If you somehow missed that pumpkin spice was back in season, grab your wallet, and get ready for a drink that hits your taste buds with that cold-air nostalgia. Did I find the best place to get your cup? I certainly did.
As a barista at the Sellersburg Starlight Coffee Co., trust me when I say I know a thing about coffee. A perfectly – timed espresso shot, mixed with the right proportion of milk and the added sweet yet spicy pumpkin flavoring makes the perfect latte for this fall. I ordered from four local coffee shops – Coffee Crossing, True North Coffee House, Kolkin Coffee, and Heine Bros, received a similar fall drink, and put my taste buds to the test. With lots of caffeine coursing through my body this past week, I was able to figure out my go-to coffee for this season (except when I am working of course).
First stop: Coffee Crossing
Since I was a previous customer at Coffee Crossing, I was familiar with the scenery, the relative taste of the coffee, and the proportions of the beverages that were served there. Their Iced Pumpkin Pie oat milk latte surprised me. The sweetness the drink gave off had me at first sip. It enhanced what a pumpkin-flavored latte should be, with nothing that could be described other than delightful.
I was able to get more in-depth into how the drink is made, and I’m honestly surprised (in a good and bad way.) The drink contains minimal shots of espresso, compared to the three shots of espresso I am used to in a large iced latte. The oat milk, as well, had an overpowering flavor. Of course, for those nonlactose intolerant folks, ordering with the standard milk is always an option. It was nonetheless a silky, delicate Autumn drink that would be nothing other than perfect for those coffee-in-hand study nights.
Next stop: True North Coffee House
Now, I had never been here before, but the scenery was enough to draw me in. The beautifully designed room on Market Street downtown had the perfect nose-filling smell of coffee that every caffeine addict knows and loves. It was decorated with a farm-house style interior, and the wooden furniture was a subtle focus. The ambiance there was more than enough for me to come again (which I will be doing).
The latte, on the other hand, was a different story. I received a pumpkin-flavored iced latte (with oat milk of course). The pumpkin flavoring itself was appetizing, even though it leaned more on the “spicier,” side. The overbearing amount of oat milk that was in the drink, however, was not. The taste was disproportional, and I wanted to like it so bad, I just did not. For my next trip, there’s always a way I can ask for half-sweet, or less milk (I know I am). If you are someone who is not into the taste of coffee and doesn’t like a sweeter drink, this place will be perfect for you!
Next stop: Kolkin Coffee
Without much luck, I was looking for the perfectly proportioned coffee. I tried Kolkin Coffee’s pumpkin pie latte with oat milk, and it was the perfect mix of everything.
There was the right amount of espresso – a large latte containing two double shots, and the right amount of milk as well. However, the pumpkin flavoring itself – was not as delightful. It had a very watery-like taste and just was not as potent as a fall drink should be. Kolkin’s coffee on the other hand – holding nothing but potential is a great option for other flavorful coffee runs. The combination of the ingredients stirred up created an admirable, melt-in-your-mouth drink that is a go-to for this autumn (I know it’s going to be mine).
Last stop: Heine Bros.
The last place I have had the least amount of experience with – Heine Bros. Now listen, I have been there once before, on a late-night study session. The interior itself has a modern-chic feel, and it is worth gushing over.
The coffee, however – I just have never been a fan of. This stayed true when I tried their pumpkin drink. Similar to previous places, the drink I ordered was their iced Pumpkin Pie latte, with oat milk.
Now pay attention, because when I said I am not a fan of their coffee, I meant it. As much as I would love to sit down there and enjoy a Heine Bros latte – you would never know. But unfortunately, I just cannot. The overwhelming amount of bitterness and the watered-down flavor and feeling seem to stay prominent in many of their drinks, and it’s the opposite of what I would like in a coffee, and trust me – my taste buds are trustworthy.
The pumpkin spice latte, commonly known as Starbucks, was first offered by the company in 2003. The taste we all know and love is made in various ways and versions from local coffee shops that are easy to access. Supporting local businesses is a great way to get the same thing you love – without sacrificing quality. Now, if my opinions are correct – Kolkin Coffee and Coffee Crossing are the perfect places to get that drink we all look forward to.
