Espresso Parts
Yama Cold Drip Tower 6-8 Cup Bamboo Straight Frame (32oz)
Description
Master the Art of Kyoto-Style Cold Brew at Home
Transform your coffee ritual with the Yama Cold Drip Tower, a stunning piece of functional art that creates the smoothest, most refined cold brew coffee you've ever tasted. This Kyoto-style coffee brewer combines centuries-old Japanese brewing tradition with modern craftsmanship, producing cold brew that's up to 69% less acidic than hot-brewed coffee while preserving valuable antioxidants and revealing delicate flavor notes impossible to achieve through other methods.
Perfect for: Cold brew enthusiasts, specialty coffee lovers, home baristas seeking unique brewing experiences, coffee shops wanting to offer premium cold brew, anyone who appreciates the intersection of function and design.
Why Choose the Yama Cold Drip Tower?
The Gold Standard of Cold Brew
The Yama Cold Drip Tower represents the pinnacle of cold coffee brewing. Unlike immersion-style cold brewers that steep grounds in water, this Kyoto drip tower uses a slow, drop-by-drop extraction method over 3-12 hours. The result? Cold brew concentrate that's remarkably smooth, naturally sweet, and bursting with the origin characteristics of your beans—without the bitterness or harsh acids found in traditional brewing methods.
Hand-Crafted Excellence
Each Yama tower features hand-blown borosilicate glass components crafted by master glassblowers. This premium heat-resistant glass isn't just beautiful—it's dishwasher and microwave safe, ensuring durability for years of brewing. The organic bamboo frame adds natural elegance while the iconic spiral glass coil provides both visual drama and functional benefits, aerating your coffee as it descends like a wine decanter.
A Conversation Piece That Delivers
Standing approximately 30 inches tall, this cold brew tower becomes the centerpiece of any coffee station. Watching the hypnotic drip-drip-drip of water slowly transforming coffee grounds into liquid gold is mesmerizing. Guests will gather around, questions will flow, and you'll serve them the best cold brew they've ever tasted.
Key Features & Specifications
Capacity & Dimensions
- Brew Capacity: 6-8 cups (32 oz / approximately 950ml)
- Height: Approximately 30 inches (76 cm)
- Width: Approximately 10 inches (25 cm)
- Depth: Approximately 9 inches (23 cm)
- Serving Size: Produces concentrate for multiple servings
Premium Construction
- Glass Material: Hand-blown borosilicate glass
- Frame Material: Natural bamboo (eco-friendly, sustainable)
- Frame Style: Straight design for sleek, modern aesthetic
- Glass Properties: Heat-resistant, dishwasher safe, microwave safe
- Durability: Built to last with proper care
Brewing System Components
- Top Chamber (Water Reservoir): Holds ice and cold water with adjustable drip valve
- Middle Chamber (Coffee Grounds): Glass beaker with filter system
- Bottom Chamber (Collection Carafe): 32oz glass vessel for finished brew
- Spiral Glass Coil: Iconic design element that aerates coffee during descent
- Drip Rate Control: Precision valve for customizing extraction speed
Included Accessories
- 1 Reusable ceramic filter (bottom of middle beaker)
- 20 Paper filters (top of coffee grounds)
- Complete brewing and assembly instructions
- All glass beakers, carafe, and coil
- Bamboo frame
Brewing Specifications
- Brew Time: 3-12 hours (typically 8-10 hours for optimal extraction)
- Drip Rate: Adjustable (typically 1 drip per second)
- Coffee Recommendation: 50-80g medium to medium-coarse grind
- Water Amount: 500-700ml ice water mixture
- Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:8 to 1:10 (customizable)
How the Yama Cold Drip Tower Works
The Kyoto Slow Drip Method
The Yama tower uses the traditional Kyoto-style slow drip extraction method, perfected in Japan over centuries:
1. Water Chamber (Top): Fill with ice and cold water. The adjustable valve at the base controls drip rate—typically set to 1 drop per second for optimal extraction.
