As with many of the finer things in life, describing Coole Swan on paper will always be difficult. It’s easy to list the ingredients – there are only ever three. Single malt Irish whiskey, the finest Belgian white chocolate, and fresh dairy cream from a family-run farm in the heart of the Boyne Valley.
It’s a little harder to find words for the beauty of the blend, and for the flavours and textures that result when all three come together in one glass. The smoothness and freshness of the cream meets the richness of the chocolate, and both are underscored by subtle warmth from the whiskey. It’s absolutely delicious.
As the name suggests, it glides, delivering a distinctive, velvety, and long-lasting taste. A natural taste, too – the cream has invaluable properties, and no preservatives or other ingredients are ever added. Creating Coole Swan was a labour of love from the outset, in that it took its creators 230 different combinations of ingredients to find the perfect one.
All that time and effort was worth it; for if the story of the drink itself is inspiring, the story of the brand is equally so.
Since it was established in 2010, Coole Swan has been made in Co Meath and bottled in Co Cavan. From the beginning, its makers would travel to trade shows and tastings, where it would sweep the boards with awards, as the love and care that went into each sip was recognised. It began to be stocked by retailers of renown such as John Lewis, followed by more mainstream ones.
The brand then started to travel the world, to the United States and to the Far East, picking up accolades as it went. Then, in 2020, most thrillingly of all, industry bible Wine Enthusiast Magazine listed Coole Swan among the Top 100 Spirits Brands in the world. In a taste test, they awarded Coole Swan 96/100 and named the brand the number one cream liqueur in the world, calling it “the pinnacle of quality”.
No other Irish brand has ever been awarded such a score, and no other Irish cream liqueur has achieved this ‘legendary’ status. It’s an incredible achievement by an independently-owned, family-run brand, up against competition from major corporations. It takes pride of place alongside the most important award any brand can win – the loyalty of every customer who chooses the distinctive, gleaming white bottle on the shelf.
Of course, the proof is in the taste - a taste that has been acquired by some interesting people. It turns out that Coole Swan has been savoured and favoured by US presidents, from Obama to Biden. President-elect, Joe Biden is said to have developed a taste for it on a stopover at Shannon, and had Coole Swan stocked aboard Air Force One – high praise, indeed.
Coole Swan is perfect for everyday occasion. You might say it’s an everyday indulgence, delicious neat or over ice. It’s adaptable, too, and there’s limitless things it will add quality and depth to. Here are some suggestions:
Coole Swan - the perfect cocktail base
As a cream liqueur, Coole Swan will define your cocktail and release its character. Complimenting every taste from gin to whiskey, rum to tequila, and lime to coffee. The classic Espresso Martini is a particular favourite.
Coole Swan - the ideal kitchen companion
From professional chefs to the everyday cook, Coole Swan is the perfect companion, complimenting every taste and flavour. Try it in panna cotta, pomegranate granola, chocolate chestnut torte, or honey and lime opera cake. The only limit is imagination.
Coole Swan - brunch made even better
As every lover of this dining experience knows, brunch is the most delicious excuse to have a cocktail before 3pm. Coined in 1895 by Guy Berginer, an English journalist, Berginer described brunch as ‘’cheerful, sociable and … talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week." One can raise a glass of Coole Swan to that.
Coole Swan – just add coffee
Every barista needs a bottle of Coole Swan - after all, it is the splash of Irish cream liqueur that makes the good, great. Is it the fresh Irish cream? The smooth Belgian white chocolate? Or the mellow single malt Irish whiskey? Who knows? That’s why they call it je ne sais quoi …