy beverage.
Armbrust had long been interested in the idea of making cold brew coffee foamier. However, carbon dioxide proved to be an unsuitable ingredient for the job. So he started experimenting again.
Armbrust then remembered the frothy texture he used to see when he poured a Guinness from a tap. It was his inspiration, and he began experimenting with nitrogen-infused cold brews due to this.
He created the cold brew and asked his colleagues at Stumptown to taste it. After a period of experimentation, they began selling it.
When Armbrust served nitrous-infused coffee at Stumptown Coffee Roasters, his colleagues liked it, and he decided to sell it directly from the tap.
The Taste Profile
Nitrogen-infused coffee, like cold brew, is extremely smooth and low in acidity. It has a silky mouthfeel that makes it popular among specialty coffee drinkers. Nitrogen-infused beverages have smaller bubbles than other carbonated drinks. This is because nitrogen gas does not dissolve well in liquids.
Many consumers choose to drink nitro-brew black because of its creamy texture. These drinks usually include a variety of sweeteners, such as vanilla syrup or cream.
Mighty Brew Bros in Manhattan use nitrogen-infused coffee in their cocktails and serve it with vanilla ice cream. The owner claims that nitro coffee pairs well with flavors other than regular coffee.
Nitro Coffee vs. Regular Coffee
Many high-end gyms are now offering nitrogen-infused coffee on tap. Marketers are marketing it as a healthier alternative to traditional coffee.
Compared to regular espresso, nitrogen-infused beverages taste sweet without the need for added sugar because of how the nitrogen interacts with receptors on the tongue.
Those who like their morning coffee with cream and sugar may find it difficult to switch to black coffee, which is lower in calories. However, nitro coffee offers a compromise that retains the taste of regular coffee while reducing calories.
Conclusion
Nitro coffee is a unique, sweet, frothy beverage that is made with finely ground, cold brew coffee and nitrogen. First introduced in March of 2011 at a coffee shop located in Stumptown Coffee Roasters in New York City and poured by hand.
Since then, nitro has evolved into a coffee revolution as coffee shops around the US have begun to introduce this product to their customers.