This week, Starbucks unveiled its first new autumn-flavored espresso drink since the meteorically popular Pumpkin Spice Latte…. the Toasted Graham Latte. According to Starbucks beverage R&D manager Yoke Wong, the TGL flavor was created from graham crackers soaked in milk to replicate the flavor of milk leftover after cereal. I decided to compare the two autumn flavors to determine if the TGL can dethrone the PSL.
PSL Pros: When you think autumn, you think pumpkins, which is why the PSL is consummate for the season. It has a strong flavor and aftertaste that is distinctly PSL. The taste is rich and feels very autumnal. Even the appearance looks just like a pumpkin pie with its color and whipped cream topping. And the smell! The PSL smells so good, especially to the a-scented TGL.
PSL Cons: While I like that the PSL is pumpkin-flavored in theory, it tastes nothing like pumpkins. Considering it looks like a pumpkin pie in a cup, it should preferably taste like something pumpkin-y. Also, I don’t like the aftertaste of the PSL. It is harsh and distracting from the flavor. I actually preferred it as a Frappuccino because the hot drink made the aftertaste much stronger.
TGL Pros: First of all, I was really excited for this flavor, so maybe I set the bar too high. The taste was comforting and something that I could see myself drinking on a rainy fall day. It was creamy and sweeter than PSL, which I liked. I also was a fan of the milkier taste and texture.
TGL Cons: Starbucks definitely managed to replicate the taste of the milk from cereal, but I don’t want to pay $5 for warm milk with a slight hint of cinnamon. It was also confusing that the graham cracker taste was nowhere to be found in this drink. The absence of a distinct taste with the TGL could easily make it confused for a milked-down Cinnamon Dolce Latte. Also, I was disappointed by the lack of sprinkled graham crackers on top as the drink has been promoted. It just looked very blah.
THE VERDICT: I don’t mean to sound basic, but the PSL remains reigning for fall. However, I still will choose my favorite year-round latte over this seasonal flavor. The PSL might not be my favorite, but it makes me want to jump in a pile of leaves while wearing a burgundy sweater and riding boots. The PSL is a fall staple and the TGL is not even a contender.