Charles Passey writes in the Wall Street Journal:
"I decided I’d finally venture into Starbucks for my first PSL, as the beverage is simply referred to by its fans. You see, I rarely drink Starbucks – I’m one of those java snobs who believes the chain has perpetrated the notion that over-roasted coffee is “better” coffee. And to top it off, I have no taste for flavored coffee: I’ll take a little peppermint with my chocolate or a little citrus with my vodka, but, please, leave my java alone.
"So perhaps it’s no surprise I didn’t like the latte. I wasn’t really expecting to taste any actual pumpkin in the drink, so I can’t say I was disappointed in that regard. But I did get the expected mouthful of pumpkin spice – and the problem for me was that those sweet, aromatic flavors clashed with the overly bitter joe. If this is fall in a coffee mug, I’m ready to set the clock back to summer."
Why does pumpkin-flavored food no longer taste like pumpkin?
I'm glad I'm not the only one. (Though I'm not afraid of the occasional shot of vanilla or caramel flavor in my coffee.)
Posted by: Hirayuki | October 03, 2012 at 06:09 AM
Ditto for me from this WSJ writer... you are all robot-zombie-lamb-PSL drinking lemmings.
Posted by: No Name | October 03, 2012 at 06:15 AM
Stop liking what I don't like!
Posted by: frapatte | October 03, 2012 at 10:50 AM
They're not too bad. I like them occasionally. I'm more of a brewed coffee/Iced Coffee kinda guy. Not bad for a dessert though.
Posted by: ManagerMatt | October 03, 2012 at 11:14 AM
In its defense, it's called a Pumpkin SPICE latte. NOT a PUMPKIN latte. ;)
And toss me in with the sheep, 'cause I look forward to it too. (Half syrup only).
Posted by: Martha | October 03, 2012 at 01:59 PM
Wow! Not everyone likes the same things? Who knew?!
Posted by: notevenclose | October 03, 2012 at 03:05 PM
So, I read Charles Passey's story the other day and I thought it was useless and a total waste of time (both on the reading end of it as well as the writing end of it.) That was two days ago but then I realized that the writer didn't hesitate to spend time knocking other people's creations down so I then decided he wouldn't mind if I did the same.
Posted by: spence | October 03, 2012 at 08:22 PM
Duhh Everything tasted better when we were kids! Can you say campbells chicken noodle soup?!
Posted by: lol | October 03, 2012 at 08:26 PM
Dear stupid reporter.
It is called PUMPKIN SPICE latte. Not PUMPKIN latte. There is a difference.
Happy to help. Since you trade in words, please consider another vocation.
Posted by: Jeff Tom | October 04, 2012 at 08:26 AM
Ugh, I agree. Just because something is called pumpkin "spice" does NOT mean it should only taste like spices. Would you expect apple cinnamon applesauce to only taste like cinnamon?? Of course not- pumpkin spice is the same way. I find it dreadful.
Posted by: Logic | October 04, 2012 at 05:26 PM
Dear Jeff Tom and Spence, I truly wish there was a "like" button or "thumbs-up" rating - because you two deserve it! :)
Posted by: ImFree | October 04, 2012 at 05:28 PM
Why do people who admit beforehand that they hate the thing they're about to review get to print 'negative' reviews? What a useless review. Find someone to review it that's open-minded enough to actually give a product a fair shake, maybe?
Posted by: Gobo | October 04, 2012 at 07:18 PM
I like them now that I figured out how to get less syrup. One pump in a tall is the perfect amount of flavouring.
Posted by: TT | October 04, 2012 at 11:11 PM
I think its OK, but just OK. I much prefer the gingerbread latte at Christmas.
But in either case, I can't quite see getting all worked up if they are out, it is just a drink people, order something else. What do you drink the other 11 months of the year?
Posted by: Chris | October 05, 2012 at 11:39 AM
I'll admit I love the damned things. I stir first, they don't stir the java so the syrup settles. I also know which SB slightly over roasts vs totally burns the damned beans over roasts.
I buy the creamer that's psl flavored from stop and shop and add it to my trader joes brew. I like fair trade beans, cageless eggs, non steroid fed meat, makes me feel like less of a hypocrite ;)
Posted by: nerd gurrl | October 05, 2012 at 06:07 PM
Mmmmm. pumpkin chai. 2 pumps of each, no water and soy. its soooo good!
to bad i cant have it anymore. its not gluten free.
Posted by: asm | October 07, 2012 at 09:12 AM
I recommend 2 pumps pumpkin spice 2 pumps white mocha (for a grande)!
Posted by: Amanda and Linda | October 10, 2012 at 04:29 PM
i like pumpkin drinks but i dont like starbucks that much, it has a strong bad-tasting aftertaste to it, like 5 years ago it was better, then 3 years ago or so it seemed to change the formula & it was much worse, and then the past couple years its gotten better but i still dont like it that much. other coffee-shops pumpkin is much better, especially a local pumpkin cheesecake flavor that is 100x better than starbucks.
Posted by: Brian | October 25, 2012 at 05:40 PM