As someone not generally fond of cream liqueurs, I must admit this is superior to Bailey's. The comparable price point is also a benefit, and I believe it brings a distinctive element to cocktails where Bailey's might typically be used. However, I do wish the marula fruit flavor was more prominent; in a blind tasting, one might not even detect it, only a subtle citrus not commonly found in cream liqueurs. The aroma is dominated by coffee notes with a touch of nutmeg. The initial taste offers chocolate and orange peel. It's not as rich as anticipated, quite smooth actually. The finish is smooth, as is typical for most cream liqueurs, but includes pleasant spice, citrus, and sweetness. I don't anticipate this will astound consumers, and while it originates from South Africa and uses a local fruit, it can effectively substitute for any cream liqueur. It also serves well as a late-night dessert beverage. I'm unsure if I'll actively seek it out, but among cream liqueurs, it ranks highly, though still not quite as good as Five Farms in my opinion.
Amarula Cream Liqueur
Liqueur Cream Liqueur South Africa No age statement 17% ABV
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About this bottle
The fruit from African Marula trees, a favored food for elephants, is used to create Amarula Cream Liqueur. The fruit is de-stoned, crushed, and fermented into a wine. This wine is then distilled, and the Marula brandy ages for two years in French oak. Finally, the brandy is mixed with cream and sugar.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 16 parsed reviews.
Appearance: Opaque beige, like milky coffee. Aroma: Fruity, malty, caramel nougat. There is an almost bizarre *tiny* waft that is reminiscent of scotch whisky. Flavour and Texture: Creamy and dairy sweet, a little alcohol is detectable but it's very light. Caramel and soft fruity flavors, but it's not bright fresh fruit - more like faint stewed figs or dates. There is a slight hazelnut or macadamia note in the aftertaste and a butterscotch character. Guilty confession time - I utterly adore this liqueur. I could drink far more of it than was healthy in a single sitting, I find it so compelling. The closest thing to which I can compare it is Bailey's Irish Cream but it is way better. I've served it to people who are not normally fond of creamy liqueurs and they have become instant converts. Part of my love for this is undoubtedly nostalgia, as I have vivid memories of the first time I tasted it and the company I was with, but that doesn't diminish its quality. Wonderful neat, on the rocks, as a milkshake, in strong black coffee, over ice-cream, and so on. Try freezing it to make Amarula gelato (yummy). "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)
Creamy milk-like color that pours smoothly like honey. It makes your mouth water. Smells like buttercream cake with a hint of vanilla. The taste is well-rounded and satisfying. Not tart, sweet and feels good going down the throat. It will be enjoyed by everyone, even those who don't favor liqueurs. My favorite liqueur so far, served neat or with a few drops in coffee.
Brings back memories of my youth, drinking this with a friend from South Africa after high school. It has a wonderfully smooth, creamy flavor unlike anything else I can describe. Absolutely fantastic!
A sophisticated cream liqueur from South Africa. It begins aromatically with notes of marula fruit and fresh cream. A full body then introduces hints of walnut, honey, and caramel, leading to a lingering, creamy finish. October 2016
Excellent on ice, very smooth and quite sweet. My usual choice before I found Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream.
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