Thursday 23rd of September 2010 02:48:14 PM

link
I don't normally buy beer in a airport. I've been spoiled y'see for the good, true, rich taste of craft beer pulled from the tap in the place where it's made so walking into a pub, even though it boasts the name of one of my favorite beers (Alaskan Smoked Porter), made me nervous.

Alaska Airlines has it's main base in my home town of Seattle so those of who live are lucky in that we can experience almost all of Alaskan Breweries product at any time. Even at 37,000 feet up, we have their Amber, a delicious rust-colored malt w/traces of sweet spices.

With that kind of pedigree, why would I think a pub announcing their name in neon greatness could be anything but wonderful?

It isn't.

Sorry, Alaskan but your Sea-Tac Airport pub leaves a lot, A LOT, to be desired. The food is non-descript, the atmosphere is akin to any other sports bar and your beer?

You should be ashamed.

After a early evening return flight from Los Angeles, I was looking forward to dinner and a good brew. What I got was a disasterous turkey sandwich (bread, turkey and yellow mustard) and another amber ale...because with the exception of your Hefe, every other beer was gone. Sold out. Not a real good way to introduce new customers to your product...and you have such a good product!

What's wrong with you?

I'll skip the part where the waiter tossed a coaster on the table and asked, "whadda want?" He was alone...it was almost nine...probably had a bad day. I'll let it slide...but NOT the beer! You have medal winners in your stable...LOTS of medal winners...and they keep winning and yet, you don't offer them up on Alaska Airlines...and apparently don't realize how popular they are so you don't keep your taps supplied.

What's wrong with you?

Are you going to wait, like Domino's Pizza did, until your bottom line starts showing a big drop-off in sales and you start asking questions that no one is willing to answer for fear of losing their jobs? Are you going to keep on, keeping on the way you are, proud of your product and its position in the market-place without thought of change? Are you going to hear one loyal but thoroughly dis-satisfied customer when he says, this pub of yours stinks!

Good luck. Hope it works out for ya.

I won't be back.