Alpha Coffee offers a diverse selection of premium coffees crafted using various roast profiles. Founded in 2010 by combat veteran LTC(R) Carl Churchill and military spouse Lori Churchill, the company began as Lock-N-Load Java, operating from their basement.
Alpha Coffee's product lineup features 100% Arabica beans sourced from exclusive
coffee-growing regions worldwide, offering a range of blends and single-origin coffees to maximize flavor and quality.
In this review, we will explore the product options offered by Alpha Coffee, along with the brand's advantages, limitations, and pros and cons. We will also compare Alpha Coffee with similar brands to help you choose the one that aligns best with your coffee preferences.
According to its official website, Alpha Coffee is guided by four core principles, which are providing quality coffee, supporting a warrior ethos, promoting enjoyment, and giving back. Through its Grounds for Good program, the company states that it donates a portion of its profits to veteran support groups, environmental initiatives, and community organizations.
Alpha Coffee offers a range of blends to suit different preferences, including medium-dark options like Warrior Select – Adventure Blend, medium espresso blends such as Smooth Operator, and Kona-infused roasts like Charlie Don't Surf.
The lineup also includes lighter blends like Dawn Patrol – Breakfast Blend, darker roasts like Double Barrel Black – French Roast, and organic selections such as Task Force Victory and Zulu. For those seeking a decaffeinated option, Sundown Decaf is made using the Swiss Water process.
Alpha Coffee also offers single-serve instant sticks under the Seven Summits label, which may be convenient for travel, outdoor activities, or quick preparation. For those looking for an alternative to coffee, the brand includes Red Thunder, a hot cocoa and mocha blend. Additional offerings include gift cards, branded drinkware, and apparel.
Seven Summits Instant Coffee by Alpha Coffee claims to retain flavor, aroma, and the beneficial compounds found in Arabica beans. This instant coffee is sourced from premium beans grown in the highlands of Honduras, where elevations are around 1,200 and 1,800 meters above sea level helps promote slower bean maturation. This slow growth increases the accumulation of flavor-rich compounds like chlorogenic acids (CGAs), which are known for their antioxidant properties and potential to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation.
The makers state that the medium roast of Seven Summits strikes a balance between preserving the bean's natural antioxidants and developing complex flavor compounds. During roasting, Maillard reactions between amino acids and sugars create hundreds of new aromatic compounds, giving this coffee its characteristic notes of honey, hops, and chocolate. Unlike many heavily roasted instant coffees, this medium roast retains higher levels of polyphenols, trigonelline, and caffeine, which may help improve cognitive function and enhance metabolism.
Alpha Coffee features Warrior Select – Adventure Blend Coffee, which is a medium-dark roast for active people. This 16 oz blend features a carefully calibrated roast level and dominant notes of dark chocolate and walnut, providing you with a smooth yet robust flavor experience. As per the official website, Warrior Select – Adventure Blend Coffee may provide natural energy and cognitive support due to its caffeine and antioxidant content.
This blend is claimed to be made from 100% Arabica beans that are sourced from Central America, Brazil, and Papua New Guinea. Arabica beans are generally lower in caffeine compared to Robusta but are higher in lipids and sugars, which contribute to a more complex, sweeter cup with fewer bitter notes. These beans are said to be rich in chlorogenic acids, which may support metabolic function, reduce oxidative stress, and aid in blood sugar regulation.
Alpha Coffee makes Warrior Select available in a variety of grinds, such as whole bean, drip, French press, espresso, and cold brew, to suit multiple preparation methods. Brewing methods can impact the extraction of bioactive compounds, like French press and cold brew methods often show a higher concentration of caffeine and oils, while drip brewing extracts more CGAs and hydrophilic antioxidants.
