Pipeworks Spice Latte 4Pk

Pipeworks Spice Latte 4Pk is a 6.8% ABV oat ale brewed with pumpkin puree, Dark Matter coffee, milk sugar, and warm baking spices. Brewed in Chicago by Pipeworks Brewing Company, this seasonal release layers real coffee and real pumpkin into a single, dessert-forward beer that holds a 3.6 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 3,200 reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.8%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Oat Ale with Pumpkin, Coffee & Spices  |  Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Pipeworks Brewing Company operates out of Chicago, Illinois, and has built a reputation for creative, small-batch releases. Spice Latte begins with an oat ale base, into which the brewers incorporate pounds of pumpkin puree directly into the mash. Dark Matter Coffee—a well-known Chicago roaster—supplies the coffee component, while high-quality baking spices sourced from Epic Spices provide the cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger layers. Milk sugar (lactose) rounds out the body, lending a smooth, creamy mouthfeel that ties the coffee and pumpkin elements together.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cinnamon and vanilla rise first, followed by a wave of nutmeg and pumpkin. Underneath, roasted coffee grounds and a gentle sweetness from the lactose create a bakery-like warmth.

Taste: The entry is soft and creamy, with pumpkin and coffee arriving almost simultaneously. Mid-palate, baking spices—cinnamon, clove, ginger—build steadily without overwhelming the base. The oat backbone and lactose keep everything balanced, preventing any single ingredient from dominating.

Finish: Medium in length, with a smooth, lightly sweet fade. Lingering notes of nutmeg and roasted coffee stay on the palate as the spice slowly recedes.

How to Drink Spice Latte

Pour into a tulip glass at 45–50°F to let the aromatics open up fully; drinking straight from the can mutes the coffee and spice complexity. A Michelada variation works surprisingly well here, using the beer's inherent spice in place of hot sauce for a savory-sweet twist. It also shines in a Beer Float—paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, the lactose body and pumpkin spice create a genuine dessert experience. For a simple brunch serve, try a Shandy build with fresh apple cider, which amplifies the autumn character.

Best For

• Autumn gatherings around a fire pit or Thanksgiving appetizer hour
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who gravitates toward seasonal and dessert-style ales
• Pairing alongside a brunch spread featuring pancakes, waffles, or French toast
• Exploring Chicago's craft beer scene without leaving home

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Spice Latte taste like? It drinks like a creamy, lightly sweet pumpkin spice latte in beer form, with genuine coffee flavor from Dark Matter roast layered alongside cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger on a soft oat ale base.

How does Spice Latte compare to Elysian Punkuccino? Both beers aim for pumpkin-meets-coffee territory, but Pipeworks Spice Latte uses an oat ale base with lactose for a noticeably creamier body, while Elysian Punkuccino leans more heavily on espresso character with a thinner, drier finish. The addition of Dark Matter coffee and Epic Spices gives Spice Latte a more distinctly Chicago-rooted ingredient profile.

Is Spice Latte good for craft beer beginners? Yes—at 6.8% ABV with a smooth, sweetish profile and no aggressive bitterness, it serves as an approachable entry point into flavored ales, especially for anyone who already enjoys coffeehouse drinks.

Where is Spice Latte made? Spice Latte is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois, using locally sourced Dark Matter Coffee and spices from Epic Spices.

What foods pair well with Spice Latte? Pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread complement the beer's gourd-forward character directly. Maple-glazed bacon plays off the sweetness and spice. A sharp aged cheddar contrasts the creaminess with savory bite. Cinnamon rolls mirror the baking-spice profile, and roasted turkey or pork with autumn glaze bridges savory and sweet.

What sizes does Spice Latte come in? Spice Latte is commonly available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this seasonal release.

Is Spice Latte worth the price? It positions as a mid-range craft seasonal ale, and the use of real pumpkin puree, specialty coffee from a respected Chicago roaster, and quality baking spices justifies its price point within the flavored ale category.

Why Spice Latte?

What separates this beer from the crowded pumpkin-ale field is ingredient sourcing—Dark Matter Coffee and Epic Spices are named, traceable components rather than generic extracts. The oat ale base with lactose delivers a body that most pumpkin beers simply lack, giving the coffee and spice additions something substantial to ride on. With over 3,200 Untappd ratings and a 3.6 average, it has earned steady community approval as a reliable seasonal pickup. For drinkers who find most pumpkin ales too thin or too artificially flavored, Spice Latte offers a more considered, ingredient-driven alternative.