Two related events happened concurrently last week: I developed the need to restock my liquor cabinet, and my editor assigned another drink review. What a prime opportunity to branch out from my typical liquor selections and wine reviews.

To me, one of the most pleasant drinks is a rich, velvety cup of coffee swirling with Bailey’s Irish Cream. It’s nice any time of day and represents simplicity itself. Should you want to go crazy, you can enjoy it in dessert format: pour shots of espresso and Irish cream over vanilla ice cream.

Like nearly every other person on earth, I equate Irish cream with Bailey’s, the way Band-Aids have become synonymous with adhesive medical strips. Actually, while Bailey’s was the first Irish cream and is a consistently excellent choice, that doesn’t mean there aren’t alternatives.

The next time you’re in a Washington State Liquor Store, survey the variety among the Irish creams.

In essence, Irish cream is a cream liqueur of Irish whiskey, coffee and other ingredients. Typically with 15–20 percent alcohol by volume, it can be enjoyed on its own, in mixed drinks or as part of a shot — my foretold favorite way of enjoying it.

Carolans Irish Cream is the top-selling Irish cream in Ireland and the second-most popular brand worldwide. Made in the town of Clonmel, Carolans is rich, creamy and sweet; drunk straight, there is a prominent vanilla and honey character followed by a rich fudginess. While this liqueur is often cited as an Irish cream for people who don’t like whiskey, I ask: Would you drink Irish cream in place of whiskey? Both have a time and a place, so the light whiskey flavor of Carolans isn’t necessarily a drawback.

As I pour myself a cup of coffee, appropriately listening to Snow Patrol’s new album, I feel I should add that straight Carolans is an acquired taste. I myself find it syrupy and throat-coating with a nearly cloying essence, while one of my roommates will fill a miniature Ikea champagne flute and wander the house sipping it. That is one of the lovely things about Irish cream: it’s versatile.

My first taste of Carolans in coffee is more enjoyable than drinking it on its own — the chocolate and vanilla flavors of the liqueur balance and compliment the richness of the coffee beautifully. It does not, though, deliver the “spiked coffee” quality of Bailey’s, being lighter and less noticeably alcoholic, even though both are 34 proof. In fact, Carolans is simply a lighter Irish cream in all respects; it’s less sweet, the flavors are less direct and the alcohol warmth is low in comparison to the more familiar brand.

I find that I’m adding more than I normally would to my coffee, but it’s very enjoyable.

Carolans takes pride in its Irish cream since the liqueur comes from some of Ireland’s best products: quality dairy and fine distilled spirits. The first whiskey distillery was founded in Ireland in 1608. What makes Carolans unique is the use of honey; Clonmel means “honey meadow,” and is located in one of the best natural dairylands in the world. Carolans credits the smoothness and high taste-test ratings to their use of only the finest double cream.

Some of the mixed drinks featuring Carolans have sexually explicit and exciting names, so have fun ordering yourself one of these the next time you’re out at a bar.

As for me, I’m going to finish off my coffee before it gets too cold — though it’s just as good over ice.

Reach reporter Matthew Jackson at arts@dailyuw.edu.