Hario Cold Brew Bottle Review: Foolproof Summer Coffee!

The Hario Cold Brew Bottle makes cold brewing easy and convenient – if not cheap.

The Hario Cold Brew Bottle is a lovely little cold brew coffee maker that makes it virtually foolproof to create smooth and rich cold brew coffee. My favorite feature is the sleek wine bottle silhouette, which is both attractive and practical. 

However, after testing this model, I don’t think it’s the right pick for everyone. Read on for my honest thoughts on the pros and cons of the Hario Cold Brew Bottle.

The Full Hario Cold Brew Bottle Review

Having tested many of the best cold brew coffee makers, I’ve found two key factors take the cold brew experience from good to great: convenience and quality. 

The Hario Cold Brew Bottle nails both, while adding a practical wine bottle design, but it also has a couple of shortcomings. Keep reading to find out if it’s the right cold brew maker for you.

How We Rated It

• Ease of Use
• Coffee Flavor
• Quality
• Capacity
• Value For Money

4.1

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The Hario Name and Quality

Established in 1921 as a manufacturing company for heat-proof laboratory glassware, Hario has dominated the coffee and tea industry in Tokyo and abroad since 1948 (1).

The iconic Hario V60 pour-over coffee maker and Skerton coffee grinder are renowned throughout the specialty coffee industry, and I’m happy to say that the Hario Cold Brew Bottle offers a similar level of quality and function.

Using The Hario Cold Brew Bottle

The Hario cold brew bottle has three basic components: the glass carafe, a fine mesh strainer, and a cap.

To make cold brew, fill the mesh basket with 55 grams of coarsely ground coffee, pour room-temperature water into the max fill line, and place the stopper on. Gently swirl to fully saturate the coffee grounds and start the extraction. 

To serve, all you need to do is remove the filter full of grounds and pour it like you would a bottle of wine. If you don’t plan to drink it all right away, the silicone stopper will keep it fresh in the fridge for a few days.

The Pros And Cons Of Small Capacity

The Hario Cold Brew Bottle has a 21-ounce capacity (650 mL), which is about enough for two servings. And due to its design, there is no way to use it to brew cold brew concentrate. I consider this a significant disadvantage, as I like brewing once and having enough concentrate in my fridge to last a week or more.

That said, if you only occasionally enjoy cold brew or if you don’t mind the very minor effort required to set it up each evening, the major advantage of this small capacity is its compact footprint. Unlike some of the behemoth cold brewers that require you to rearrange your fridge shelves, this Hario model is identical to a standard wine bottle – easily slotting in most fridge doors.

How Is The Coffee Flavor?

The Hario Cold Brew Bottle produces the Platonic ideal of cold brew coffee. It’s smooth and sweet with little acidity and no discernible bitterness. The filter does an excellent job of removing any grit from the final brew, leaving only a fine silt in the bottom of the bottle, which I actually enjoyed for the added body and flavor. 

I sampled it with a dark roast, which came out rich with flavors of chocolate and caramel. If you’ve been looking to cut back on adding sugar to your coffee, give this a shot! It’s so naturally sweet. 

I also experimented with a light roast, opting for a slightly longer steeping time. It was a wonderful way to experience the fruity and floral notes without being overwhelmed by acidity, resulting in a very refreshing brew.

Is The Cold Brew Bottle Good Value?

The Hario Cold Brew Bottle retails for just under $40, which strikes me as a little pricey for such a simple device. I suspect you’re paying a bit of a premium for the Hario name. However, the Hario name is a good one; you know you’re getting quality glassware from a trusted brand.

The glass bottle is made from Hario’s classic heat-proof glass, while the cap, stopper, fine mesh basket, and filter are made from silicone, polypropylene, and polyester resin. In daily use, they are durable and perform well. Plus, all components are dishwasher-safe.

Regardless, you’re certainly saving a ton of money compared to regularly buying cold brew at the coffee shop. But if you’re looking for something a little cheaper and don’t mind (in my opinion) a poorer aesthetic, check out the Hario Mizudashi instead.

Do Not Buy The Hario Cold Brew Bottle If…

• You want a lot of cold brew – For making larger batches of cold brew coffee or cold brew concentrate, look into the Oxo cold brew system, the Takeya cold brew bottle, or the French Press-style Bodum cold brewer. 

• You prefer slow-drip cold brew – Slow-drip cold brew takes a bit more effort, but it also allows you much more control over the process. This can be a huge selling point for specialty coffee fans. Hario makes an affordable and barebones version, the Hario Shizuku. But if you have more of a budget, I’d suggest the 3-in-1 Goat Story Gina.

• You want an all-in-one brew kit – The Goat Story Cold Brew Kit is a good choice for cold brewing beginners with a taste for premium beans. The kit consists of a glass brewing vessel, a lid, and three sachets of freshly ground specialty coffee. Just add water.

The Verdict

The Hario cold brew bottle is a great choice if you value your fridge space and don’t need to brew more than a few servings at once. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and yields deliciously smooth cold coffee. While the price is a little steep, you’re getting an elegant wine bottle carafe and the world-famous Hario quality in exchange for your dollars.

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