As per the official website, Smooth Operator – Espresso Blend Coffee is a medium roast blend crafted with a focus on flavor complexity, body, and consistency. The medium roast level means the beans are roasted to an internal temperature of approximately 410–430°F (210–221°C). This range allows for Maillard reactions and caramelization of sugars, which enhance the naturally occurring flavors of milk chocolate and hazelnut without producing the bitter, smoky notes commonly found in darker roasts. The result is a balanced profile with moderate acidity, a full body, and a smooth finish.
The beans in Smooth Operator – Espresso Blend Coffee are sourced from Brazil, the Pacific Islands, and Central America, areas that are known for their altitude-specific growing conditions and unique soil compositions. Higher elevation beans, particularly those from Central America, typically contain denser cellular structure, leading to more complex flavor development during roasting. Brazilian beans often contribute a base of nutty and chocolate undertones, while Pacific Island beans can introduce earthy and rich body characteristics due to the mineral content of volcanic soils. The medium roast used in Smooth Operator – Espresso Blend Coffee also optimizes levels of lipid-derived volatiles and melanoidins, which contribute to the full-bodied mouthfeel and the coffee's pleasing aroma profile.
Charlie Don't Surf – Kona Blend Coffee from Alpha Coffee is a 16-ounce medium roast that offers balanced flavor complexity with smoothness. The medium roast level is significant because it helps develop the Maillard reaction process during roasting, where sugars and amino acids interact to create flavor and melanoidins. This is why you'll notice the subtle cocoa notes and buttery caramel flavors, contributing to a pleasant sweetness and reduced bitterness in your cup.
As per the official website, the beans used in Charlie Don't Surf – Kona Blend Coffee are grown on Mauna Loa and Hualālai on Hawaii's Big Island. Kona coffee used in Charlie Don't Surf – Kona Blend Coffee has a unique balance of chlorogenic acids, which affect acidity and bitterness, and sugars, which promote sweetness. This coffee is available in various grind sizes (whole bean, drip, French press, espresso, cold brew), allowing optimal extraction depending on your brewing method.
Alpha Coffee also features World Origin Coffee – Brazil, which is cultivated in Minas Gerais, Brazil, a region with ideal altitude, climate, and soil conditions. The beans are from the Bourbon varietal, a subspecies of Coffea arabica known for its high sugar content and balanced acidity.
Arabica beans, like Bourbon, typically contain higher concentrations of chlorogenic acids and lipids compared to other species, which play a crucial role in developing nuanced taste and aroma during roasting.
The honey processing method used in World Origin Coffee – Brazil can impact the coffee's biochemical profile. Unlike fully washed processing, honey processing leaves a portion of the mucilage, a sugary, pectin-rich layer surrounding the bean, intact during drying. This retained mucilage contains fermentable sugars and polysaccharides that interact with the beans, encouraging a mild fermentation process. This influences the coffee's flavor by enhancing sweetness and body while also modulating acidity. Studies show that honey-processed coffees tend to have higher residual sugar content, contributing to the caramelized and fruity notes you'll detect. As per the official website, World Origin Coffee – Brazil has a light roast level, which is significant for preserving the coffee's original phytochemicals and volatile compounds. Light roasting maintains higher levels of chlorogenic acids while avoiding the formation of excessive bitter compounds like quinic acid and phenylindanes.
The World Origin Coffee – Guatemala – Cooperative Guay-B from Alpha Coffee is grown in the Jacaltenango region of Huehuetenango, Guatemala. This region is characterized by volcanic soil rich in minerals, high altitude (often above 1,500 meters), and favorable microclimates, creating ideal conditions for cultivating Arabica coffee. The elevation slows the maturation of coffee cherries, which may allow for the development of more complex sugars and acids within the beans. These factors contribute to the bright acidity and nuanced flavors typical of Guatemalan coffee.
World Origin Coffee – Guatemala consists of varietals such as Caturra, Bourbon, and Typica, all of which are cultivars of Coffea arabica. These varietals are known for their favorable flavor profiles and disease resistance. The beans are processed via the washed (wet) method, which involves removing the coffee cherry's outer pulp before drying. This method reduces fermentation time and limits the presence of certain polyphenols and sugars that can cause off-flavors, leading to a cleaner, brighter cup with enhanced clarity and acidity.
