It's hard to think what Alaska coffee has to make it special. Alaskans might like coffee because it's so cold outside, but why would the rest of the world want it? The far north doesn't have the climate to grow this beverage, obviously, so how can it compete with Colombia and other countries that do grow beans?
And they do love it. Anyone driving along the roads of the forty-ninth state will see many small, drive-through 'shacks' on the roadside. These have no inside seating. They serve travelers with espresso and ice cream. They may not be any bigger than ten by twelve, but their unique appearance and eye-catching signage attract passing motorists, who don't have to leave the comfort of their warm seats to get refreshments.
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 is a sense of community in what you'll see concerning Alaskan specialty coffee businesses. Many of these are family firms, while others have a small staff of dedicated partners. Companies work to boost the Alaskan economy with 'buy local' campaigns, help clients open roadside stands by equipping them with supplies and training, or work with community organizations that benefit youth. All of them seem to support small farmers around the world by buying free trade products.
When you need a surprise gift, consider a blend with a name like Deadman's Reach or Bison Blend. Bruin Blend and Wicked Wolf are other kinds that you can get in a sample pack or in larger sizes. The sampler comes in a gift tote that is useful long after the tasting experience is over.
It's hard to resist the names of different brews. Some are vividly descriptive of the effect the invigorating brew will have: Fog Raiser, Resurrection Blend, and even Breakfast Blend, recommended for that valuable first cup of the day. Others evoke the region: Denali Mountain, Tundra Mud, or Skookum Blend (means strong and great in Chinook).
Alaska coffee roasters have embraced free trade markets which support small growers in many countries with impoverished rural populations. Beans are imported from Peru, Mexico, Ethiopia, Colombia, Indonesia, and Guatemala, to name a few. You can get super strong brews like Skookum Blend or decaffeinated varieties. Whether you choose espressos, regular, or French roasts, you'll have new experiences in taste and aroma.
And they do love it. Anyone driving along the roads of the forty-ninth state will see many small, drive-through 'shacks' on the roadside. These have no inside seating. They serve travelers with espresso and ice cream. They may not be any bigger than ten by twelve, but their unique appearance and eye-catching signage attract passing motorists, who don't have to leave the comfort of their warm seats to get refreshments.
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 is a sense of community in what you'll see concerning Alaskan specialty coffee businesses. Many of these are family firms, while others have a small staff of dedicated partners. Companies work to boost the Alaskan economy with 'buy local' campaigns, help clients open roadside stands by equipping them with supplies and training, or work with community organizations that benefit youth. All of them seem to support small farmers around the world by buying free trade products.
When you need a surprise gift, consider a blend with a name like Deadman's Reach or Bison Blend. Bruin Blend and Wicked Wolf are other kinds that you can get in a sample pack or in larger sizes. The sampler comes in a gift tote that is useful long after the tasting experience is over.
It's hard to resist the names of different brews. Some are vividly descriptive of the effect the invigorating brew will have: Fog Raiser, Resurrection Blend, and even Breakfast Blend, recommended for that valuable first cup of the day. Others evoke the region: Denali Mountain, Tundra Mud, or Skookum Blend (means strong and great in Chinook).
Alaska coffee roasters have embraced free trade markets which support small growers in many countries with impoverished rural populations. Beans are imported from Peru, Mexico, Ethiopia, Colombia, Indonesia, and Guatemala, to name a few. You can get super strong brews like Skookum Blend or decaffeinated varieties. Whether you choose espressos, regular, or French roasts, you'll have new experiences in taste and aroma.