Trade Coffee is the ultimate matchmaker for coffee lovers. You'll meet some of the most amazing coffee the U.S. has to offer. Each delivery includes small-batch coffee based on your tastes and preferences. After trying out your new coffee you can provide feedback and rate your order. Trade's in-house experts will then use this information to fine-tune all future deliveries. If your first bag isn't up to par, Trade will deliver a replacement for free.
What I love the most about Trade Coffee is its level of customization. You'll take an initial quiz that collects information on your preferences and brewing methods. Choose normal coffee or decaf, select your roast level and grind type, and add your preferred tasting notes. And don't worry, if you struggle with decision fatigue you can sign up for a preset subscription instead.
This review is of the Cold Brew Subscription by Trade Coffee. For a limited time, new subscribers will receive a free Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker when they subscribe. Don't miss out!
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
Meet this Month's Coffee: Southern Hospitality by Portrait
Just the other day, my husband and I were craving some solid cold brew. You know, the kind that's mellow in terms of acidity but has a mouthful of flavor.
However, we're a bit selective when it comes to buying cold brew—we want a balanced brew that's easy to savor and doesn't require creamer. Not to mention, we didn't just want single-serving cups that cost $5-$7 a piece. It just so happened that Trade Coffee was in the midst of launching its Cold Brew Kit special. So, we got to make our own cold brew from home, which was awesome! We received a "big bag" of Southern Hospitality by Portrait this month.
Southern Hospitality is a big-bodied, yet smooth blend made specifically for cold brew. This medium-dark roast showcases hints of milk chocolate, nuts, and brown sugar. Its roaster, Portrait, is dedicated to crafting coffee that reflects the history and culture of its West End Atlanta community. They've been featured on Good Morning America and have won awards like the Google Black Founders Fund and Sprudge’s Most Notable Roaster.
Let's Get to Brewing...
I was so excited to: 1) get a new coffee maker, 2) make legitimate cold brew coffee for the first time ever! We received a Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker, which is a borosilicate glass brewer. Here's how you use it:
- Add 80g of ground coffee to the fine mesh basket.
- Pour in ~5.5 cups of room-temperature water (to the very top of the mesh basket).
- Stir the grounds in the mesh basket for 5-10 seconds.
- Place the lid on the maker and put it inside the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Remove the mesh basket with soaked grounds, then pour up!
Time for a Taste Test!
Upon sipping this for the first time, my husband commented, "Wow! This is real cold brew!"
And I agree—this is the real deal. Southern Hospitality was full of flavor, yet smooth enough that you could easily drink it without creamer. I tried it both ways and still can't decide which version I like best.
Without creamer, this cold brew boasts rich flavors of cocoa. With creamer, it showcases subtle hints of brown sugar and nuts. Either way, this cold brew is downright delicious.
The Verdict
Southern Hospitality by Portrait was everything my husband and I were longing for in a cold brew. Its rich flavors and smooth body make this coffee perfect for a morning jolt or early afternoon pick-me-up. I've been brewing this every night before bed so my husband can just pull it right out of the fridge in the mornings before work.
Of course, being the generous husband he is, Stephen makes sure I have at least a cup for myself to savor in the early mornings before my littles emerge into chaos. And what I really mean by that is I get to enjoy a whole 5 to 10 minutes by myself each morning...but, hey, that's what I signed up for when having two under two.
Side Note—Is Trade Coffee Good for the Price?
The average price for a standard bag of freshly roasted coffee in the United States is roughly $17. While Trade Coffee costs $19.95 per bag, when you pay for a month-to-month subscription the price drops to $15.75(+shipping) per bag. If you prepay for three bags of coffee, it's like getting a bag for free. This brings down the price to $13.30 per bag, and you'll unlock free shipping.
If you're just trying out Trade Coffee on a one-time basis, the price is slightly higher than average. However, if you're willing to commit to a few months at a time, you'll save quite a bit of money in the long run. In my opinion, Trade Coffee is absolutely worth committing to! Especially considering you're gaining access to the best independent roasters throughout the country.
Writer's Note: You can also purchase coffee equipment from Trade Coffee as add-ons. They offer equipment like a Chemex, goose-neck kettle, and filters to help make pour-over coffee.
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