Why You Might Like Alaska Coffee

By Krystal Branch


You might wonder why Alaska coffee is considered special by those in the know. After all, the far north doesn't have the climate to grow this universally appreciated beverage, so how can it grab the attention like Colombia or Java? Maybe it's because it's so cold up there that Alaskans love their caffeine-rich brew.

Well, it's a fact that Alaskans love coffee. One of the unique features of this frontier state are roadside shacks that sell only espresso and ice cream. They are all drive-through, not sit-in, and they really are shacks. Ten by twelve foot buildings with decorations and signage to catch the eye of motorists make a business up here and keep motorists awake and happy on long trips.

These days, of course, it's a global economy, so there's no reason that far north entrepreneurs should not have access to any raw material they can afford to import. Roasters of caffeinated brews speak of blends of beans from eight or ten different countries to achieve the taste and aroma they want. They also talk about the skill of the roasters and grinders on staff, whose special touch gives an excellence not to be found elsewhere.

Of course, it's also a global marketplace. The internet makes it possible for everyone to try these products. You can fill your shopping cart with blends with whimsical northern names like Outhouse Blend. Organic coffee is available for those who try to avoid chemical impurities in their diet.

There are intriguing touches to many of the sites a search opens up, things that go far beyond flavor and variety. Some companies offer packages to help those who want to start a small business; with supplies and training, they can open up a Shack of their own. Others operate cafes in many cities and town, even in the lower 48. Some work with youth groups and ministries, and others are proud to support 'Buy Alaska' policies to boost their state and local economies.

When it comes time for a gift that will be a pleasant and complete surprise, you might think of a sample size of several blends with strange names. Deadman's Reach, Bruin Blend, and Wicked Wolf come in a sampler pack that would make a great gift and give the recipient several new experiences. Afterwards, the package, a reusable tote with a distinctive logo, is useful and fun.

There are all kinds of creative names for different coffees up there. Some evoke the awakening power of caffeine: Fog Raiser, Resurrection Blend, or the-name-says-it-all Breakfast Blend for the eagerly awaited first cup of the day. Others relate to the frontier, like Tundra Mud, Skookum Blend (Chinook for strong/great), and Denali Mountain. Perhaps you can use them to reinforce a geography lesson or persuade someone to think of Alaska as a vacation destination next year.

Much Alaska coffee comes from family enterprises or small companies dedicated to brewing. The companies you'll see online support the local economy, support free trade farmers in many countries, and protect the planet by buying organically-grown beans. They buy from small country growers in Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Guatemala, among others. There are regular, decaffeinated, and espresso blends, as well as some that made their home cafes famous.




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