The air is getting crisper, days are getting shorter and end-of-summer sales are a distant memory. Autumn has begun, and that means everyone’s favorite fall drink is back: pumpkin spice latte.
The Scout staff tried PSLs from around the Peoria area, ranging from the classic Starbucks version to a few local creations. Check out the review here.
Location: McDonald’s
Distance from campus: a five minute walk down Main Street or Western Avenue
Price of latte: $2.39 (small)
Reviewer: Tori Moses, who likes her coffee as black as the ink on this page
Taste: too sweet
Autumn-y aroma: smells like butter and sweet cream
Presentation: the standard McDonald’s to-go cup
Overall rating: 2
Personal review: McDonald’s is my favorite fast food pick-me-up – I grab a McChicken and fry at least twice a week – so I anticipated being wowed by its pumpkin spice latte. I was a little wary when the drive-thru worker handed me the drink and my car didn’t instantly smell like fall spices. But, I kept my spirits high and went home, where I anxiously took the plastic lid off my to-go cup. What I found underneath, however, was disgusting: a bright orange pool filled with sugar and mistakes. The latte tasted nothing like pumpkin or spices, but instead I felt like I was consuming orange frosting in liquid form. I was able to take some solace in the slight bitter aftertaste of coffee, but the pleasure ended there. Unless you have an astronomically high tolerance for sugar and sweets, pass up on this latte.
Location: Dunkin’ Donuts
Distance from campus: a short walk down Western Avenue
Price of latte: $2.69 (small)
Reviewer: Tori Moses, who needs her coffee as strong as Hulk Hogan’s left thigh
Taste: not too sweet, not too bitter, and filled with spices
Autumn-y aroma: smells like cinnamon and smiles
Presentation: the standard Dunkin Donuts’ to-go cup
Overall rating: 8
Personal review: As soon as I set this drink in my cup holder, I felt my car’s atmosphere transform. The air was filled with warm spices and I could almost hear the crackling of fall bonfires. If you like black coffee, this drink is perfect in combining a strong coffee taste with a pumpkin twist. The beverage is very easy to drink, and my only regret was ordering a small instead of a large. You are able to consume a good amount of this latte, as the subtle spices and pumpkin taste don’t overwhelm the taste buds. If you’re looking for something filled with sugar or resembling a dessert, do not order this drink. But if you’re looking for a quick and comforting beverage, make your way to the nearest Dunkin’ and prepare to experience all the warm flavors and feelings of fall.
Location: Campustown Starbucks
Distance from campus: Just a quick skip across the street
Price of latte: $4.45 (tall)
Reviewer: Sammy Dellaria, who enjoys coffee about twice a decade
Overall taste: meh
Autumn-y aroma: Cinnamon galore
Presentation: just your average Starbucks’ tall cup
Overall rating: 4
Personal review: For paying the price I did for a small (yes, small, not tall) cup of coffee, I wasn’t impressed. The overall flavor was bland and left a lasting aftertaste in my mouth that wasn’t pleasing. My biggest issue is that the drink seemed too watery, despite the overpowering pumpkin smell. The color of the drink was an opaque orange, which lead me to believe that it would taste mostly of pumpkin. However, I was deceived by the color, for the taste was more on the latte side than pumpkin spice. Did I feel like I was drinking a fresh mug of autumn joy with this Starbucks creation? No. I felt more like I was drinking a regular latte with some cinnamon sprinkled on top. Overall, this version of the pumpkin spice latte is perfect for when you need to grab something warm to shield you from the bite of autumn air. But, if you have the chance to go somewhere else for something that might be a better bang for your buck, do it.
Location: Leaves n’ Beans
Distance from campus: A short, 6-mile drive
Price of latte: $4..00 (small)
Reviewer: Rachael Kosinski, the occasional coffee drinker
Overall taste: so good!
Autumn-y aroma: cinnamon, spice and everything nice
Presentation: pleasantly whipped, drizzled and cozied up in a medium to-go cup
Overall rating: 8
Personal Review: As a sporadic coffee drinker who adds just a little too much creamer to her coffee, I was pleasantly surprised. With the perfect balance of bitter and sweet, this particular cup had me longing for rosy cheeks and painted leaves. While the sweetness of the pumpkin spice and whipped cream satisfied my sweet tooth, the coffee maintained its roasted, bitter taste that reminded me of cold feet by the fireplace. For all of those who enjoy a happy medium between black coffee and mostly creamer, this is a solid choice.
