New Starbucks "Smoked Butterscotch" drink review

Cafe Society
#1

For the record, while I like Starbucks coffee I very rarely get the frappuccinos. They’re totally loaded with sugar, which I try to keep my intake of very limited for the most part. But today I was feeling saucy, and craving that blend of caffeine + something sweet + something cold and mushy and set out with the intention of getting a caramel frappuccino as a rare treat and dietary cheat.

When I got to the Starbucks drive-thru, they were advertising a new drink called the “Smoked Butterscotch Latte”, available either as a hot drink or a frappuccino. I decided in the moment I’d give it a try instead.

Well, I’ve never actually heard of smoked butterscotch before, but it tastes exactly like it sounds. “Smoked” can be a great flavor for meats and cheeses and such. But for something sweet and syrupy like butterscotch, especially in a cold drink, “smokiness” is just not a taste I want to add to that. It almost tasted like I was drinking something that had been burned. Maybe it works better in the hot version of the drink, but I won’t bother trying it. It was not good.

I give it 2 stars out of 5, only because it wasn’t the worst thing ever. While I’m sure it might be appealing to someone out there, I would not recommend.

#2

I have heard it was Starbucks attempt to make a “Butterbeer” flavour? The hot drink wasn’t awesome either. I had it on cheat day and found all of the flavour at the bottom of the cup.

I miss the salted caramel mocha (my usual cheat drink). In the summer, I like the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frap (but only on cheat day, that sucker is loaded).

#3

I’ve had it a few times in a hot latte version. I thought it was good, not overly sweet. I don’t know if I’d call it a smoked flavor but more like a carmelized flavor.
I prefer it over their carmel flavoring. More of a smooth buttery taste than sugar.

#4

All Starbucks’ fancy drinks have a greasy-smoky aftertaste, to me. Not even like something they put in there on purpose, more like I just licked the pole at an old barber shop full of overflowing ash trays. I hate to imagine what it’s like when they’re *trying *to make it “smoky”.

#5

I had the hot version and thought it was ok but nothing special. It’s just a minor (VERY MINOR) tweak on the Caramel Macchiato. And yes, all of the flavor tended to collect at the bottom of the cup.

#6

Tried the Frap version. It was OK for about half the drink then the smoke flavor got to be waaaaay too much.

#7

I tried the frozen version. It sort of reminded me of a toasted marshmallow. I probably wouldn’t order it again, but it wasn’t gross or vile or anything. There are just other things I like better that I’d order instead. I do not regret trying it. I suspect it might have been better as a hot drink, but don’t intend to test that theory.

Edit: I did not have the problem of the smoke flavor concentrating towards the end as others have reported in their drinks.

#8

Yeah, weird aftertaste. I didn’t care for it, and I like most sweet drinks.

#9

I should try this. Toasted Marshmallow (i.e.: “Campfire Mocha”) was my go-to at the Caribou Coffee that was across from our satellite office.