We tested the best Irish cream liqueurs against market leader Bailey’s and the winner was HALF the price
IT just wouldn’t be Christmas without a glass of Irish Cream over ice.
Clear market leader for the whiskey-based creamy beverage is Baileys.
It would rate as a five out of five but it is pricey at £16.50 for a 70cl bottle.
Helena Nicklin, a Baileys superfan and drinks expert with thethreedrinkers.com, tried a selection of supermarket alternatives to see how they compared, rating each one out of five.
Aldi, Luxury Edition Irish Cream Liqueur, 70cl, £7.99
Verdict: 5/5
THIS yummy drink doppelganger does a great job at matching the classic Baileys style and flavour for a fraction of the price.
Originating from across the Irish sea, the ingredients all come from the right place and you can taste it.
With tempting, toffee chocolate tones and a decent balance of booze, cream and flavour it’s good over ice, in coffee, or even poured over puds. Best copy of the bunch.
Tesco, Irish Cream Liqueur, 70cl, £8.50
Verdict: 4/5
TIPPLE does hail from Ireland and once poured is a promising replica in both look and aroma.
The flavours in a swig of this are heavier than the brand leader, a bit more savoury and nuttier, but for some swiggers who find the traditional version sickly, that could be a bonus.
It did wash down with a slightly odd, olive oil after-note but if you don’t pay too much attention to that it’s pretty palatable.
Morrisons, The Best Irish Cream Liqueur, 1L, £10.99
Verdict: 3/5
NOT as much like Baileys, so it will split the judges, but still a tasty tipple.
Sipping this is more like having a Bourbon whiskey milkshake, offering up an intensely rich, creamy mouthfeel.
There’s aromatic, charred vanilla oak notes, all mixed with indulgent double cream.
A bit different, rather rock and roll, and probably a bit of a one glass wonder.
Good value for money too, as it comes in a litre bottle.
Sainsbury’s, Taste The Difference Irish Cream, 70cl, £9
Verdict: 4/5
SAINSBURY’S has really nailed the comforting creamy consistency you want with this cracking, Christmassy copy.
Silky smooth, with triple- distilled Irish Whiskey blended with spirit and fresh cream from the Ballyrashane dairy.
Gives a bit of a different feel in the mouth from the big B, with more lingering vanilla pod than chocolate, flavour-wise.
But it’s a very tasty tipple nonetheless.
Lidl, Deluxe Irish Cream Liqueur, 70cl, £9.99
Verdict 3/5
A SWEETER version of what we know and love and the aroma gives a good first impression so I had high hopes for this one.
On the palate though it didn’t quite hit the right marks.
The flavours were uncomplex and simpler, the boozy and choc punch were weaker and the whole tipple tasted much less natural.
A bit of a let down but it’s good value for money for making Espresso Martinis or in coffee.
Asda, Causeway Coast Irish Country Cream, 70cl, £4.75
Verdict: 3/5
AT first look, this concoction wasn’t that promising, it has an air of stewed brew with an overly spirity nose.
Thankfully, this settles to far more pleasant subtle fudge and milk chocolate tastes in the mouth.
Quite light and sweet with a more delicate touch, but the balance is good in the end.
At only 12% ABV, it’s a less potent and not as indulgent option and it’s also an incredible price.