Friday, February 21, 2014

Alaska Coffee Is The New Novelty

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.

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.

The internet makes marketing specialty products easy. People from places far away from the frozen north can fill a shopping cart with blends of regular, french roast, decaffeinated, and organic coffees to sample or give as gifts. Who could resist a cup of Outhouse Blend?

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.

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.

Countries that supply beans for Alaska coffee include Guatemala, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. Free trade seeks to help small farmers make a living, so you know your purchase is doing more than getting you a new taste experience. There are regular and French roasts, decaffeinated and organic brews, and espressos, as well as some specialty-of-the-house blends that made their home cafe famous.




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