The Cumulus cold brew coffee maker presents a novel approach to achieving the coveted nitro cold brew experience at home, bypassing the traditional nitrogen cartridges in favor of infusing regular air – a mix of 79% nitrogen and 20% oxygen – directly into the coffee. This innovative method generates a visually captivating cascade of bubbles that mimic the dense, creamy head characteristic of a perfectly poured Irish stout. While the use of oxygen raises concerns about potential oxidation and its impact on flavor, initial taste tests revealed minimal discernible difference in freshly brewed samples. The immediate impression is one of refreshing effervescence, which enhances the perceived sweetness and masks any subtle oxidative notes. This visual and textural allure proves compelling, creating an experience that rivals commercially available nitro cold brews.
The Cumulus doesn’t limit its effervescent prowess to cold brew alone. Its powerful compressor also imbues espresso with a rich, authentic crema, a feat rarely achieved in home espresso machines. This crema, a testament to the machine’s pressure capabilities, elevates the espresso experience and opens doors to creative coffee-based concoctions. The naturally frothy espresso produced by the Cumulus lends itself particularly well to crafting espresso martinis, producing a visually stunning cocktail with a thick, decadent foam layer. This readily available cold espresso streamlines the cocktail-making process, removing the chilling step required with traditionally brewed espresso.
Beyond the captivating aesthetics and textural enhancements, the Cumulus raises practical questions about its target audience and overall utility. While undeniably a marvel of engineering, successfully achieving both nitro-style cold brew and crema-topped espresso, it caters to a specific segment of the coffee-drinking population. Its inherent reliance on single-serve capsules aligns it more closely with the convenience-driven user, similar to the Keurig user, rather than the discerning coffee connoisseur who prioritizes nuanced flavor profiles and meticulous brewing techniques.
The Cumulus leans heavily into the realm of convenience and customization, offering a range of flavored syrups to further enhance the coffee experience. This emphasis on flavor additions suggests a target audience that prioritizes personalized, indulgent coffee creations over the purity and subtlety of unadulterated brews. This approach further distinguishes the Cumulus from the purist coffee scene, positioning it as a tool for crafting customized coffee beverages tailored to individual preferences. The flavored syrup options reinforce the concept of the Cumulus as a platform for creative coffee experimentation, catering to those who enjoy adding a touch of personalized flair to their daily cup.
The decision to utilize air, specifically oxygen, over pure nitrogen raises important considerations regarding the longevity and flavor stability of the brewed coffee. While the initial taste tests demonstrate minimal immediate impact, the inherent oxidative properties of oxygen raise concerns about the potential for flavor degradation over time. This aspect warrants further investigation and long-term testing to determine the true impact of oxygen exposure on the overall flavor profile and shelf life of the Cumulus-brewed coffee. Understanding the long-term consequences of this oxygen exposure will be crucial in assessing the Cumulus’s overall viability as a preferred brewing method.
Ultimately, the Cumulus emerges as a multifaceted coffee brewing system that prioritizes convenience, customization, and visual appeal. It caters to a specific segment of coffee drinkers who value ease of use and the ability to personalize their beverages. While not designed for the discerning palate of the coffee purist, its impressive engineering and ability to deliver both nitro-style cold brew and crema-topped espresso in a single, compact machine make it a compelling option for those seeking a convenient and visually engaging coffee experience. The Cumulus’s success will hinge on its ability to resonate with this target audience, who prioritize ease of use and a customizable coffee experience over the subtleties of specialty coffee.
