“When I tasted it, fireworks were shooting in my mind. It was the first coffee that I have actually ever liked. It was delicious.” This is how technology teacher Brandon Petersen felt the first time he tried a pumpkin spice latte. He instantly fell in love.

His obsession started when his wife went to Starbucks and ordered him a pumpkin spice latte six years ago. Petersen really doesn’t crave the flavor when it isn’t in season, but he does admit to drinking it whenever he can get his hands on it. “Pumpkin spice just really gets me in the right mindset for the holidays,” he said.

His favorite drinks are from Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. “This year, I bought all the cold pumpkin spice frappuccinos in the glass bottles from Sunmart until they ran out,” Petersen said. He drank one every morning. “It was the best way to start off my morning,” he said. He can’t find them anywhere anymore but he is on the verge of buying the regular frappachino and adding his own ingredients. At Dunkin Donuts, he really likes the pumpkin swirl latte. “As far as hot coffees go for pumpkin spice, I don’t think you will be able to find a better coffee ‘round these parts,” he said.

According to Petersen, if you are looking for a balanced drink, you should head to Dunkin’ Donuts. However, if you want a strong pumpkin flavor, go to a gas station. “This thing is pumpkin flavor punch you in the face pumpkin. It doesn’t get quite more pumpkiny than these. For the gas station you might want to use McDonald’s as your gateway drink,” Petersen said.

Peterson has tried everything in town and is still on the search for more. He is especially on the hunt for the pumpkin spice M&M’s. He even went to a candy store in Lincoln and asked for the M&M’s specifically. He walked into the store, and the woman at the counter said, “Pumpkin spice? Oh that’s gross.” Petersen thought to himself, “Oh it’s only the most popular flavor in the world right now. Yeah, I’m sure it’s real gross.” He was disgusted.

Petersen is a professional when it comes to pumpkin spice. The most important thing is not to go overboard because you can ruin it. One golden rule to him is to never eat a pumpkin spice product and drink a pumpkin spice drink in the same sitting. “That’s too much pumpkin. You can have too much of a good thing,” he said.

Pumpkin spice is a flavor that you can love or hate. Most people find themselves either counting down the days until the release, or complaining about how the flavor takes over our products. With the holiday season among us, we all know how businesses take advantage of the jolly spirits in the air. But how do you know which latte is the best for you?

If Peterson’s expertise swayed you to want to buy a pumpkin spice latte, you better get out soon. Pumpkin spice season ends soon, and before you know it teddy bears and sweethearts will take over for Valentine’s Day.