'We've reached drinking altitude:' Alaska Airlines debuts exclusively brewed IPA

If you enjoy (responsibly) imbibing a crisp, cold beer now and then, you probably also enjoy trying new brews when you travel. Now, you don't have to wait until you reach your destination before popping the tab on a new-to-you beer when you fly with Alaska Airlines.

Related: Alaska Airlines Visa credit card review: Earn hard-to-get miles with a new 70,000-mile offer

Alaska recently added a custom craft beer to its beverage lineup that you won't find anywhere else. Dubbed the Cloud Cruiser, Alaska developed this cobranded India pale ale with Seattle-based Fremont Brewing. Cloud Cruiser is complimentary for first- and premium-class passengers and is available for purchase ($8.50) in the main cabin. It is also served in select Alaska Airlines lounges.

There are several ways to fast-track your way to sipping Cloud Cruiser for free in Alaska's first- or premium-class cabins. If you have elite status with Alaska (even at the entry-level MVP tier), you are eligible for complimentary upgrades when available. If you have a stash of Alaska Airlines miles through the Mileage Plan program, you can use your points to book first- and premium-class seats for as few as 13,500 and 6,000 miles, respectively.

Fremont Brewing and Alaska worked closely on Cloud Cruiser's flavors and can design. The two well-known Pacific Northwest brands created an IPA with bright orange, melon and tropical notes.

"'Cloud Cruiser' IPA is brewed with a select blend of malts and Washington grown to stay fresh in the air with you," Matt Lincecum, Fremont Brewing's founder and owner, said in a press release. "Fremont craft 'Cloud Cruiser' using years of experience providing beer to Alaska's flights across the country," he added.

With so many brewing styles to choose from, how did Alaska settle on an IPA? "We choose our food and beverages with guest and employee feedback in mind — because IPA is so popular with our guests, it's a core brew style for Alaska Airlines," Todd Traynor-Corey, Alaska Airlines' managing director of guest products, told TPG. "Over half of our guests choose an IPA-style beer, so we always strive to offer at least one IPA as part of our premium beverage line-up," he added.

The can design depicts an Alaska Airlines 737-8 MAX flying through a sunset sky with the snowcapped Cascade mountain range in the background.

"We felt that a national park inspired design with one of our aircraft, in Alaska colors, speaks to our roots in the Pacific Northwest. The creativity and thoughtfulness that went into the design of this can is just another example of bringing to life our value of 'Being Remarkable,'" Jonny Mack, Alaska's studio creative manager, said in the press release. "It's amazing to be part of an Alaska Air first, and I'll raise a can of 'Cloud Cruiser' to many more!"

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The introduction of Cloud Cruiser comes on the heels of Alaska adding its first-ever nonalcoholic beer to its premium beverage lineup late last year. Best Day Brewing Kolsch is also complimentary in Alaska's first- and premium-class cabins and available for purchase in the main cabin ($8.50) on flights with a full beverage service.

"The overall experience of a guest's travel journey with Alaska is heavily influenced by the service they receive on-board, which includes our food and beverage offerings. Virtually every guest wants a beverage during their flight, so it's a priority we offer a premium beverage line-up they'll enjoy and one that differentiates us from the rest," Traynor-Corey said.

Whether it's an IPA you can only get in the sky or a refreshing nonalcoholic brew, you can find a reason to say "cheers" to Alaska's customer-focused beverage lineup.

Related:

• Last-minute strategies for earning Alaska Mileage Plan elite status
• 6 things to know about the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program
• Everything you need to know about booking a trip to Alaska with points and miles
• Your complete guide to earning and redeeming with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan