Tesco customers have the opportunity to sample a Baileys alternative that’s winning hearts, with many declaring it superior to the festive favourite. In the lead-up to Christmas, Clubcard holders can enjoy a tasty £6 discount on Coole Swan, which first hit UK supermarket shelves this year and is fast gathering fans who praise its velvety taste and natural ingredients.
Coole Swan boasts an award-winning Irish cream liqueur, meticulously crafted in Ireland using single malt Irish whiskey, Belgian white chocolate, Madagascan vanilla, and fresh Irish cream. Since its launch, it has rapidly gained recognition in global contests, securing almost 100 awards and accolades, including the title of ‘World’s Best Liqueur’ and a double gold at The San Francisco Wine and Spirits Awards.
The brand proudly proclaims their liqueur as ‘the superior Irish cream’, and shoppers and critics seem to agree. Tasting Table recently ranked Coole Swan as the top Irish Cream Liqueur out of 15 contenders, including Baileys, noting: “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.”
However, with Coole Swan priced higher than the festive favourite Baileys, which is on offer in many major supermarkets reports the Manchester Evening News, is it really worth paying more for? The answer might just surprise you.
There are two types of people in this world: those who see Irish cream as 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, even momentarily tempted by Hotel Chocolat’s 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 nice), and the pina colada variant (let’s not discuss that – how can two of my favourite things combine to create something so disappointing?).
I’ve sampled all the so-called alternatives offered by Lidl, Aldi, and M&S – all satisfactory for blending into cocktails, coffees, or hot chocolates, but they just don’t satisfy when drunk straight. Recently, I found myself extolling my love for Baileys to a mate who then enquired if I’d ever sampled Coole Swan.
Not a brand I was acquainted with, she enlightened me that it was another Irish Cream with a distinguished heritage, crafted in Ireland. A swift Google search disclosed that it too had a devoted following, having recently made its debut on mainstream UK supermarket shelves nationwide after the County Cavan-based family business signed a significant agreement with Tesco.
Spotting a miniature bottle during my travels, it seemed only courteous to give it a try, especially as it provided 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 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 origins 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 refrigerated once opened. This allows for an ice-cold Irish cream experience without the need for ice cubes.
Despite my long-standing affection 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 beyond Baileys, a notion supported by its taste. If you enjoy Baileys but find it slightly too sweet or overpowering over time, Coole Swan could be your ideal liqueur – particularly if you’re looking to enjoy it refreshingly cold.
What’s more, as it’s a bit more upscale than Baileys, which has become a staple for Christmas, it makes the perfect gift for friends and family who love Irish cream but are seeking something a bit more premium.
Coole Swan is now available in Tesco stores nationwide and online, with a suggested retail price of £26 for a 700ml bottle. However, Clubcard shoppers can get a bottle for £6 off at Tesco in the lead up to Christmas, bringing the premium brand closer to Baileys’ budget price tag.
As Coole Swan is a relatively new addition to Tesco, there aren’t many reviews yet, but it has received 4.7 stars out of five from nine reviews. Customers have been heaping praise on the Coole Swan Irish cream liqueur, with one enthusiast echoing the brand’s own claim by stating: “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 customer remarked: “I have tried a lot of cream liqueurs and this is by far my favourite. It’s 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.”
However, some loyal Baileys drinkers remain unconvinced, with a four-star review of Coole Swan mentioning: “Too expensive, I’d rather have two bottles of Baileys.”