Alpha Coffee features a Double Barrel Black coffee, which has a dark French roast designed to deliver a bold, intense, and smoky flavor. The French roast process involves roasting the coffee beans at very high temperatures (typically between 230–240°C or 446–464°F) for an extended period, which creates the characteristic dark color and rich, smoky profile. Double Barrel Black coffee sources beans from Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, and other parts of South America. The Kilo-Cups format used for this coffee is designed for single-serve Keurig 2.0 machines, combining convenience with premium quality. Single-serve pods like these help preserve freshness by reducing oxygen exposure until brewing.
Alpha Coffee states that it sources 100% Arabica beans from coffee-growing regions such as Central and South America, Papua New Guinea, and Hawaii's Kona region. The company uses a small-batch roasting approach, which is intended to help maintain consistency in freshness, aroma, and flavor. Its packaging includes one-way valves designed to release gas while limiting oxygen exposure, which may help extend the beans' shelf life.
Alpha Coffee runs a “Grounds for Good” initiative, through which it donates over 10% of its profits to nonprofits that support veterans, environmental efforts, and community programs. Its “Coffee for Troops” program has shipped more than 11,000 bags of coffee to deployed military personnel worldwide.
Alpha Coffee offers a range of blends and single-origin coffees, each with distinct flavor characteristics aimed at accommodating different taste preferences. For example, the “Warrior Select” blend is described as having notes of dark chocolate and walnuts, while the “Charlie Don't Surf” Kona blend includes hints of cocoa and caramel. This variety provides options for consumers looking to explore different roast profiles.
Alpha Coffee currently operates only two physical locations, both based in Utah—one in Salt Lake City and the other in Big Cottonwood Canyon. For coffee enthusiasts who prefer in-person experiences like barista-crafted drinks or brand immersion, this geographic limitation can be disappointing. While online ordering is available nationwide, it doesn't fully replicate the ambiance and personal connection of a café visit. The brand's physical footprint could hinder its recognition in markets outside the Mountain West.
While Alpha Coffee emphasizes sourcing high-quality beans, not all of its products are certified organic. For consumers who prioritize organic, non-GMO, and sustainable agriculture, this lack of transparency may be a red flag. The brand does offer some organically grown beans, but the labeling and certification status can be inconsistent or unclear. In an increasingly eco-conscious market, this could reduce trust or deter health-conscious buyers. Clearer sourcing and third-party certifications could enhance consumer confidence.
Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) was founded by former Green Beret Evan Hafer in 2014. While it shares a mission of supporting veterans and service members, BRCC takes a much more aggressive branding approach. With bold, often politically charged messaging, BRCC positions itself as a brand for patriotic Americans who value military service, Second Amendment rights, and freedom. Their product line includes apparel, ready-to-drink beverages, and media content through platforms like “Free Range American.” As a publicly traded company, BRCC has retail partnerships with major chains like Walmart and a massive online following. Their coffee names like “AK-47 Espresso” and “Silencer Smooth” reflect their unapologetic stance.
Alpha Coffee is an intentionally small and mission-focused brand with a strong emphasis on quality, community, and giving back. Through its “Grounds for Good” program, Alpha Coffee donates over 10% of its profits to military and veteran-related causes. They also support active-duty troops directly through their “Coffee for Troops” initiative. The brand identity blends military respect with a welcoming, inclusive tone, using names like “Warrior Select” and “Charlie Don't Surf” that honor the culture without being overtly political.
Alpha Coffee and Invader Coffee are both veteran-owned companies deeply rooted in military culture, but they express their values and brand identities in distinct ways.
Invader Coffee was started by Marine Corps veteran Wes Whitlock in Austin, Texas. In contrast, Alpha Coffee was founded by Army veteran Carl Churchill and Lori and is both veteran- and woman-owned. While both brands emphasize patriotism and military pride, Alpha Coffee focuses on community connection, service, and a more traditional café experience. In contrast, Invader Coffee leans into bold, edgy branding with a tactical, freedom-first vibe.
