Starbucks is out, Stumptown is in on Alaska, Horizon flights

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines is switching its in-flight coffee from Starbucks to Portland's Stumptown on all its routes starting Dec. 1. The switch applies to Horizon Air flights as well.

The trade-off isn't just about changing from one Northwest brand to another. Stumptown and Alaska are hyping the fact that they crafted and tested an entirely new blend for this deal. This coffee is intended for consumption at thousands of feet in the air.

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"We wanted a crowd pleaser — something that would delight folks who enjoy milder coffees and also speak to guests who enjoy medium-bodied roasts," Stumptown President Laura Szeliga said in a statement.

Frequent fliers are aware that things can taste different within pressurized airplane cabins. This is the reason people more often order tomato juice on a flight. Coffee can taste different, too. Stumptown spent a few months roasting and grinding, and then flying, to come up with something that can hold up at 30,000 feet.

The company said it took more than 200 pots of coffee, accounting for 20 variables, on various flights to perfect the blend. Stumptown also tested the coffee using Alaska's in-flight milk and cookies. The result is a medium-dark brew.

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Seattle-based Starbucks has spent more than 10 years in the sky with Alaska, and more than three decades with Horizon.

Alaska refused to provide details on the financial terms of the new contract with Stumptown.

Stumptown is not the only Oregon brand Alaska has embraced. It also serves Tillamook cheese and Salt & Straw (ice cream). It also serves Beecher's cheese, Fremont Brewing, and Evergreens Salads, which are both based in Seattle.