Tesco customers are being tempted to swap out a Christmas staple thanks to the arrival of a high end Baileys rival that is turning heads with its superior taste and, for Clubcard holders, a tempting £6 discount. Coole Swan has recently hit UK supermarket shelves for the first time, captivating fans with its velvety flavour blend of natural ingredients.
This premium Irish cream liqueur comes from Ireland, where it’s crafted in limited quantities from single malt Irish whiskey, Belgian white chocolate, vanilla from Madagascar, and fresh local cream. Although a relative newcomer, Coole Swan has already swept up a hoard of awards, taking home nearly 100 accolades, notably ‘World’s Best Liqueur’ and achieving double gold at The San Francisco Wine and Spirits Awards.
Proudly referred to by the brand as ‘the superior Irish cream,’ Coole Swan is not only winning over consumers but also professional tastemakers. Among its praise, Tasting Table lauded Coole Swan as the top choice among 15 Irish Cream Liqueurs during a blind test, stating: “The magic is in its simplicity – real Belgian chocolate melted into Irish whiskey and fresh cream with a touch of Madagascan vanilla is more than enough to create an Irish cream liqueur that can truly be considered a premium pour.”
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However, with Coole Swan priced higher than the festive favourite Baileys, which is on offer everywhere during this season, reports the Manchester Evening News, is it worth paying more for? The answer might just surprise you.
There are two types of people in this world: those who consider Irish cream a Christmas-only indulgence, and those who would happily sip it daily if they could. I firmly belong to the latter group. From my first taste, I’ve been captivated by its smooth, creamy warmth, making it my preferred short drink. As the proud co-editor of Secret Elves Club, a newsletter celebrating all things festive throughout the year, I have to ask – what’s wrong with savouring a bit of Christmas spirit all year round?
Over time, I’ve tried various alternatives, most recently having my head turned by Hotel Chocolat’s incredible coffee cream liqueur, which genuinely tastes like liquid tiramisu. However, I’ve always come back to my trusty Baileys.
I’ve tried the lower-calorie version (quite good), as well as the pina colada variant (let’s not discuss that – how can two of my favourite things combine to create something so disappointing?).
I’ve given a go to all the so-called alternatives offered by Lidl, Aldi, and M&S – they’re all fine for blending into cocktails, coffees, or hot chocolates, but they just don’t quite hit the mark when drunk straight. Recently, I found myself waxing lyrical about my love for Baileys to a mate who then asked if I’d ever sampled Coole Swan.
While it wasn’t a brand I’d heard of before, she was quick to explain it was another Irish Cream with a distinguished heritage, crafted in the Emerald Isle. A swift Google search showed that it too had a loyal following, having recently landed on mainstream UK supermarket shelves nationwide after the County Cavan-based family business signed a hefty deal with Tesco.
Spotting a miniature bottle during my travels, it seemed only courteous to give it a spin, especially as it gave me the chance to compare it to my beloved Baileys original – it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. But is it worth making the switch? As a Baileys enthusiast, here’s my verdict having literally put them head to head.
When comparing Coole Swan and Baileys in a direct taste test, one key difference is immediately noticeable – the colour. Coole Swan’s Belgian white chocolate roots give it a lighter shade than Baileys’ rumoured milk chocolate blend.
Despite its white chocolate foundation, Coole Swan surprisingly offers a more mellow and smoother taste, with less of an initial punch, possibly due to the potency of the malt. While I’m partial to Baileys, for me, the flavour unfolds in stages – the initial sweet aroma, followed by the first burst of warmth upon swallowing, then soothed by the cream that douses the flame.
However, Coole Swan merges these elements in a way where they’re experienced simultaneously – there’s no fiery undertone or sweet hit, it’s just exquisitely, perfectly balanced from the first sip. Both drinks have a similar alcohol content – Baileys has 17% while Coole Swan has 16% ABV – but Coole Swan feels less alcoholic, making it dangerously addictive.
However, for me, there’s one aspect that truly elevates Coole Swan as a superior Irish cream choice, justifying its slightly higher price tag. I am an Irish cream purist. I don’t object to a fancy cocktail or a hot chocolate topped with Baileys, but for me, the best way to enjoy it is cold and simple – why mask such a delicious flavour with anything else?
With Baileys, this means a large ice cube which inevitably dilutes the drink over time if you savour it slowly. Unlike Baileys, which is recommended to be stored in a dark cupboard after opening, the fresh cream of Coole Swan is so fresh that it must be kept in the fridge once opened. This allows for an ice-cold Irish cream experience without the need for ice cubes.
Despite my long-standing love for Baileys, Coole Swan has found a place not only in my heart but also in my fridge. The packaging and marketing of Coole Swan suggest a level of sophistication above Baileys and this is definitely underlined by the taste. If you’re a fan of Baileys but find it slightly too sweet or overpowering after a while, then Coole Swan might just be your dream liqueur – especially if you want to enjoy it refreshingly cold.
Moreover, with its more luxurious image compared to Baileys, which is now a bargain staple most Christmas seasons, it makes the perfect gift for friends and family who love Irish cream but who you want to give something a bit out of the ordinary and less every day.
Coole Swan is now available in Tesco stores nationwide and online, with a recommended retail price of £26 for a 700ml bottle. However, Clubcard shoppers can get Coole Swan for £6 off at Tesco in the run up to Christmas, bringing the premium brand closer to Baileys’ budget price tag.
As Coole Swan is a relatively new addition to Tesco’s shelves, there are currently only a small number of reviews, but it has received an impressive 4.7 stars out of five from nine reviews. Customers have been heaping praise on it though, with one enthusiast echoing the brand’s own claim by declaring it the best Irish cream liqueur ever. They remarked: “The most delicious Irish cream liqueur I have ever tasted! Creamy, luxuriously smooth and very moreish. The taste of alcohol is not overwhelming either, which I find with Baileys and other Irish creams. Don’t think I could go back to anything else after trying this, the only downside being the price.”
Another added: “I have tried a lot of cream liqueurs and this is by far my favourite. Its balance of flavour along with unique whisky cream base is just delicious. One of the cream liqueurs that has a touch of class vs competitors and also bonus that the bottle design is really smart. Makes a lovely present for someone or a special treat for yourself. You won’t be dissapointed.”
Yet, some loyalists to Baileys are not swayed. A four-star review of Coole Swan stated: “Too expensive, I’d rather have two bottles of Baileys.”