Back in October, Alaska Airlines made an exciting coffee announcement. As someone who cares a lot about coffee, I was thrilled to see the effort the carrier put into this. I wanted to share an update, as this coffee is now available on all Alaska flights, and I’m curious to hear some firsthand reports of how it is.
In this post:
Alaska & Stumptown introduce custom coffee blend
Alaska Airlines has a new partnership with Stumptown Coffee Roasters. The new coffee debuted this fall, and is available on all Alaska flights as of December 1, 2023 (today).
What’s particularly cool about this partnership is that it includes a custom blend of coffee, specially crafted to be enjoyed at 30,000 feet, where tastebuds react differently than at sea level.
The airline claims that it took months of development and in-flight testing to create this blend, which has “resulted in a perfect cup of coffee unlike anything else being served in the skies.” Alaska also states that this offers a “well-balanced, complex flavor profile that delivers a remarkably smooth and enjoyable cup.”
A fair bit of effort went into this, as more than 200 pots of coffee were brewed for the development of this project (which… actually doesn’t sound like that much?). The airline and coffee roaster tested over 20 variables, including changes in grind, dose, filter paper, and filter-pack dimensions, to make sure the inflight experience would impress guests. They even taste-tested the coffee with Alaska’s inflight milk and Biscoff cookies to ensure both paired well with the coffee.
In addition to the new coffee being served onboard, Stumptown is now being served in Alaska Lounges in both New York (JFK) and Portland (PDX). Stumptown’s Holler Mountain blend is the brewed coffee option, the Hair Bender blend is what’s used for espresso beverages, and the Trapper Creek blend is what’s used as a decaf option.
Here’s how Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci describes this new coffee blend:
Having flown millions of miles fueled by countless cups of coffee, Stumptown stands out as first class. Like travel, coffee has a remarkable way of bringing people together. I can’t wait for our guests and employees to enjoy a cup of Stumptown when they fly with us.”
Alaska Airlines and Starbucks broke up
Perhaps the even bigger news here is that Alaska Airlines has historically served Starbucks, so Stumptown has replaced Starbucks. Admittedly both are companies based in the Pacific Northwest — Starbucks is based in Seattle, while Stumptown is based in Portland.
I’d sure be fascinated to know what went on in the background here. Did Alaska break up with Starbucks? Did Starbucks break up with Alaska? Did Stumptown offer Alaska some incredible deal?
While I appreciate Starbucks for consistency, I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the brand’s brewed coffee, so I’m happy to see the switch to Stumptown.
I really appreciate Alaska Airlines’ coffee effort
It’s worth acknowledging that airplane coffee is kind of gross, and it will never be as good as coffee on the ground. Water from airplane tanks isn’t necessarily the cleanest, and on top of that, the equipment used may not be cleaned thoroughly and consistently.
That’s why I appreciate when airlines put effort into offering good alternatives, ranging from espresso-based drinks (which aren’t as dependent on water tanks) to cold brew (which is pre-bottled). Still, not all brewed airplane coffee is created equal. For example, I think that JetBlue’s Dunkin’ coffee is a bit better than what you’ll find on American.
All that being said, I love what Alaska Airlines is going for here. Not only is the airline highlighting a local brand that is known for offering great quality coffee, but the companies have even created a special blend that takes into account the impact that the altitude has on tastebuds.
I can’t wait to give this Stumptown coffee a try!
Bottom line
Alaska Airlines has partnered with Stumptown Coffee Roasters on coffee both inflight and in select lounges. The airline has introduced a custom blend designed specifically to be enjoyed at altitude, given how flying can impact your tastebuds. This is awesome, and it’s as excited as one can get aboard airplane brewed coffee.
What do you make of Alaska Airlines’ new Stumptown blend? Has anyone tried it yet, and if so, did you taste a difference, or is this mostly hype?
Had Stumptown on an Alaska flight this week. One word: "Yuk." Tasted like it was polluted.
Stumptown used to be really good - now? Its underroasted, pale, weak and when made in a airline coffee pot = sadly disgusting.
I had the Stumptown coffee on an Alaska flight last week. Mildly put, it was awful. Bitter, oil floating on the top ... this isn't Starbucks by a mile.
Alas, Stumptown quality has dropped a fair bit since being bought out by Peet’s years bacl. Still - it may nevertheless be amongst the best coffee offered by an airline…
So glad they ditched Starbucks. Terrible coffee.
I was hoping for Latte Larry's.
One of the Seattle lounge employees told me they are working on something special for those lounges
Enjoyed the new coffee last week. Sitting in Starbucks now with Americano. Can't have too much coffee!
I guess that you need to accentuate the positive for Alaska on coffee choices. Alaska Air has to be smarting today in that the Alaska Air, the publicly traded company was removed from the S&P 500. A company added today to the S&P; UBER. To borrow a line from George Constanza "That's gotta hurt!"
I'm pretty sure it was still Umbria coffee on my Tuesday morning flight. I'm not sure coffee taste matters as much when you add Bailey's and hazelnut vodka.
No trip report to try the new coffee?
It sounds like he's lobbying for an invitation, eh?