In terms of roasting methods and coffee quality, the two brands differ significantly. Alpha Coffee uses 100% Arabica beans sourced from reputable farms and cooperatives around the world but does not publicly highlight its roasting technique. Invader Coffee, on the other hand, sets itself apart by using a rare air roasting method, which results in a smoother, lower-acid cup of coffee with a cleaner finish. Both companies prioritize high-quality, ethically sourced beans, though Invader places more emphasis on organic and fair-trade sourcing from Central and South America.
The product offerings from each brand are also tailored to different consumer preferences. Alpha Coffee features a wide range of products, including signature blends like “Warrior Select” and “Smooth Operator,” along with single-origin beans, instant coffee sticks, cocoa, and creamers. They also provide K-Cup options known as Kilo-Cups. Invader Coffee, meanwhile, stands out for its creative blends such as “Whiskey Blend,” “Mexican Chocolate,” and “Black Heart,” and offers a variety of formats including whole bean, ground, K-Cups, and even ready-to-drink cold brew cans. Invader also sells branded apparel and tactical gear, appealing to its lifestyle-focused audience.
To evaluate Alpha Coffee, we compared its Warrior Select – Adventure Blend against similarly positioned brands in terms of price, quantity, and flavor value. At $21.95 for 16 oz (around $1.37 per ounce), Alpha Coffee offers more volume than most competitors, making it a good option for those who want a dependable, no-frills roast. Its veteran-owned mission also adds a layer of purpose-driven appeal.
We looked at Black Rifle Coffee's Vanilla Bomb, priced at $11.99 for 11 oz ($1.09 per ounce). Though more affordable per ounce, it comes in a smaller pack and offers a flavored experience, catering to buyers looking for variety on a budget. It shares the veteran-owned identity but leans more into novelty.
Invader Coffee's Mexican Chocolate Blend stands at $18.99 for 12 oz ($1.58 per ounce), making it the most expensive option. It delivers on flavor with a dessert-like profile, appealing to those willing to pay more for taste. In this context, Alpha Coffee sits in the middle, offering better quantity than Black Rifle and a lower price point than Invader while maintaining a classic, mission-driven identity.
When evaluating Alpha Coffee, we looked closely at their refund and shipping policy to understand how they prioritize customer satisfaction and product quality. Their no-returns stance may seem strict at first, but it reflects their focus on delivering fresh, made-to-order coffee.
Since they roast and ship within 48 hours, allowing returns could compromise product quality and freshness standards. However, this also means the risk shifts to you; if you don't like the taste or change your mind, you won't be able to send it back.
Alpha Coffee does show a commitment to fixing issues when they arise. While they don't guarantee delivery times once the order is handed off to USPS or UPS, they provide tracking and clearly explain their shipping rates and delivery expectations. Moreover, if there's a mistake in your order or something goes wrong with your shipment, they encourage you to reach out for support, suggesting a willingness to make things right even without a formal refund guarantee.
This approach favors reliability and freshness over return flexibility. For regular customers who know what to expect, it's a strong model. However, for first-time buyers seeking a risk-free trial, the lack of a return policy may be limiting.
Alpha Coffee focuses on a mission to support veterans, environmental causes, and local communities. The brand prioritizes freshness by using small-batch roasting and one-way valve packaging, which aligns with scientific findings that fresh roasting preserves coffee's flavor and antioxidant content.
While Alpha Coffee offers a diverse range of premium blends, its physical presence is limited to two locations in Utah, which may affect accessibility for some customers. Not all brands' products are certified organic, which could be a consideration for people seeking clear organic labeling.
Alpha Coffee claims to provide a purpose-driven coffee experience with an emphasis on freshness and quality. However, if you prioritize widespread availability, certified organic options, or lower prices, consider evaluating these factors before making a purchase.
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