Afternoon Beer Break: Left Hand Brewing Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro

Just as with the last time we brought you an Afternoon Beer Break (seen here), we’re diving into a can that is going to be perfect for summer. Or, if you’re like me and enjoy trying all things pumpkin spice (at least once), then it’s great all the year round. Buckle in, it’s almost time for the Left Hand Brewing Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro.

Just to give you a sense of where I stand with pumpkin pie spice – for my birthday, I generally get pumpkin pie rather than a cake (and frankly, any pie is better than cake in my book), and I tend to buy the spice mix in 1lb bags to use throughout the year (it’s particularly good in coffee and pancakes). So when Left Hand asked if I wanted to try out the Left Hand Brewing Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro, it was an easy “yes” to give them.

Poured into a glass, the Left Hand Brewing Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro definitely has a very thick, creamy head (courtesy of the nitro, of course) that, as their marketing says, does sort of remind you of the foam on a latte. Give the glass a sniff, and you’re greeted by a malty scent, closely followed by pumpkin spice (of course) and a slight metallic note as well.

All’s that’s left at that point is to give the Left Hand Brewing Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro a taste. It’s definitely got a good bit of pumpkin spice flavor to it. Rather than the strong flavor out of a pie (at least how I make my pies), it’s more akin to what you might have in a pumpkin bread or muffin. There’s also a slight taste/sensation of heat, which makes me think they went a bit heavier on the ginger. Not unwelcome, in any manner. Also, there is a hint of coffee in the taste, but it’s faint. So, if you’re worried that coffee is not your favorite thing in a beer, I’d say tuck in with confidence, as it’s not overpowering at all, just a good balance.

Finally, the Left Hand Brewing Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro is about as super-smooth to drink as can be, again thanks to the nitro in the can. This goes the same for any of their nitro beers, and here it continues to give things a really creamy texture. If this all sounds good to you, keep an eye out for the Left Hand Brewing Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro when it hits the shelf this fall. lefthandbrewing.com