Alaska Airlines has brewed up a new partnership with Portland-based Stumptown Coffee, and claims it has created a custom blend that’s resistant to the effects of high altitude that makes food and beverages taste different. The custom coffee, which has been in development since the fall of 2022, will be available on every Alaska Airlines flight by Dec. 1, 2023. The coffee is said to have a clean and sweet taste, but with a focus on a roast that mellows acidity and introduces just enough toastiness to please a wide range of palates. Food and drink tastes different onboard a flight because the dry air in the cabin tends to suppress our sense of smell, which is important when it comes to how we taste. Low air pressure also plays a factor in passengers’ ability to taste and smell.
