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.
One striking feature of Alaskan highways is the many 'shacks' that line the roadsides. These tiny outlets sell pretty much two things: ice cream and espresso. Motorists can stay in their warn automobile interiors and get refreshed during a commute, trip, or errand run. These are drive-through establishments, without indoor seating, and use bright signage and all sorts of decorations to attract the eye of passers-by.
In this global economy, there's no reason that entrepreneurs anywhere can't get any supplies they want. The wilderness roasters import beans from many countries and use up to eight or ten different kinds in their blends. This way they get the different flavor, intensity, smoothness, or aroma that they want. They claim that their expertise, skill, and devotion to the art make their products far above the ordinary.
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?
The boutique (although maybe the mountain men wouldn't like that term) firms do more than roast beans and think up whimsical names. They often are affiliated with youth organizations, belong to the 'Buy Alaska' campaign to support state and local merchants, and offer their expertise and start-up kits to help people open a shack of their own. These are family businesses or long-term partnerships dedicated to producing excellent coffees.
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.
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.
One striking feature of Alaskan highways is the many 'shacks' that line the roadsides. These tiny outlets sell pretty much two things: ice cream and espresso. Motorists can stay in their warn automobile interiors and get refreshed during a commute, trip, or errand run. These are drive-through establishments, without indoor seating, and use bright signage and all sorts of decorations to attract the eye of passers-by.
In this global economy, there's no reason that entrepreneurs anywhere can't get any supplies they want. The wilderness roasters import beans from many countries and use up to eight or ten different kinds in their blends. This way they get the different flavor, intensity, smoothness, or aroma that they want. They claim that their expertise, skill, and devotion to the art make their products far above the ordinary.
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?
The boutique (although maybe the mountain men wouldn't like that term) firms do more than roast beans and think up whimsical names. They often are affiliated with youth organizations, belong to the 'Buy Alaska' campaign to support state and local merchants, and offer their expertise and start-up kits to help people open a shack of their own. These are family businesses or long-term partnerships dedicated to producing excellent coffees.
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.
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.
