How long should brewed coffee ideally be kept before it goes stale?

Brewed coffee is at its best shortly after it's made, as freshness significantly impacts its flavor profile. Ideally, brewed coffee should be consumed within 30 minutes to 1 hour after brewing. This timeframe helps to maintain the coffee's taste and aroma, which can deteriorate due to exposure to air and temperature changes.

Within the first half-hour, coffee retains most of its optimal characteristics, but beyond an hour, the flavors can start to become stale and unpleasant as chemical reactions continue to occur. This contrasts with options that suggest longer durations, as coffee does not age well after brewing, leading to a decline in quality. Therefore, the 30 minutes to 1 hour range is a practical window for enjoying brewed coffee at its intended flavor profile.