2. Coffee Chamber (Middle): Place paper filter over ceramic filter, add 50-80g medium-coarse ground coffee, gently pre-wet grounds to prevent channeling.
3. Extraction Process: Ice-cold water drips onto coffee grounds, slowly extracting oils, flavors, and caffeine over 8-10 hours without heat or bitterness.
4. Spiral Descent: Coffee travels through the decorative glass coil, aerating and further developing flavors like wine in a decanter.
5. Collection Carafe (Bottom): Finished cold brew concentrate collects, ready to serve over ice or dilute to taste.
What Makes Kyoto Cold Brew Special?
69% Less Acidic
The cold drip method dramatically reduces coffee's natural acidity, making it easier on sensitive stomachs while creating an incredibly smooth drinking experience. Perfect for those who find hot coffee too harsh or acidic.
Preserves Antioxidants
Cold extraction retains more valuable antioxidants compared to hot brewing methods, offering potential health benefits along with exceptional flavor.
Complex Flavor Profile
Unlike immersion cold brew's heavy body, Kyoto drip produces a cleaner, more refined cup that highlights your coffee's origin characteristics—bright fruit notes, floral aromatics, and delicate sweetness that heat would overwhelm.
Concentrated & Versatile
The finished brew is a concentrate, giving you flexibility to serve it straight over ice for an intense experience, dilute with water for a lighter cup, mix with milk for iced lattes, or even use in cocktails.
Perfect Coffee Selection for Your Yama Tower
Recommended Roast Levels
Medium to Medium-Light Roasts (Best Choice): These roasts showcase the most character in cold drip brewing, revealing fruity, floral, and bright notes that the slow extraction process highlights beautifully.
Single-Origin Coffees: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Kenyan AA, Colombian, or Guatemalan beans excel in Kyoto drip towers, displaying their unique terroir characteristics.
Light Roasts: Bring out delicate flavors and maximum brightness, though they may require slight grind adjustments.
Medium-Dark Roasts: Work well for those preferring chocolate and nutty notes with balanced sweetness.
Grind Size
Medium to medium-coarse grind (similar to sea salt or breadcrumbs) works best. Too fine causes clogging; too coarse results in under-extraction. Consistent grind from a burr grinder produces superior results.
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
Assembly & Setup:
- Clean all glass components thoroughly
- Assemble tower following included instructions
- Place ceramic filter in middle chamber base
- Cut and place paper filter on top of ceramic filter
Coffee Preparation:
- Weigh 50-80g coffee (start with 60g for 6 cups)
- Grind to medium-coarse consistency
- Add grounds to middle chamber
- Gently pre-wet grounds with cold water, stir to ensure even saturation
Water Setup:
- Fill top chamber with cold filtered water (500-700ml)
- Add ice to fill chamber (ice-to-water ratio affects brew time)
- Adjust drip valve to achieve 1 drop per second
- Monitor first 30 minutes and adjust as needed
Brewing Process:
- Let tower brew for 8-10 hours (overnight works perfectly)
- Check drip rate occasionally—it may slow as ice melts
- Adjust valve if flow stops or becomes too fast
- Brewing is complete when water chamber is empty
Serving:
- Collect concentrated cold brew from bottom carafe
- Serve over ice (2-3 oz concentrate + ice)
- Dilute with water if too strong (1:1 or 1:2 ratio)
- Store remaining concentrate refrigerated up to 7 days
- Consider aging 5-7 days for enhanced sweetness
Care & Maintenance
After Each Use
- Rinse glass components immediately after brewing
- Discard used paper filter and rinse ceramic filter
- Wash bamboo frame with damp cloth (do not soak)
