Flavoured Irish cream liqueurs are taking over the market

In recent times, flavoured Irish cream liqueurs have surged in popularity within the United Kingdom, becoming a staple in many supermarkets. Retailers like Marks & Spencer, Asda, and Aldi have expanded their offerings to include a diverse range of flavours, catering to varied consumer tastes. Sophie Harris, writing for Express.co.uk, undertook a tasting experience of these liqueurs, detailed in her publication. The sampling highlighted not just the variety available but also the quality and taste differences among the products sampled. One of the notable products was the tiramisu-flavoured liqueur purchased at Marks & Spencer for £9 for a 500ml bottle. Described as embodying the classic flavours of traditional Italian tiramisu, it featured rich Belgian chocolate, coffee, and fresh cream from the Ballyrashane creamery. Although the drink offered a robust taste with prominent notes of coffee and chocolate, it did not emerge as Harris's personal favourite. Despite its accolades, including the Good Housekeeping Christmas Award 2022, she found its alcohol content made it less appealing. Moving on to other contenders, Harris tried a white chocolate Irish cream from Aldi, priced at £6.99 for a 700ml bottle. This drink stood out for its affordability and delightful sweetness, which Harris noted was not overly rich or cloying. It demonstrated a strong white chocolate flavour that appealed to her palate. In contrast, a golden blond chocolate variant from Marks & Spencer came at a higher price of £10.50 for 700ml. While the taste was characterized as scrumptious when served over ice, it was deemed pricier compared to other offerings such as Baileys. Asda also offered an interesting entry with its chocolate orange Irish cream priced at £8 for a 700ml bottle. However, this product failed to impress, being overly sweet and cloying, with a pronounced taste of alcohol that overshadowed its intended flavours. Overall, the reviews shared by Harris showcase both the growing trend of flavoured Irish cream liqueurs and a mix of experiences across various brands, indicating that consumers are not only seeking value for money but also a satisfying taste experience, which may influence their shopping choices moving forward.