The news of the very first dairy-free Baileys cream liqueur hit me with mixed emotions. My immediate excitement that a dairy-free Irish Cream had at last arrived was dampened a bit when I realized that Baileys Almande was an Almondmilk Liqueur with a heavy focus on nuttiness, and without the subtle depth of cocoa. And could almond milk really hold a candle to the richness of Irish Cream?
But after my initial hesitations wore off, I recognized what a huge leap this is for the dairy-free community. Not to mention, a creamy almond spirit sounds pretty amazing in its own right. And there was only one way to find out how it tastes …
Tasting Notes for Bailey’s Almande Almondmilk Liqueur
We first announced this creamy adult beverage back in 2016, but it took me a little while to find it in store (now it’s available everywhere!). Once we discovered it, I waited for a sale (it is a little pricey), and then we did a taste test comparison of all the Dairy-Free Cream Liqueurs available.
Though it hints at a creamy finish, Baileys Almande is quite light in taste and consistency. It is a great milky base for making drinks. The flavor is simple, gently sweet, and much like almond milk mixed with brandy.
But if you are expecting a dairy-free clone of Baileys Irish Cream, then I would move on. The consistency isn’t nearly as creamy and it has a relatively flat finish. The flavor is pleasant, but it isn’t as deep, sultry, or indulgent. We also thought the scent needed more allure – it was a bit plain and didn’t offer any warmth.
When it comes to depth and dairy-free creaminess, Almondaire is our hands down winner. That said, Bailey’s Almande is a good light option with a nice spirited balance (13% alcohol), and it’s much easier to find.
What about the Ingredients?
Spirits aren’t required to list their ingredients, and Bailey’s takes advantage of this omission. Baileys Almande is dairy-free, and they do disclaim that it contains nuts and soy. They also share the core ingredients, which include almondmilk made from sweet almond oil and almond essence (extracted from crushed almonds), cane sugar, purified water, and “real vanilla.” But they do not disclaim the full proprietary ingredient list.
The Facts on Baileys Almande Almondmilk Liqueur
Price: $23.99 per 750mL bottle
Availability: Baileys Almande Almondmilk Liqueur is readily available in the U.S. and Canada at many places where liquor is sold. You can even order it on Amazon!
Certifications: Baileys Almande Almondmilk Liqueur is Certified Vegan.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Baileys Almande Almondmilk Liqueur is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, vegan, and vegetarian.*
For More Product Information: Visit the Baileys website at www.baileys.com.
*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.
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Very valid alternative
Although it’s different, it’s a very nice alternative for those who cannot have cow’s milk, and some who can may even prefer it. It is understandably not as thick as the original, but it is lighter and less sickly so it just depends on your preference. The almond taste is fairly pronounced, quite similar to that of almond milk. I certainly enjoyed it and I don’t feel as though I’m missing out on the real deal!
Leaves an unpleasant aftertaste
Watery, strange tasting with a lingering bad aftertaste that sits on your tongue. Coconut flavours would have been a better alternative or using soy milk instead. Most unpleasant and I am not a fussy person. I guess that is why it’s so expensive as you’ll only be buying it once
I wouldn't turn it down
If offered at a party, I would be happy they had a dairy-free option and gladly imbibe. But for the price, I wanted more depth in flavor and creaminess. It’s a lot like a spiked almond milk. Not bad, refreshing over ice and an okay addition to other drinks, just not a wow.
48 Comments
Hi I have just found out I am intolerant to cow milk. have brought the Bailey’s almonde but also intolerant to yeast which is in most alcoholic drinks does this contain any as can not tell from the Ingredients
I couldn’t tell you Ginni. You would need to contact the company directly to find out more specifics on the ingredients.
Wouldn’t imagine a whiskey-based(?) liqueur would contain yeast.
I was interested in this for a female friend who has to stick to a dairy-free diet due to a serious illness – unfortunately Almande contains soy/soya (according to Tesco) which she must also avoid (as soy mimics hormones).
Knowing that I am lactose intolerant now and that I loved Bailey’s Irish cream, my daughter in Southern California saw Bailey’s Almande on her local store shelf and sent me a picture!
I then found it on my local store shelf in the Midwest and I am thrilled!
I used to enjoy a Bailey’s Irish cream over ice and in my coffee.
Bailey’s Almande is not creamy enough (for me) to use in coffee, but I enjoy it almost every night over ice!
Unlike almond milk, it actually has the taste of real almond extract as well as the wonderful AROMA!
At this point, I can’t do without it!
And then when I looked up the nutritional facts, I was even more sold on this item ….
Compared to original Bailey’s Irish Cream, it has only 1g of fat per serving and WAY less sugar (cane sugar).
Thanks for sharing these details and your notes Patti!
https://thegoodnessproject.co.uk/office-snack-and-fresh-fruit-delivery
Now stock Bailey’s Almande for online purchase. Yay! now in England. I cant write a review as it is for my daughter for Christmas
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing Lorraine.
Were in the UK can you purchase almande Baileys? ?
It is currently at Whole Foods stores Vicki. Here’s a post we did on the UK release news -> https://www.godairyfree.org/news/dairy-free-bites-8
it can;t be gluten free due to the fact that whiskey has wheat in it. the last time I had baileys it had whiskey in it.
Gluten can’t get through the distillation process.
True, but with libations like this, it can be added in one of the additional ingredients. Baileys Almande is now labeled as gluten free though.
