Pumpkin Spice Latte Ale Is Here

If you like pumpkin spice and if you like ale and coffee, you will love this fabulous find. Pumpkin Spice Latte Ale is here and ready for some pop topping. It comes from Left Hand Brewing Co which is one of the country's leading nitro breweries. It's located in Colorado.

According to the brew masters, pumpkin spice fans have been requesting the company jump on the seasonal bandwagon for years. So for the fist time, Left Hand has released a pumpkin ale with spices and coffee. I mean everyone else is doing it, from Starbucks to Dairy Queen with their new Blizzard.

First of all, the nitro lends itself to the creamy, rich mouthfeel associated with a latte. We are off to a good start. Next on the to do list came the development of the much beloved seasonal spice. One that would mix well with the nitro and create that warm, comforting flavor that so many people love. The blend includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice. Coffee is the next big element, a premium blend from Boulder-based Ozo Coffee. No artificial coffee flavors, but the real stuff  for a true latte taste.

On another seasonal note, Left Hand Brewing Co has also released an Oktoberfest Märzen Lager. I'll give you the scoop on that one later.

In full disclosure, I'm not a huge pumpkin spice fan. Don't judge. I DO love baking spices. mostly when they are in baked good. Oh, and also enjoy those notes when they occasionally surface in wine.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Ale is here and it's my latest fabulous find.

I mean seriously. What kind of glass is best. It's a latte. But wait, it's still an ale. And yes your glassware makes a difference. The press release suggests using a goblet.

With no goblet close by, the frosty mug wines by default. That nitro creates a fun fizzy sound when you pop the top.

So how is it? Pumpkin Spice fans will be in heaven. It has a creamy mouthfeel, but not over the top.  The ale gives a slightly bitter edge. The notes of coffee are prevalent throughout, mostly in the middle and finish.

If these are the things you like, make sure you grab some cans before they disappear.

Just for fun....
https://www.tiktok.com/@winebirch/video/7138384419974319403?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

I write a lot about food and wine. Today, it's a Fabulous Find for those with food allergies.

When I write about food, it's not just about restaurants and such. I'm constantly looking for new and unique food products. There are a number of people in my circle who have food allergies and sensitivities. There are others who choose to eat a certain way because it makes them feel better. Or they have certain convictions when it comes to the use of animal products. I respect that. But it sometimes becomes a challenge when cooking or hosting an event to make sure I have something for everyone.

Over the years I've tried a lot of foods that are made without "this" and free of "that." Some are good, some are downright horrible. You just never know. So when the folks at Eat G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R. sent me a box of goods to sample I approached with caution. I love the packaging, I love the story. Now lets see if I love the food.

Eat G.A.N.S.T.E.R. is a brand that specializes in treats that are gluten free, nut free, lactose free, free of all kinds of things that trigger allergies in many people.

I started with the sugar cookies and they were a big hit at a brunch I recently hosted. When I told people they were free of most of things they typically eat in cookies (nuts, eggs, butter) my friends were shocked. These were super easy to make and with very few ingredients.

These were a big hit.

I tried it but mine did not turn out well. The recipe calls for 1 1/2 ripe bananas. I was half a banana short, story of my life. It made a big difference. The mix was dry. Make sure you follow the directions on these for best results.

So, I still have this one. I wanted to try it but just didn't get around to it last weekend. These will for sure be part of this weekend's Sunday Funday activities.

While we are on the subject of fabulous finds, these are not your average booze cruise rums.