Alpha Coffee Review: Veteran-Owned Brand or Just a Good Story?

Alpha Coffee offers premium coffee blends, including whole bean and ground options. The brand’s lineup includes single origins, signature blends, and cold brew options. Each roast is carefully crafted to retain distinct flavors, whether you’re looking for something smooth and mellow or bold and rich.

Beyond coffee blends, Alpha Coffee also provides flexible coffee subscriptions, an online store locator to find Alpha Coffee retail outlets near you and gift card options.

In this review, we take a closer look at Alpha Coffee’s bestselling products, roast options, advantages, brand limitations, and pros/cons. The review also discusses two potential alternatives for the Alpha Coffee brand.

About Alpha Coffee

Established on September 11, 2010, Alpha Coffee was founded by LTC(R) Carl Churchill and Lori Churchill. Originally known as Lock-N-Load Java, the brand Alpha Coffee highlights a broader mission and growing presence in both online and retail markets.

Among Alpha Coffee’s popular formulations are several coffee blends. The Warrior Select – Adventure Blend is a medium-dark roast featuring notes of dark chocolate and walnut. The Smooth Operator – Espresso Blend offers a medium roast with a full-bodied profile, hazelnut aroma, and hints of cocoa, preferable by espresso lovers.

For those preferring a lighter roast, Dawn Patrol – Breakfast Blend offers a medium-light roast with notes of almond and milk chocolate sourced from Central and South America and Papua New Guinea. As per the makers, each of these blends is small-batch roasted and made from 100% Arabica beans, reflecting Alpha Coffee’s commitment to quality and flavor.

According to the official site, more than 10% of the proceeds of Alpha Coffee are donated through programs like Grounds for Good and Coffee for Troops. It may reflect the brand’s commitment to supporting veterans, sustainability initiatives, and community projects.

Alpha Coffee Best Selling Products

1. Seven Summits Instant Coffee

   Seven Summits Instant Coffee is made from premium Honduran beans grown at high altitudes. The instant coffee delivers a smooth medium body and mouthfeel, with a flavor profile comprising honey, hops, and a rich chocolate finish.

   According to its official site, each box of Seven Summits Instant Coffee provides 12 On-the-Move instant coffee sticks, with 3.6 grams of coffee per stick. The instant coffee retains much of the original bean’s aroma and essential antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, which may help support metabolic health and offer protection against oxidative stress.

   The makers state that Seven Summits Instant Coffee is designed for active lifestyles, which may be particularly useful if you frequently have outdoor adventures, busy mornings, or travel. The makers suggest stirring or shaking one packet of the instant coffee stick into 8–10 ounces of hot or cold water and drinking the mixture.

2. Warrior Select – Adventure Blend Coffee

   Warrior Select – Adventure Blend Coffee offers a medium-dark roast sourced from coffee beans in Central America, Brazil, and Papua New Guinea regions. Central American beans may bring a balanced acidity and smooth body, Brazilian beans offer a rich, nutty foundation, and Papua New Guinean beans may offer deep, earthy flavors and aromas.

   According to its official site, the Warrior Select – Adventure Blend Coffee’s flavor profile is marked by rich notes of dark chocolate and toasted walnut. The medium-dark roast may enhance the coffee’s natural oils and create a full-bodied texture. The Warrior Select – Adventure Blend Coffee costs $21.95 for one (16 oz) pack.

3. Smooth Operator – Espresso Blend Coffee

   Smooth Operator – Espresso Blend Coffee provides a medium roast espresso blend to support a rich and smooth coffee experience. It is made from a carefully selected combination of beans sourced from Brazil, the Pacific Islands, and Central America.

   The makers state that Smooth Operator – Espresso Blend Coffee has a flavor profile resembling notes of milk chocolate and hazelnut. The medium roast may preserve much of the coffee beans’ natural compounds, including antioxidants and mild acidity while enhancing flavor complexity without over-roasting.

   Smooth Operator – Espresso Blend Coffee may offer a versatile choice that might suit both straight espresso shots and milk-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos. The presence of hazelnut aroma and caffeine may help improve mood and alertness.

4. Charlie Don’t Surf – Kona Blend Coffee

   Charlie Don’t Surf – Kona Blend Coffee offers a medium roast while providing subtle notes of cocoa and a light, buttery caramel finish. The medium roast level may enhance the natural flavors of the coffee blend while maintaining a balanced acidity and velvety mouthfeel.

