Alaska Airlines Aims to Level Up the In-Air Coffee Experience

If you’re an avid coffee drinker, you’ve likely noticed your in-flight coffee tastes a bit off. The altitude changes the taste of the coffee. However, Alaska Airlines is hoping to brew a better cup of joe thanks to a new partnership with Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

Together, the two brands undertook a rigorous testing process to discover the secret to a great tasting cup of coffee in the skies. The testing required brewing more than 200 pots of coffee, testing the coffee with 20-plus different variables, in-flight taste tests and more. The result is a new, custom coffee blend, available on all flights starting in December.

“Having flown millions of miles fueled by countless cups of coffee, Stumptown stands out as first class,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO, Alaska Airlines. “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.”

The coffee blend, according to the airline, is a medium-dark roast with mellow acidity and “aromatic notes of toasted marshmallows, browned butter and toffee with delicate hints of citrus and cherry.”