Product: Sylk: More to Life than Bailey's Producer: Drambuie Approximate Retail Value: $15/bottle Category: Liqueur Country of Origin: Scotland Reviewer: R. Pietsch The F Words: Flavor – Honey sweet and cream. Feel – Heavy but smooth. Finish – Long and a little nutty.

Rating:

I first encountered Sylk while tending bar at a fine dining bistro; it was presented to me as an alternative to Bailey’s Irish Cream. People are always looking for the next easy sell, and Drambuie had a marvelous deal in this respect--as there were only few cream liqueurs on the shelves.

Times are a little different. The ubiquity of cream-based liqueurs such as Amarula and Dooley’s, each with their own spin on flavor, has made Sylk the less obvious choice. When staring down the shelf and seeing so many newcomers, most people are likely still inclined to pick up that same overpriced bottle of Bailey’s. If you are not a fan of Bailey’s style, then you will not like Sylk. But Sylk actually is a nice alternative. For the price, the quality of this drink is superior to its competition.

If you are looking for an after-dinner dessert drink this is a great way to go. Sylk is sweet and you can almost feel the honey coat at the back of your throat. The flavor is evenly balanced. Served on the rocks, this goes down so smoothly. Sylk, indeed, is a fitting name.

The problem with Sylk is that the flavors are rather strong, prominent enough to not sit idly by as Bailey’s often does. In other words, this is not a perfect alternative simply because you cannot just substitute Sylk anywhere you see “Bailey’s."

I enjoy mixing drinks, and this is a problem for Sylk. There are situations where Sylk is a fine choice to throw into a shaker. Say, with a little vodka and a dash of Kahlua. But, I wouldn’t go dropping a shot into a Guinness. Certain things are just best left to the old favorites.

It is for this reason that Sylk is not a vital addition to a bar. While it does have its place, it is often an unnecessary addition. At a mere $15 or so a bottle, though, you can afford to pick it up and give it a try.