The liquor is vodka not whiskey
Was very excited about the new Baileys Almande because I loved original Baileys. But found out I have a dairy allergy and I am gluten free. With that bring said, I just tried it. Both on ice and I’m my favorite Tim Hortons coffee. Not as good as I expected. You can taste the almond milk and I can taste the soy on it. It’s not terrible but disappointing if you like Bailey’s. I have been looking to see what the liquor is because it can’t be whisky. Whisky has gluten. After my first taste of it I added a little silk almond caramel flavor creamer (non dairy too) and it sweetened it up some. If you like caramel you should try it.
Thanks for sharing your feedback Jacqui!
I heard it contains soy. Soy is awful. I am allergic to it. I will not be purchasing this unless it is soy free as well. So many gluten free products have soy in them as fillers. Just wrong.
Being gluten and dairy free there’s not to much I feel comfortable drinking.
Tried this at home in Canada and I love it.
As per most things if you can’t have the “real thing” (pizza crust…cheese) then you “make do” with the alternative versions.
Well with this there is no “making do”…the stuff is great.
If you can’t have dairy, there’s no point in reminiscing about the original product, just put the name Baileys out of you head and enjoy this as a drink that is acceptable to your dietary needs.
I am currently on vacation on Maui and can not find the stuff…it’s killing me…lol!
Franny i agree 100% with your comment, What a disapointment it turned out to be , Sure wish i hadn’t bought TWO bottles!!
Areza, we haven’t sampled Bailey’s here yet, but Almondaire was very good (all of our tasters loved it) -> http://www.godairyfree.org/product-reviews/almondaire – I did hear from one reader who tried both Bailey’s and Almondaire that the Almondaire was much better. Just thought I’d give you a heads up!
This is available at Vons & probably Albertsons too… I bought several bottles of it , certain it would be every bit as tasty as Baileys irish cream , but unfortunately I didn’t care for it , It seemed to have a strange flavor. Does anyone know what Alcohol it contains ?? the ingredients only state that its made with Almond oil . I know regular Baileys is made with irish whiskey But I think the Almondmilk liquor must contain something else to give it that odd flavor.
I really enjoyed this almond milk version. It was rough to get as it’s not sold in my area. My brother brought it from Texas over Christmas. I actually think I prefer it to original Baileys. However it’s been a long time since having Baileys original.
Good to know! Thanks for sharing Kris.
I can’t find the full ingredient list on their website or anywhere online, but almost sure it as carageenan, to which I am extremely allergic (asthma).
I agree, It is like it is a secret for some reason, not a calorie count, no listing of ingredients. This leaves me to wonder what is in it ???
Also, thought it was the law to post ingredients
Not for alcoholic beverages. They’re regulated separately.
I just bought it in Texas at Spec’s and I mixed it with coconut water and I think it was delicious, like a Rumchata but dairy free and not extremely sweet. Soooo good and hopefully it has less calories than regular Baileys.
Great idea, and thanks for sharing your take on the new dairy-free Bailey’s Nubia!
Hi! Thank you for writing this!! Do you know where in the U.S. I could buy it??
Not as of yet Patricia, but it should be popping up wherever Bailey’s is sold soon.
I just brought the Baileys Almande Almondmilk Liqueur because I thought WOW Baileys with no milk I can go for that. I have liked Baileys but I had to stop drinking it because of my IBS and the cream within the product did a real number on my stomach and intestinal system. I found the Almande Almondmilk at my one of my favorite liquor outlets. It tastes pretty good but I am still afraid to indulge wholeheartedly because I cannot afford to have my stomach turned inside out.
I also have to say at $35 a whoop I will not be purchasing it to frequently, Baileys is already very expensive so I don’t see much Almande Almondmilk in my future unless I could get a coupon. I can use other milk/dairy free products to create a version of Baileys that wont hurt my system. I might try this new Baileys Almondmilk if they come down on the price, I don’t understand why it should be so pricey just for using non-dairy products.
Thanks for sharing your feedback on it!
hi all
does anybody know if it is already to sale?
I´ve been looking for this in San Diego, CA. but I didn´t find it
It’s being test marketed, so availability seems spotty right now. I was told they would roll it out this summer … so hopefully soon! Stay tuned though – I’ll be reviewing another brand that’s already out!
I hope it doesn’t contain any palm oil!
Thanks for not touting it as being vegan. Many people are, though Baileys won’t: http://wp.me/p7ys9Y-q
Yes, I was wondering why there was so much circulating in the vegan community when I couldn’t get confirmation on this. Thanks!
I’m really looking forward to trying it even if it’s its own liqueur and not a dairy-free equivalent of original Baileys. Btw, the original Baileys does not have a mint flavor. Both the mint and caramel flavors came much later.
Shirley
Interesting – the only Bailey’s I’ve ever known of is the holiday-loving mint!
Yay! I’m so excited about this and I’m sure it will spur on new flavours and inspire other companies to make more dairy-free options 🙂
Oh my gosh, I need this! ALL of the fancy cocktails!
Haha, I know!
I just bought it and it’s a huge disappointment. It’s really watered down, tastes like skim milk with synthetic almond. I won’t be buying it again. Love the baileys Irish cream and the almond milk doesn’t even come close to comparing for the taste.
What a bummer! Thanks for sharing this Franny. We still haven’t been able to get the Bailey’s one, but I recently reviewed another brand and it’s pretty awesome – http://www.godairyfree.org/product-reviews/almondaire