Alaska Airlines to Begin Serving Stumptown Coffee

All images courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

Portland, Oregon-born Stumptown Coffee Roasters is reaching new heights through an exclusive supply deal with Alaska Airlines.

The companies announced the new supply and brand partnership this morning. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

A custom Alaska roast developed through extensive testing and consumer research will be available on Alaska flights beginning this fall, with all flights serving Stumptown before the new year, the airline said in an announcement today.

The blend of organic-certified coffees will build off Stumptown’s existing Holler Mountain blend, yet with a slightly different roast profile that “mellows acidity and introduces just enough toastiness to please a wide range of palates,” according to the airline.

“It’s exceptionally smooth and balanced, with aromatic notes of toasted marshmallows, browned butter and toffee with delicate hints of citrus and cherry,” Alaska stated. “Additionally, Stumptown dialed in this roast to be delicious when served black or with the addition of creamer or oat milk.”

Alaska passengers can also find Stumptown coffees at the airline’s Portland and JFK (New York) lounges, including Holler Mountain for brewed coffee and Stumptown’s Hair Bender blend for espresso. The coffee company’s Trapper Creek blend will be used for decaf.

Considered one of the trailblazers of the contemporary “Third Wave” and “direct trade” movements in specialty coffee — each of which stand in opposition to the concept of green coffee as a commodity while prizing its provenance — Stumptown was acquired by Peet’s Coffee in 2015.

Both Stumptown and Peet’s are now part of the portfolio of companies owned by the conglomerate JDE Peet’s.

Alaska, which alone and through its regional partners serves more than 120 destinations across the North and Central Americas, continues to add West Coast-based specialty food and beverage brands to its list of product partners. The airline also offers products from Tillamook, Beecher’s Cheese, Salt & Straw, Seattle Chocolates, Fremont Brewing, Evergreens and Straightaway Cocktails.

Does your coffee business have news to share? Let DCN’s editors know here.