Alpen Sierra Coffee Company: Elevating Specialty Coffee in South Lake Tahoe

Rooted in the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada, Alpen Sierra Coffee Company has been a defining name in high-altitude coffee roasting since 1991. Based in South Lake Tahoe, California, and serving the Minden, Nevada area, Alpen Sierra combines old-world roasting techniques with a deep respect for sustainability, craftsmanship, and the mountain lifestyle.

If you're searching for a specialty coffee roaster in South Lake Tahoe, Alpen Sierra offers an experience that reflects the purity and clarity of its alpine surroundings.

High-Altitude Roasting, Naturally Better Flavor
What sets Alpen Sierra apart is its unique approach to roasting. Working at higher elevations means beans are roasted at lower atmospheric pressure, which allows for more even development and cleaner flavor profiles. This technique brings out the nuanced characteristics in each bean—from the citrusy brightness of East African coffees to the rich cocoa undertones of Central American blends.

Each roast is small-batch, allowing for greater attention to detail and consistent cup quality across the board.

Ethical Sourcing from Farm to Summit
Alpen Sierra Coffee takes pride in direct-trade relationships with coffee producers around the globe. Sourcing transparently and sustainably ensures better wages for farmers and higher quality beans for consumers. The team travels to origin regularly, seeking out farms that prioritize both environmental stewardship and cup excellence.

They offer a wide selection of organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance Certified coffees, supporting a growing demand for responsible, transparent sourcing in the specialty market.

Signature Blends and Single-Origin Favorites
From the signature Tahoe Blend—a rich, balanced roast perfect for cold mornings—to bright, fruit-forward single-origins, Alpen Sierra’s offerings cater to both classic and adventurous palates. Their espresso roasts are crafted for café performance, while their pour-over selections highlight delicate origin notes with clarity and depth.

Each roast is tuned to bring out natural sweetness and a smooth, clean finish—hallmarks of Alpen Sierra's flavor philosophy.

Serving Locals, Visitors, and Wholesale Partners
Alpen Sierra Coffee is a go-to roaster for Lake Tahoe locals, seasonal tourists, and hospitality businesses across Nevada and California. Their coffees are featured in resorts, cafés, and grocery shelves across the Sierra region and beyond. Wholesale partnerships include full-service support, training, and equipment recommendations, making Alpen Sierra a trusted partner for foodservice operations.

For home brewers, Alpen Sierra offers online ordering, subscriptions, and freshly roasted bags shipped directly from the mountains.