It’s the season’s most adored — and most abhorred — beverage. But who makes it best?
Starbucks made Pumpkin Spice Latte a thing.
But local coffee shop owners really don’t love Starbucks, and by extension, they don’t tend to love Pumpkin Spice Latte. Some won’t even make the drink, and those who do don’t really make a big thing of it.
Andrew Gough, owner of Reverie Coffee Roasters, actually likes Pumpkin Spice Latte, though. And he’ll attempt to change the narrative about fall’s most adored and abhorred drink on Thursday when he puts on a Pumpkin Spiced Showdown, which is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at his shop, 2202 E. Douglas.
“’Just do it better’ is our message,” said Gough, whose shop makes its version of the drink using sugar, maple extract and whole spices.
He’s recruited eight other locally owned shops to participate: Little Lion Cafe, Ecclesia Coffee Shop, Sunflower Espresso Wichita, Headshots Bar & Grill, Pinole Blue, Cocoa Dolce, Arrow Coffee Co. from Manhattan and Jane’s Landing from Mulvane.
Each will make its version of the drink, and a panel of three judges — which includes me — will critique each one based on taste, display and presentation. Those who attend the event will also be able to try samples of the drinks and cast a people’s choice vote.
There’s no cost to attend the event — except maybe the sleep you will lose from sipping so much latte so late in the evening.
Are you from a coffee shop that wants to enter? Gough still has one spot available and will take applicants until 5 p.m. today. Just follow this link.
See you there?
This story was originally published November 20, 2019 at 2:12 PM.
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