   As per the official site, the Charlie Don’t Surf coffee blend is sourced from Kona beans, which are grown in the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualālai. The makers state that the Kona beans are hand-picked to preserve quality and maintain a rich flavor profile.

   Coffee grown in volcanic regions may benefit from mineral-rich soil, which may enhance bean density and flavor complexity. The mineral content of volcanic soils positively influences the biochemical composition of coffee beans, including compounds like chlorogenic acids, sucrose, and caffeine, which may affect aroma and taste.

5. World Origin Coffee – Brazil

   The World Origin Coffee (Brazil) from Alpha Coffee contains coffee beans sourced from Vale de Grama in the Minas Gerais region (Brazil). As per the official site, World Origin Coffee (Brazil) has a light roast and features the Bourbon varietal, known for its balanced sweetness and smooth body.

   As per the makers, the coffee beans in World Origin Coffee (Brazil) are processed using the honey method, a technique that allows some of the fruit’s mucilage to remain on the bean during drying. The method may help enhance sweetness and complexity while reducing the acidity of beans, contributing to a richer, more layered flavor.

   The World Origin Coffee (Brazil) comes in a 12-ounce bag equipped with a one-way bleeder valve, which may help the coffee remain fresh and aromatic until the last scoop. Roasted peanut notes and a subtle hint of caramel characterize the coffee’s flavor profile.

6. World Origin Coffee – Guatemala

   The World Origin Coffee – Guatemala contains coffee beans sourced from the Jacaltenango area in Huehuetenango (located in Western Guatemala). As per the official website, the coffee beans come from 150 families within the Cooperative Guay-B, supporting fair-trade and organic farming practices that promote sustainability and quality.

   As per the makers, World Origin Coffee (Guatemala) utilizes a washed processing method, which removes the fruit from the coffee beans before drying, often increasing the beans’ natural acidity and clarity.

   The World Origin Coffee (Guatemala) features a medium-light roast that preserves the delicate characteristics of the Caturra, Bourbon, and Typica varietals. It offers a vibrant flavor profile marked by bright citrus aromas, rich cocoa undertones, and a subtle hint of mango sweetness.

7. Kilo-Cups – Double Barrel Black

   Double Barrel Black kilo-cups may be particularly useful if you prefer bold, intense coffee but need the convenience of a single-serve option. The Double Barrel Black kilo-cups offer a dark French roast and contain coffee beans sourced from Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, and South America. It also maintains a smoky, toasted oak flavor profile with a satisfying bittersweet intensity.

   As per its official site, each box of the Double Barrel Black kilo-cups features 24 freshly ground kilo-cups, compatible with Keurig 2.0 machines. Darker roasts like the French roast tend to develop more complex, smoky notes due to the Maillard reaction and caramelization during roasting, which enhances flavor depth and aroma.

Alpha Coffee Advantages

1. Ethical Sourcing

   The Alpha Coffee brand procures its coffee beans ethically in a manner that prioritizes fairness, sustainability, and transparency throughout the supply chain. As per the official website, Alpha Coffee carefully sources its coffee beans from regions like Central America, South America, and the Pacific Islands. The brand selects coffee beans from farms and cooperatives that uphold labor rights, practice environmental stewardship, and foster community.

   Generally, coffee farms adhering to fair trade and organic practices often produce coffee beans with superior taste profiles. The Alpha Coffee brand also provides organic coffee blends, such as Task Force Zulu and Task Force Victory, both of which are Fair Trade and USDA Organic certified. These certifications help ensure that coffee is produced without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and that farmers receive fair compensation for their work.

   Moreover, Alpha Coffee’s ethical sourcing initiatives extend beyond just fair pay and environmental care. The brand emphasizes transparency and traceability, giving customers confidence that their purchase positively impacts the coffee supply chain.

2. High Service Standards

   Alpha Coffee’s commitment to premium service standards is a core element of its brand identity.  From the moment an order is placed online, the brand claims to ship freshly roasted coffee within 48 hours of order processing, which may suggest that Alpha Coffee prioritizes quality standards, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction.

   Moreover, attention to detail is evident in Alpha Coffee’s packaging. For instance, the brand uses a one-way bleeder valve (in products like the World Origin Coffee – Brazil) to preserve the freshness and aroma of the coffee blends, even after multiple uses.

   Alpha Coffee also provides subscription purchase services, which offer the convenience of regular deliveries and an extra 10% discount on the retail price. Customers get the option to choose between delivery intervals, including 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, according to their needs and convenience. Alpha Coffee also invests in knowledgeable staff and clear communication to help customers make informed choices about their coffee.

