Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur
Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur is the honeyed Irish cream — 17% ABV (34 proof), 750mL — made with Irish whiskey, fresh dairy cream, and naturally harvested honey. Developed in 1978 and first sold in the UK in 1979, it remains the No. 2–3 cream liqueur in the US, owned by Heaven Hill of Bardstown, Kentucky since 2017. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 17% (34 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Ingredients: Irish whiskey, farm-fresh cream, natural honey
- Origin: Ireland (made by First Ireland Spirits)
- Owner: Heaven Hill Brands (acquired 2017, $165M from Gruppo Campari)
- Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2026; Consumer's Choice, SIP Awards 2025
Honey Is the Carolans Difference
Where rivals lean on chocolate and vanilla, Carolans builds its profile around honey sourced from Ireland's Golden Vale, blended with Irish whiskey and fresh cream. The brand was created in 1978, first sold in Britain in July 1979, and has passed through William Grant, C&C Group, and Campari before landing with Heaven Hill in 2017. The current range spans Original, Salted Caramel, Strawberries & Cream, and Chocolate Cream. Browse more liqueurs and cream liqueurs, or shop the Carolans collection at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Official description: deep milky brown hue; "forward, spirity, whiskey-accented lactic flavors" with a rich, milky attack and moderate full body. Retailer notes add vanilla and honey on the aroma, butterscotch and toffee on the entry, whiskey warmth cutting the sweetness mid-palate, and a long, elegant finish.
How to Enjoy
Heaven Hill's own serves: over ice, in coffee, or in dessert-inspired cocktails. Try it poured over espresso for a honeyed Irish-coffee twist, or blend it into a milkshake for dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carolans Irish Cream?
An Irish cream liqueur (17% ABV) made with Irish whiskey, fresh cream, and natural honey — created in 1978.
How is Carolans different from Baileys?
Honey is Carolans' signature ingredient, blended with Irish whiskey and fresh cream; it has been the US market's No. 2–3 cream liqueur behind Baileys.
Who owns Carolans?
Heaven Hill Brands (Bardstown, KY), which acquired it in 2017 from Gruppo Campari.
How should I drink Carolans?
Over ice, in coffee, or in dessert cocktails — it's smooth and versatile.
Stock your coffee bar with Carolans Irish Cream — order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.