I tested supermarket Irish cream liqueurs – winner is a fabulous dupe that you’d struggle to tell from Bailey’s

MOST of us love a drop Irish cream liqueur at Christmas.

And these days there are plenty supermarkets’ own versions of the famous Baileys to try.

But just how good are they in comparison to the real thing?

Drinks expert Helena Nicklin compares some supermarket dupes with the best-seller, and gives her verdict and marks out of five.

Specially Selected Luxury Edition, Irish Cream Liqueur, Aldi, 70cl, £7.99

KING of the big-brand dupes Aldi does a great job at an alcoholic imitation of the most well-known name in Irish Cream, with this caramel-like, creamy tipple, getting the balance of booze with rich cream and flavour just right.

It’s almost there as a comparison in the glass, just let down by a little oiliness on the finish.

Still, it’s not bad at all especially for half the price of actual Baileys and if you’re not comparing directly as you drink, then for my money it’s really good.

Rating: 4/5.

Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Irish Cream Liqueur 70cl, £13 (£9 with Nectar)

IN terms of mimicking the true Baileys style it’s a big round of applause for Sainsbury’s, which with their brand has nailed the same consistency of their tipple and the intensity of flavour.

While there’s less overt milk chocolate and more spiced vanilla pod here in the supermarket version, it’s also a fair bit cheaper.

When you sip it, you’ll struggle to tell the difference. A fabulous drinkie dupe and excellent value, especially at only £9 with your Nectar card.

Rating: 5/5.

Morrisons The Best Irish Cream Liqueur, 1L, £16

A VERY unusual style of Irish Cream that some will love.

This smooth, chocolate brown sipper has a strong aromatic whack of vanilla and oak when you pour and taste – it’s not unlike drinking an American-diner style whisky laced milkshake.

A little thinner than Baileys, but with bold, boozy flavour, it’s a different animal in the glass.

This will split opinion and it’s not the cheapest, but bourbon fans will probably enjoy it the most.

Rating: 3/5.

Marks & Spencer Irish Cream Liqueur 70cl, £10

A LITTLE darker in colour and less creamy in texture and taste than a bottle of “proper” Baileys, this M&S take still has a lot of flavour, but with more on the sweet toffee front than the traditional taste of a spiced chocolate version.

If you’re not comparing the two tipple contents as a like-for-like directly then this is a delicious drop and for the price, feels like a solid option.

Their vegan version is excellent too, and would make a fab present for anyone craving the creamy taste.

Rating: 4/5.

Deluxe Irish Cream Liqueur, Lidl, 1L, £9.99

LIDL’s Irish Cream offers a much sweeter version than the original, which for some, might be a bonus.

This pour gives good Baileys vibes on the nose with a yummy boozy, creamy scent and the tempting sniff promises a lot in that big bottle for not much cash.

Once tasted though, it is evident that sometimes, you get what you pay for. This is cheaper yes, but sadly it’s quite thin and synthetic-tasting.

It is a shame, but you could always beef it up in a cocktail.

Rating: 2/5.

Causeway Coast Irish Country Cream, Asda, 70cl, £5

FOR a fiver, I’d say you’d be right to be a little dubious.

At first, I have to say that when you pour it out, it does rather look like strong tea with a strong whiff of alcohol.

In reality though, it’s only 12% ABV, a fair whack lower than some of the others on offer.

In the mouth however, it’s sweet and fudge-like with a refreshing lightness.

It definitely delivers an Irish cream experience in the glass and it’s really not bad for a cheapie either.

Rating: 3/5.

Delaney’s Irish Cream, Co-op, 1L, £12.75

IN the glass, this Irish Cream looks tonally like milky tea, but when you smell it, you might decide that’s what you’d rather drink.

First you get a sickly synthetic whiff followed by a strong, rough alcohol hit.

And it doesn’t get any better when you taste it either.

The balance is all over the place and despite the acerbic aroma, it’s also fairly watery, with some additional strange flavours of fake coconut and cinnamon.

Plus, it’s not the cheapest either!

Rating: 1/5.

Tesco Irish Cream Liqueur, 70cl, £8.50

IT always helps when the Irish cream is actually from the Emerald Isle and Tesco’s tribute tipple certainly gets that part right.

When you drink it, this decadent tipple is decent, though a bit heavier than the famous bottle, with notes of hazelnut and something else that’s herbaceous and a bit quirky.

Not a direct flavour copy, but none the worse for being slightly different in its flavour profile, it’s still yummy and a great price.

Rating: 4/5.

Baileys, 70cl, £22 (£13 Tesco Clubcard and Sainsbury’s Nectar price)

THE original Irish Cream, and for many people the best. Baileys has had many copies, both of its popular original version and its more quirky limited editions (Birthday cake Baileys, anyone?).

The original is hard to beat with its concentrated, spicy chocolate flavours and warming whisky kick.

Whether you love a glass to round off the night or enjoy it at Crimbo, its creamy flavour is instantly recognisable.

But while its taste doesn’t disappoint, it is undeniably pricey.

Rating: 4/5.