Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. We do receive a small commission when you click on our links and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). We always give our honest opinions, and these opinions are fully our own. See our Disclaimers →
Carolans Irish Cream
About Carolans Irish Cream
Carolans Irish Cream is produced by TJ Carolan & Son Limited in Clonmel, Ireland – a town located in County Tipperary. First created in 1978, the Carolans brand is currently owned by Heaven Hill in Bardstown, Kentucky. The name is a tribute to a 17th-century Irish harpist and composer named Turlough O’Carolan.
Though not many production details are disclosed, Carolans seems to take pride in its fresh and local ingredients including fresh cream, natural honey, Irish Whiskey, and other “Irish spirits”.
Bottle Specs
❖ ABV: 17%
❖ Distillery: Undisclosed [Clonmel, Ireland]
❖ Aging: N/A
❖ Price Point: Low Price
Tasting Notes
Palate:
❖ cream
❖ honey
❖ toffee
My Tasting notes
My first whiff of this Irish cream was bright yet smooth. I found myself struggling to identify the individual nose notes, but still found that the blend of aromas created a distinct Irish cream scent. There was a creamy sweetness that was light and subtle on the nose.
I took a sip, and immediately tasted that classic creamy flavor. Following this, there was a strong wave of toffee in the finish. Overall, I found my first few sips to be very well balanced. Even though notes of whisky were present, I didn’t find the whisky flavor overwhelming. After several sips, I began to feel the alcohol heat in the back of my mouth. Even then, the whiskey’s heat felt very mellow – almost like the emotional feeling of sitting by a warm fireplace.
Cocktail
For my cocktail, I wanted to make something creamy but not too overloaded with sweet flavors so I could really put this Irish Cream to the test. My original recipe was inspired by the classic Buttery Nipple shot – but with a bit of half & half to add some volume and balance the alcohol content. Hope you enjoy!
Butterscotch Whip
recipe by Emmeline
Ingredients
- 1 oz Irish Cream
- 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
- 2 oz half & half
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a shaker with ice, and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a small cocktail glass filled with ice.
Inside of a cocktail, this Irish Cream was absolutely delicious. I found that the Carolans tasted very fresh, and added a nice depth to the flavor of the butterscotch schnapps. To be honest, this drink went down like a liquid dessert, and I almost forgot that it had alcohol in it.
Bottom Line
RATING: 5/5
Overall, I think Carolans Irish Cream is a great option, and I would definitely recommend it to folks looking for a delicious, affordable Irish Cream. For the price, I was impressed with just how fresh and complex the flavors are. The toffee notes really help to make it taste like something special. It works well by itself as well as in a cocktail.
In my area, Carolans is about half the price of the more ubiquitous Bailey’s Irish Cream. I personally think it’s a great value! This bottle is an easy 5 stars.
As always, drink responsibly.
Not Quite what you're looking for?
SEE OUR OTHER LIQUEUR REVIEWS:
JOIN THE NEWSLETTER!
Get more from Let’s Drink It! by subscribing to our monthly email newsletter