Starbucks Cream Liqueur Review

Starbucks is a large, widely known coffee shop operation with stores located in most every city in the United States, both large and small. Starbucks also markets its coffee in retail outlets and, since it is a company associated with beverages, it was only a matter of time until Starbucks tried its luck at the adult segment of the market by creating alcoholic beverages. One of its alcoholic products was introduced a few years ago and continues to win over new fans. It is Starbucks Cream Liqueur, an alcoholic beverage from the popular coffee/restaurant company.

Liqueur Commentary:

Starbucks Cream Liqueur is a smooth, creamy liqueur with a milky appearance and a light brown color. The aroma of this product combines coffee, butterscotch, and just a small amount of alcohol. This liqueur is thicker than most other liqueurs and it offers a taste that features coffee, vanilla, caramel, and just a touch of chocolate. There is a slight alcohol bite in the finish that lasts for a short time, quickly replaced by a sweet, creamy coffee/butterscotch flavor in the aftertaste. The alcohol level of Starbucks Cream Liqueur is lower than other liqueurs, weighing in at just 15 percent alcohol by volume (30 proof), which is less than half the strength of most distilled spirits.

Starbucks Cream Liqueur is the result of Starbucks decision to enter the specialty spirits market and it follows in the footsteps of Starbucks Coffee Liqueur. These products are both aimed at the super- premium end of the cordials market. They are both quite expensive and are supposedly designed to appeal to those who enjoy the luxuries that life has to offer.

With its above average price tag, one would expect great things from Starbucks Cream Liqueur. Unfortunately, I don't find the taste quite as wonderful as the price dictates. I like the appearance of this liqueur and I admit the aroma whetted my appetite. But the taste is only average at best. I like gourmet coffee, vanilla, butterscotch, and cream but the taste of this product doesn't quite approach the level of greatness I expected for something that wears the Starbucks label and commands such a high price- about $23 for a 750 ml bottle. Even if it was less expensive, I would still consider it only average at best. Personally, I would rather buy a bottle of Kahlua or other coffee liqueur and add my own cream. It would taste better and cost less.

Bottom Line Viewpoint:

Starbucks is ubiquitous and it continues to make itself known in new ways every day. Its name is generally synonymous with quality, but the company also has a reputation for being overpriced and this reputation isn't helped with Starbucks Cream Liqueur. It's a good product but it costs a little too much and it falls short of the great taste I expected.