Note: Like all the spirits I review, this was tasted at room temperature for maximum taste and detection of any faults if any in a product. If you chill benzene cold enough, you could drink that too (NOT RECOMMENDED!), which is why I try them at room temperature.

First Impression: Heavy scents of vietnamese cinnamon, toffee, and ginger with flowery notes.

Appearance: Pleasing light-brown color like brown farmyard eggs, on swirling leaves a even coat on the glass.

Taste: Vietnamese cinnamon, allspice, toffee, butterscotch, persimmon, cardamon, a slight nip of spice at the end to keep your interest, and a dangerously mild alcohol presence. Wonderful stuff!

Drinks: We found all of their proprietary recipes to be excellent, including the food ones. Makes a great substitute or base for eggnog or you can substitute it for the many recipes for other cream liqeurs. Great with ice cream as a frozen drink (similar to a Toasted Almond) or milkshake, even tried it in french toast. Made very nice drinks with armagnac, cognac and calvados ( an AA, A&C and AC&C respectively).

Bottle: Dark brown cylindrical bottle of pressed glass with simple, vaguely antique looking label with a elephant flanked by marula fruits and blossoms. Gold neckseal and cap. Knotted gold cord around neck. Fairly standard presentation for a liqueur in other words.

Other: Made in South Africa since 1989. Made from the fruit of the Marula tree, (or Elephant tree as the elephants are quite fond of the fruit) which is said to have healing and aphrodisiac powers.The fruit is fermented and then distilled in copper pot stills (not unlike cognac). It is aged for approximately 2 years, then blended with cream and other ingredients.

Final Thoughts: A relative latecomer to the cream liqueur market, but one of the best we have ever had. Everyone who has tried it has liked it which is a first! Try it with, or on a friend.

Website: http://www.amarula.com

Quick loading webpage with attractive graphics, drinks recipes, and information.