- Allow all parts to dry completely before storage
Deep Cleaning
- Glass components are dishwasher safe (top rack recommended)
- For stubborn coffee oil residue, use espresso machine cleaner or Cafiza
- Clean spiral coil with bottle brush or pipe cleaners
- Do not use abrasive cleaners on glass
Bamboo Frame Care
- Wipe with damp cloth only—do not submerge in water
- Keep away from excessive moisture and humidity
- Occasionally treat with food-safe mineral oil to maintain appearance
- Store in dry location when not in use
Storage
- Disassemble tower for compact storage
- Keep glass components separate to prevent chipping
- Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Yama Cold Drip Tower vs. Other Cold Brew Methods
Kyoto Drip vs. Immersion Cold Brew
Yama Tower (Drip Method):
- Cleaner, more refined flavor with less sediment
- Highlights delicate origin characteristics and bright notes
- 3-12 hour brew time with visual brewing process
- Requires dedicated equipment but offers superior quality
- Creates conversation piece and theatrical brewing experience
Immersion Cold Brew (French Press, Mason Jar):
- Fuller body with more particulates
- Heavier, chocolate-forward flavor profile
- 12-24 hour steep time, no monitoring needed
- Uses equipment you may already own
- Simple process but less precise control
Yama vs. Other Cold Brew Towers
Yama Tower ($200-300):
- Hand-blown borosilicate glass construction
- Iconic spiral coil design for aeration
- Bamboo or wood frame options
- Ceramic + paper dual filtration system
- 6-8 cup (32oz) or 25 cup options available
Hario Water Dripper ($235):
- Similar quality glass construction
- More modern, minimalist aesthetic
- Faster setup but similar results
- Slightly higher price point
Budget Towers (NISPIRA, Osaka) ($75-100):
- Thinner glass, more fragile
- Basic filtration systems
- Functional but less refined
- Good entry point for beginners
High-End Towers (Oji, Custom) ($500-2000+):
- Dual water chambers for pressure control
- Multiple drip heads for even distribution
- Commercial-grade construction
- Overkill for home use
Perfect For
Home Use
- Coffee enthusiasts wanting to explore artisan brewing methods
- Anyone who loves iced coffee and cold brew
- People seeking low-acid coffee alternatives
- Home entertainers wanting impressive coffee service
Commercial Settings
- Specialty coffee shops offering premium cold brew ($6-8/serving)
- Cafes wanting visual centerpiece that attracts customers
- Restaurants with craft beverage programs
- Coffee bars seeking to differentiate from competitors
Gift Giving
- Unique gift for serious coffee lovers
- Wedding or housewarming present
- Gift for foodie friends and coffee geeks
- Special occasion gift that keeps giving
Pro Tips for Best Results
Dial In Your Drip Rate: Start at 1 drop per second. Faster = shorter brew time but less extraction; slower = longer brew time and more intensity.
Pre-Wet Your Grounds: Gently saturate grounds with cold water before starting drip to prevent channeling (water cutting straight through rather than extracting evenly).
Use Quality Water: Filtered or spring water makes a noticeable difference. Avoid distilled water (tastes flat) or heavily mineralized water (can taste harsh).
Experiment With Ice-to-Water Ratios: More ice = slower initial drip but extends brew time; more water = faster brewing but requires monitoring.
Age Your Brew: Cold brew concentrate improves with age. Store 5-7 days in the fridge for enhanced sweetness and smoothness.
Try Different Origins: Single-origin coffees reveal their unique characteristics beautifully. Create a tasting flight from different regions.
Monitor Initial Setup: Check your drip rate after 30 minutes and adjust—it's easier to fix early than after hours of slow/fast extraction.