3. Adopts A Multi-Channel Sales Model

   Alpha Coffee leverages a multi-channel sales model that amplifies its brand reach while ensuring customer satisfaction. The brand sells its coffee blends/products online through its official website and also offers the convenience of shopping in person by selling through its retail outlets in Big Cottonwood Canyon and Downtown Salt Lake City (in the USA).

   The brand’s online store offers a comprehensive selection, including whole bean and ground coffee, instant blends, K-cups, and a curated line of branded merchandise. Customers may benefit from regularly updated seasonal specials, discounted bundles, and flexible subscription options.

   Alpha Coffee’s physical retail presence can provide a welcoming space where customers may engage with knowledgeable staff, enjoy freshly prepared coffee, and participate in community events. The dual-channel sales model of Alpha Coffee may help maximize the brand’s accessibility and help build lasting customer relationships.

Alpha Coffee Limitation

1. Limited Organic Certification

   Alpha Coffee acknowledges that not all of its coffee blends are certified organic. For instance, coffee blends like Warrior Select, Dawn Patrol, and Charlie Don’t Surf do not hold USDA-organic certification. Rather, the brand claims that these blends utilize coffee beans sourced from high-quality farms, which may employ organic farming methods.

   The Alpha Coffee brand does provide a curated line of Organic coffee, which includes options like the Task Force Zulu, Task Force Victory, and Sundown Decaf. These blends hold the USDA-organic certification, implying that these coffee blends remain free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.

   However, the organic coffee options from Alpha Coffee are limited. The rest of the coffee blends from Alpha Coffee might contain pesticide residues, which consumers prefer to avoid. Limited organic certification means consumers may remain unsure of what they’re buying and whether the brand’s products are free from any harmful chemicals or substances.

Alpha Coffee Alternative Brands

1. Black Rifle Coffee Company

   Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) and Alpha Coffee are both veteran-founded brands that offer multiple coffee products. However, the brands diverge in aspects like roast profile, organic sourcing practices, subscription flexibility, and pricing.

   The BRCC offers multiple coffee blends with bold branding, such as Just Black, AK-47 Espresso, and Murdered Out, covering various roast profiles like light, dark, and espresso roasts. BRCC also provides ready-to-drink options like cold brews. Meanwhile, Alpha Coffee focuses primarily on medium to dark roasts with blends like Warrior Select and Charlie Don’t Surf. The brand also offers convenient formats such as instant coffee sticks and single-serve pods (Kilo Cups), catering to a more portable or on-the-go coffee experience.

   Black Rifle Coffee Company claims to source high-quality beans and build direct relationships with farmers. However, the brand offers only one product in its Organic Coffee lineup (with a medium roast), which holds the USDA Organic certification.

   On the other hand, Alpha Coffee emphasizes transparency and ethical sourcing by offering a separate lineup of USDA Organic-certified products. The certification may help ensure that the coffee is produced under stringent environmental and social standards. Some popular organic coffee blends provided by Alpha Coffee include options like the Task Force Victory, Sundown Decaf, World Origin Coffee, etc.

   Another area of difference lies in product diversification. BRCC has expanded into merchandise, including apparel, mugs, energy drinks, and gear, prominently featuring its logo and branding. Similarly, Alpha Coffee also offers merchandise (like snacks, drinkware, and apparel). However, Alpha Coffee places greater emphasis on its coffee brews and donation programs like the Grounds for Good and Coffee for Troops rather than creating a brand around lifestyle.

2. Invader Coffee

   Alpha Coffee and Invader Coffee offer two distinct yet compelling options for coffee enthusiasts, each with unique strengths that cater to different preferences. Invader Coffee employs the air roasting method for its coffee beans, a technique that may help reduce bitterness by preventing the burning of chaff. Air roasting may result in cleaner bean profiles and appeals to people sensitive to harsh flavors. Meanwhile, Alpha Coffee claims to roast its coffee beans in small batches, which may ensure freshness and quality in the beans. However, Alpha Coffee does not maintain transparency about the roasting method used.

   Flavor profiles and target audiences also diverge. Invader Coffee focuses on providing bold, low-acid coffee blends, such as their Whiskey Blend and Authentic Mexican Chocolate, which aim to deliver a potent caffeine experience with less emphasis on subtle flavor notes. Meanwhile, Alpha Coffee provides a broader spectrum of flavor profiles that include delicate, fruity single-origin coffees alongside dark, rich roasts.

