For context I live in Ireland but I've worked in the US before. I managed a coffee shop in New York and that was where I fell in love with cold brew coffee. That was six years ago and since then Cold Brew has become more popular in Ireland starting with Starbucks and now being followed by specialty coffee shops.
There was a new coffee shop opened in my town and I saw they had cold brew on the menu for four euro ($4.50). I was delighted and ordered it. Straight in front of me, the barista opened up this monstrosity, poured it into a cup, diluted it and served it to me. I was so taken aback I didn't say anything. I did try it but it tasted so artificial I had to buy a hot tea just to get the taste out of my mouth.
My question is: is this not a scam of epic proportions? Surely cold brew should be brewed cold??! I no longer feel I can trust the cold brew I buy in other places now. I feel cold brew will always be tainted by having once been served in the equivalent of squash form. I didn't say anything to the barista because she doesn't make the menu, but what would you have done in that situation?
by cinnamongroupie