Cold Brew Medium Roast Review: Elevate Your OutIn Espresso
By OutIn Portable Espresso Machine | Fresh Coffee Anywhere | Published: 2026-08-01
Category: Product Reviews
Discover how a medium roast coffee can transform your portable espresso. We review Ethiopia Natural Single Origin and share tips for using it with your OutIn machine.
Cold brew coffee has taken the world by storm, offering a smooth, low-acidity alternative to traditional hot brewing. But what happens when you combine the rich, chocolatey notes of a medium roast with the convenience of a portable espresso machine? In this review, we dive into the world of cold brew made with medium roast beans and how you can use your OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Machine to create café-quality cold brew concentrate anywhere.
We've tested the Ethiopia Natural Single Origin – Medium Light Roast from OutIn's coffee collection, and we're excited to share our findings. Whether you're a seasoned espresso enthusiast or a curious newbie, this review will help you understand the nuances of medium roast coffee and how to get the best out of it with your portable gear.
Why Medium Roast is Perfect for Cold Brew and Espresso
Medium roast coffee strikes a beautiful balance between the bright, acidic notes of light roasts and the bold, smoky flavors of dark roasts. This makes it incredibly versatile – it's equally at home in a cold brew pitcher or a steaming espresso shot. The medium roast profile typically features caramel sweetness, nutty undertones, and a smooth body that doesn't overwhelm the palate.
For cold brew, medium roast beans are a popular choice because they produce a concentrate that's rich but not bitter, with a natural sweetness that shines through even when diluted with water or milk. When it comes to espresso, medium roasts are often preferred by baristas for their ability to highlight the origin characteristics of the bean without the charred aftertaste of darker roasts.
- Medium roast beans have a longer shelf life than light roasts, making them ideal for travelers.
- They work well with both hot and cold brewing methods, offering flexibility.
Ethiopia Natural Single Origin: A Flavor Profile Review
The Ethiopia Natural Single Origin – Medium Light Roast is a standout in OutIn's coffee lineup. This bean is processed using the natural method, where the coffee cherries are dried whole, imparting a fruity, wine-like complexity to the cup. On the nose, you'll detect notes of blueberry and dark chocolate, with a hint of jasmine that lingers on the finish.
When brewed as cold brew, this coffee transforms into a silky, almost tea-like beverage with a pronounced berry sweetness and a subtle citrus acidity. As an espresso, it produces a thick, honey-colored crema with a flavor profile that's both bold and delicate – a true testament to the quality of the beans.
- Ideal for those who enjoy fruity, complex coffee flavors.
- The medium light roast level preserves the bean's natural characteristics.
How to Make Cold Brew with Your OutIn Nano
You might be surprised to learn that your portable espresso machine can be a cold brew powerhouse. While traditional cold brew requires hours of steeping, the OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Machine uses high pressure to extract flavors quickly, creating a concentrated shot that can be diluted into a cold brew-style drink in minutes.
To make a cold brew concentrate with your Nano, simply grind your medium roast beans to a coarse setting (similar to what you'd use for a French press), fill the basket with the grounds, and pull a shot using cold water. The result is a smooth, low-acidity concentrate that you can mix with cold water or milk over ice. For best results, we recommend using the Nano Portable Espresso Machine Cup to measure and serve your creation.

- Use cold, filtered water for the best flavor extraction.
- Experiment with the grind size to find your preferred strength.
Pairing Your Coffee with the Right Gear
To get the most out of your medium roast beans, it's essential to have the right equipment. The OutIn Fino Portable Electric Coffee Grinder is a perfect companion for your Nano, allowing you to grind fresh beans to your exact specification, whether you're brewing espresso or cold brew. Freshly ground coffee makes a world of difference in flavor, and the Fino's compact design makes it easy to take on the go.

Additionally, consider investing in the Nano Portable Espresso Machine Filter Baskets Kit (6g-8g) to experiment with different dose sizes. This kit gives you the flexibility to adjust your coffee-to-water ratio, which is crucial when dialing in a cold brew concentrate. With the right tools, you'll be able to replicate café-quality cold brew anywhere.
- A burr grinder like the Fino ensures a consistent grind, which is key for espresso extraction.
- Using the correct filter basket size prevents over- or under-extraction.
In conclusion, the Ethiopia Natural Single Origin – Medium Light Roast is a fantastic choice for both cold brew and espresso enthusiasts. Its versatile flavor profile, combined with the portability of the OutIn Nano, means you can enjoy a refreshing cold brew or a rich espresso wherever your adventures take you. We highly recommend giving this medium roast a try – you won't be disappointed.