What's Included
✓ Hand-blown borosilicate glass top water chamber with drip valve
✓ Glass middle coffee chamber with dual filtration
✓ Glass bottom collection carafe (32oz capacity)
✓ Decorative spiral glass coil
✓ Natural bamboo straight frame
✓ 1 Reusable ceramic filter
✓ 20 Paper filters
✓ Assembly and brewing instructions
Technical Specifications
Capacity: 6-8 cups (32 oz / 950ml)
Height: ~30 inches (76 cm)
Width: ~10 inches (25 cm)
Depth: ~9 inches (23 cm)
Frame Material: Bamboo (sustainable, eco-friendly)
Glass Type: Hand-blown borosilicate
Glass Properties: Heat-resistant, dishwasher safe, microwave safe
Filtration: Ceramic + paper dual system
Brew Time: 3-12 hours (typically 8-10)
Drip Rate: Adjustable (1 drop/second standard)
Coffee Amount: 50-80g medium-coarse grind
Made By: Yama Glass USA (Taiwan manufacturing)
Style: Straight bamboo frame
About Yama Glass
Yama Glass has been crafting exceptional hand-blown borosilicate glass coffee and tea equipment since 1979, bringing the artistry of traditional glassmaking to modern specialty coffee culture. Based in the United States with manufacturing in Taiwan, each Yama product is individually hand-blown by master glassblowers using premium heat-resistant borosilicate glass—the same material used in laboratory equipment for its exceptional durability and clarity. Yama pioneered the introduction of Kyoto-style cold brew towers to the Western market, making this traditional Japanese brewing method accessible to coffee enthusiasts and specialty cafes worldwide. Their commitment to sustainable materials is evident in the natural bamboo and wood frames that complement their precision-engineered glass components, creating brewing equipment that's as environmentally conscious as it is beautiful. Trusted by coffee professionals from boutique specialty cafes to renowned roasters, Yama Glass combines centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary design to create functional works of art that transform coffee brewing into a captivating, meditative experience—all while producing exceptional cold brew that rivals any coffee shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brewing time ranges from 3-12 hours depending on your drip rate setting, typically 8-10 hours for optimal extraction. Most people start the brew before bed and wake up to ready-to-drink cold brew concentrate. The adjustable valve lets you customize brew time—faster drips (1.5 drops/second) take 4-6 hours, while slower drips (1 drop every 2 seconds) can take 12+ hours.
Yes, significantly. Kyoto-style uses a slow drip/percolation method where water drips through grounds over hours, creating a cleaner, more refined coffee with brighter flavor notes. Regular cold brew uses immersion (steeping grounds in water for 12-24 hours), producing a heavier body with more sediment. Kyoto drip highlights delicate flavors; immersion cold brew emphasizes chocolate and nutty notes.
The tower produces approximately 32oz (950ml) of cold brew concentrate, which makes 6-8 servings when diluted. Serve 2-4oz concentrate over ice with or without water/milk. One brewing cycle typically yields enough for 3-4 days of personal consumption or can serve 6-8 guests at a gathering.
Medium to medium-light roasts work best, particularly single-origin coffees from Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, or Guatemala. These roasts showcase the most character and complexity in cold drip brewing. Use medium-coarse grind (like sea salt) from a burr grinder for consistent extraction. Avoid dark roasts as the slow extraction can over-extract bitter compounds.
Not at all. Setup takes 10-15 minutes: assemble tower, add filters and coffee, fill with ice water, adjust drip rate, then let it brew hands-free. Cleaning is simple—glass components are dishwasher safe, and you just rinse everything after use. The bamboo frame wipes clean with a damp cloth. The most time-consuming part is the brew time itself, not the operation.
Absolutely! The tower works beautifully for cold-drip tea, creating smooth, concentrated tea without bitterness. Some users also experiment with infusing spirits (whiskey, bourbon, tequila) with botanicals, citrus peels, or vanilla beans. The slow drip method extracts flavors gently, making it versatile for any cold extraction application.
The hand-blown borosilicate glass is heat-resistant and more durable than regular glass, but it still requires careful handling like any glassware. Handle components gently, don't overtighten connections, and store carefully when not in use. With proper care, your Yama tower will last for years. Many coffee shops use these towers daily without issues.