Attack of the PSL: A Pumpkin Spice Latte Review

Attack of the PSL: A Pumpkin Spice Latte Review

Ah, autumn. The end of summer, the departure of the geese and the changing of leaves from vibrant green to stunning hues of red, orange and gold.The days get shorter and colder and people begin to anticipate some of the most loved holidays of the year, Halloween and Thanksgiving. You start to crave hot cocoa, mounds of candy, turkey and… PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES?!?!

It seems that for the last couple of years, Starbucks’ “Pumpkin Spice Lattes” have taken over the entire world (or at least the Internet). Ever since the drink was launched in 2003, it has enjoyed decent popularity but in recent years, its popularity has skyrocketed astronomically to ridiculous proportions. With the rise of people Instagramming their PSLs and the ever-growing addiction for an “incredible beverage that’s a fall favorite” (according to Starbucks) comes the inevitable spread of Pumpkin Spice into domains it shouldn’t exist, including gum, Peeps, and butter. Let that sink in. Pumpkin. Spice. BUTTER.

NO ewwwwwwwwww WHO DID THIS

I’ve been amazed at how popular the PSL and products with a similar makeup have become and how they have acquired a cult-like fanbase. Having never tried a Pumpkin Spice Latte (but being a coffee fanatic) I was eager to taste the beverage for myself and see what all the hullabaloo was about and see if I would be among the countless people whose love for the drink borders on religious devotion. I tried it on October 20th… and was bitterly disappointed. The drink itself tasted nothing like coffee and nothing like pumpkin. I could very faintly taste some hints of nutmeg but other than that, the drink was fairly tasteless and had a very waxy texture. I removed the lid and was greeted by an unsightly mustard colored glop, with oil collected on top. Nope. All of the reverence given to the drink was not, I repeat NOT deserved. Before anyone accuses me of not giving it a second chance or something similar, let me just say that I’ve consequently tried the drink an additional two times and I remain as unimpressed as the first time.

I’m not trying to attack Starbucks; I love their “Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino” and their “Sweet Tea Lemonade” as much as anyone else. All I’m saying is that despite the publicity that the Pumpkin Spice Latte has received, it’s simply not that amazing or even that great of a drink and shouldn’t cause everyone to go crazy for it. The PSL isn’t the epitome of fall nor should it become such a renowned symbol for the holidays. If you love the PSL, good for you. If you don’t, *high five*. If you haven’t tried it, I suggest you try it out for yourself. Who knows? You may join the thousands of people who cherish it and have made it become part of their autumn traditions. Despite everyone’s different opinions, the important thing is to remember the awesomeness of the season itself.