Amarula is a cream liqueur manufactured in South Africa. It is made with sugar, cream, and the fruit of the African Marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea) which is also locally called the Elephant tree or the Marriage Tree. It has had some success at international spirit ratings competitions, winning a gold medal at the 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
AmarulaAmarula was first marketed by Southern Liqueur Company of South Africa (the current trademark owners) as a liqueur in September 1989, the Amarula spirit having been launched in 1983. It has the taste of slightly fruity caramel. Amarula has received consistently good reviews, with the caveat that, like many cream liqueurs, it is too sweet for some palates. It has become the second-largest seller in the cream liqueur category after Bailey's Irish Cream with particular success in Brazil. It is popular and common throughout Africa, especially the south and east coast. Recently, Amarula has attempted to break into the American market.
Elephants enjoy eating the fruit of the marula tree. A common myth is that the elephants enjoy eating the fermented fruits and become "drunk" from them. Because of the marula tree's association with elephants, the distiller has made them its symbol and supports elephant conservation efforts, co-funding the Amarula Elephant Research Programme at the University of Natal, Durban. For marketing efforts, it produces elephant-themed collectible items.
Technical Details
Awards
San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2006 - Gold Medal
Storage Instructions
Storage away from direct light in a cool and dry place