   Refund and satisfaction guarantees differ between the brands as well. Invader Coffee offers a 100% money-back guarantee on its coffee products, with a 15-day refund window from the date of delivery. In contrast, Alpha Coffee does not accept returns on any orders, which could dissuade new customers from trying the brand’s coffee blends.

   When comparing pricing, one pack (12 oz) of Invader Coffee’s Original Blend costs $18.99, which has a medium roast that includes hints of dark chocolate, cacao butter, and caramel. On the other hand, one 16-oz pack of Warrior Select – Adventure Blend Coffee from Alpha Coffee costs $21.95. It has a medium-dark roast profile with hints of walnut and dark chocolate.

How Did We Evaluate The Alpha Coffee?

1. Real Consumer Reviews

   To assess the real-world impact of Alpha Coffee, we closely examined customer feedback for two of the brand’s products on authentic review websites like Amazon. The reviews indicated a mixed consumer response to Alpha Coffee formulations.

   On Amazon, many consumers praised the Smooth Operator – Espresso Blend Coffee for its smooth, rich taste, with many users highlighting its lack of bitterness and subtle notes of chocolate. Beyond flavor, consumers praised the product for functionality, as it provided them with a reliable energy boost for busy mornings or intense workouts without the jitters. However, a few consumers did not prefer the flavor profile of Smooth Operator – Espresso Blend Coffee.

   We also analyzed the user reviews of Kilo-Cups – Warrior Select (Adventure Blend Coffee) pods on Amazon, which many users praised for their bold, aromatic profile and balanced strength. However, some consumers expressed complaints involving reports of damaged boxes received, broken seals, and spilled pods. These packaging issues suggest room for improvement in the shipping practices of the Alpha Coffee brand.

2. Price And Value

   When comparing Alpha Coffee’s pricing to similar veteran-owned coffee brands like Black Rifle Coffee Company and Invader Coffee, it appears that Alpha Coffee positions itself in the mid-premium range.

   For instance, the Warrior Select (Adventure Blend Coffee) Kilo-Cups from Alpha Coffee are priced at $28.95 for a pack with 24 pods, which comes out to roughly $1.21 per pod. The cost is higher than Black Rifle Coffee’s Liberty Roast K-Cups, which are priced at $20.99 for a pack of 22 pods (around $0.95 per pod). However, the Warrior Select Kilo-Cups from Alpha Coffee is still more affordable than Invader Coffee’s Mexican Chocolate K-Cups, which are priced at $18.99 for just 12 pods (approximately $1.58 each).

   While Alpha Coffee may not offer the lowest cost per pod, the flavor quality and roast profile might help justify its high price point. Overall, Alpha Coffee may strike a fair balance between quality and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Brewing Methods Are Compatible With Alpha Coffee?
   The makers state that Alpha Coffee mixes may perform well with various brewing methods, including pour-over, French press grind, cold brew, espresso, and drip grind.
2. Can The Coffee Mixes From Alpha Coffee Trigger Side Effects?
   Yes. Overconsumption of any coffee blends from Alpha Coffee may trigger potential side effects due to the presence of the caffeine stimulant. It may result in adverse reactions, such as bloating, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, nausea, stomach upset, or dizziness.
3. Does Alpha Coffee Offer a Decaf Option For Every Coffee Blend?
   No, the Alpha Coffee brand does not offer decaffeinated options for each of its coffee blends. However, the brand provides some products under its “Sundown Decaf” category, which come decaffeinated.

Conclusion

The coffee blends from Alpha Coffee may help kickstart your day, boost energy levels, and support metabolic health. The brand offers multiple coffee products, which come in whole bean, ground, or convenient single-serve pods, providing versatility in consumption.

Alpha Coffee also provides various roast profiles like medium, light, medium-light, and dark to choose from. Besides the coffee blends, Alpha Coffee also offers subscriptions with regular delivery intervals, which may help you get an extra 10% discount on the retail price.

However, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. Not all Alpha Coffee blends are certified organic. While the brand claims to use high-quality beans, many of its popular blends do not carry USDA-organic certification.

Moreover, like all caffeinated beverages, the coffee options provided by Alpha Coffee may cause side effects. Users may experience jitteriness, restlessness, insomnia, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat, particularly if they are caffeine-sensitive. They should monitor their intake accordingly.