Baileys Original Irish Cream is a beloved Christmas indulgence for many, whether enjoyed on its own, over ice, or blended into a decadent hot chocolate. With the festive season in full swing, supermarkets are offering their own versions of the popular Irish cream liqueur, prompting a taste test to determine their quality and value.
In a head-to-head comparison, a variety of supermarket own-brand Irish cream liqueurs were put through their paces, chilled and sampled with care to discern their flavor and quality.
The test revealed that while Baileys remains a fine-tasting leader with its smooth and velvety texture and balanced flavors, its higher price point may deter some consumers. However, some supermarkets offer discounts and loyalty card benefits that bring the price closer to reasonable levels.
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Aldi’s Ballycastle Irish Cream, priced at a remarkably lower point than Baileys, presented a slightly weaker alcohol content but delivered a satisfactory taste, earning it praise for its affordability.
Iceland’s Carthy’s Country Cream, featuring a lower alcohol content and a divergent taste, failed to impress in comparison.
Lidl’s Irish Cream, although offering good value, fell short on taste when matched against similar options, particularly Aldi’s offering.
Sainsbury’s own-label version, discounted for Nectar cardholders, showcased a subpar blend and flavors, positioning it at the lower end of the rankings.
Morrisons' The Best Irish Cream, while slightly more expensive, revealed a creamy and delightful flavor profile, making it a worthy contender.
Marks and Spencer’s Irish Cream Liqueur emerged as the standout winner, with its smooth, creamy texture and exceptional taste, making it a compelling alternative to the leading brand.
Ultimately, the taste test confirmed Baileys' superiority over most supermarket alternatives, with Marks and Spencer’s own-brand Irish cream liqueur emerging as the only one to rival its quality.