Baileys seduces chocoholics

Diageo has unveiled the “ultimate molten chocolate drinking experience” with the launch of Baileys Chocolat Luxe.

Made using Belgian chocolate, this latest range extension is the result of three years’ research, which involved the tasting of 200 different chocolate varieties and 839 failed attempts.

Eventually, the decision was made to lower the abv by 1.3%, which, according to the drink’s creators, allowed the whiskey flavour to complement rather than overpower the “sweet, smokey essence” of just over 30g of Belgian chocolate contained in each bottle.

Baileys’ principal scientist, Anthony Wilson, whose father Steve Wilson was one of the creators of Baileys Original Irish Cream nearly 40 years ago, explained his aim of creating “an ambient molten chocolate experience – something that you could pour and drink at room temperature that would have the multi-sensory experience of eating chocolate.”

Claiming that the new product represents “the first time real Belgian chocolate has been fused with alcohol to deliver a real Belgian chocolate experience”, Wilson said: “I am proud to be the one to say I helped make this happen and that the family legacy with Baileys continues with a brand new innovative product.”

Baileys Chocolate Luxe is available from today exclusively in Harvey Nichols before launching in retailers across the UK from October with an RRP of £16.99 for a 50cl bottle.