Best: Kirkland Signature French Vodka
As any vodka enthusiast will tell you, not all vodkas are made the same. Some offer a smoother and more complex flavor profile than others. This is particularly true for Kirkland Signature French Vodka, which has garnered praise from both experts and casual drinkers. In fact, its quality has led to speculation that it might be Grey Goose or produced by the same manufacturer. However, Grey Goose has officially dispelled this rumor on its website, clarifying that it neither manufactures nor privately labels Kirkland Signature French Vodka. If this is accurate, Costco could be posing a serious challenge to the brand.
Kirkland Signature French Vodka is available in a 1.75-liter bottle, priced between $20 and $25, depending on the location. Reviewers describe it as having a smooth texture with notes of vanilla, citrus, and pepper. Costco also offers Kirkland Signature American Vodka, but many consumers prefer the French variant. One reviewer noted, "The Kirkland French vodka is exceptionally smooth and only surpassed by vodkas that cost more than twice as much. The Kirkland American vodka is somewhat harsh, but it’s on par with other budget vodkas."
Best: Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon
One interesting fact about Costco's alcohol section is that you can occasionally discover rare liquors at fantastic prices. For instance, many shoppers have come across Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon at various warehouses. This sought-after bourbon is priced at just $60 at Costco, making it an incredible find for bourbon enthusiasts. As one Reddit user noted, "I've been trying to buy one for years in Texas, and the only one I found was $220."
Blanton's boasts that it was the first single-barrel bourbon in the world. It is crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and named after a former president of the distillery. Each bottle is distilled in Warehouse H, which features metal walls that alter the bourbon's interaction with the oak barrels compared to other bourbons. The result is a rich, creamy bourbon with flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, citrus, and cinnamon. If you spot a bottle of this at your local Costco, we recommend grabbing it while you can. Deals like this are hard to come by!
Best: Kirkland Signature Speyside Single Malt Scotch Sherry Cask Finish
Costco might not be the first store that comes to mind for purchasing a quality bottle of Scotch, but the Kirkland Signature line of Scotch whiskies has captured the attention of many shoppers, including some whisky enthusiasts. As reported by Forbes, Costco is the largest Scotch whisky retailer in North America, indicating that they must be doing something right. One highly praised option is the Kirkland Signature Speyside Single Malt Scotch Sherry Cask Finish.
Costco does not produce any of the alcoholic beverages it sells; instead, it partners with external companies to create its Kirkland liquors. The Kirkland brand whisky is produced by Alexander Murray & Co., a California-based company established by a Scotsman. True to its name, the Kirkland Speyside Single Malt Scotch is sourced from distilleries in Speyside, Scotland, and is finished in Oloroso sherry casks. This process imparts delightful hints of dried fruit that blend seamlessly with notes of nuts and spice. The flavor profile (and price) can vary based on the Scotch's age, but generally, you can anticipate a well-crafted, highly enjoyable Scotch whisky with subtle sherry undertones.
Worst: Kirkland Signature Original Spiced Rum
While many Kirkland Signature products are surprisingly impressive, a few fall short of expectations. The Kirkland Signature Original Spiced Rum serves as a prime example. Priced at around $13 for a 1.75-liter bottle, it appears to be a fantastic bargain. However, numerous shoppers suggest that you get what you pay for. One reviewer noted, "It's pretty unpleasant on its own, but it's incredibly cheap and somewhat drinkable when mixed with plenty of other ingredients."
The label indicates that the Sazerac Company, which produces and distributes over 450 alcohol brands, is behind Costco's Kirkland Signature Original Spiced Rum. With well-known brands like Southern Comfort, Seagram's, and Buffalo Trace in their portfolio, one might expect the Kirkland Spiced Rum to have a better flavor profile. Unfortunately, many consumers have compared its taste to burnt pork, coal, and subpar moonshine. Several customers have also reported seeing a "death star" asterisk next to the rum at their local warehouse, suggesting it may be on the chopping block. This might not be such a negative outcome after all.
Best: Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin
If gin is your preferred beverage, you can't go wrong with the Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin. Priced at around $17, depending on where you shop, it's a fantastic deal for 1.75 liters of gin crafted with natural botanicals. In contrast, a bottle of Hendrick's at Costco will cost you about $35. While the identity of the producer behind Costco's Kirkland brand London Dry Gin remains a mystery, most consumers agree on its excellent quality and that its flavor rivals many well-known gin brands available today.
We can confirm that the flavors of Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin are impressive. You can detect hints of citrus, herbs, and floral notes in both aroma and taste. As one reviewer put it, "There's plenty of juniper, a touch of citrus, and a smooth finish that adds a touch of elegance." It mixes beautifully in cocktails like gin and tonics and stands up well in a negroni. The only downside some users mention is that the large bottle can be a bit cumbersome to store and pour.
Best: Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky
Blended whisky can be a mixed bag. Unlike single malt whisky, which comes from a single distillery, blended whisky combines grain and malt whiskies from various producers. However, some distillers manage to strike the perfect balance, resulting in smooth whiskies with harmonious flavors. This is precisely the case with Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky, as noted by both professional tasters and casual drinkers.
Costco offers a range of blended whiskies under the Kirkland label. Some of these have been aged for 12, 24, or even 27 years, while others are NAS (No Age Statement). Prices fluctuate based on aging, but regardless of age, these whiskies consistently receive high praise from tasters. For instance, Wine Enthusiast scores many Kirkland blended whiskies in the high 80s, with some exceeding 90 points. Reviewers highlight the appealing aromas and flavors, which can include notes of orange peel, coconut, cloves, and black pepper.
Best: Kirkland Signature XO Fine Cognac
The Kirkland Signature XO Fine Cognac is more expensive than most other Kirkland spirits, but many believe it justifies the cost. A 750-milliliter bottle typically retails for around $50 in most locations. The higher price is attributed to the quality of the ingredients and the production process. Cognac must be crafted from grapes sourced from the Cognac region of France. The grapes are fermented into wine, distilled in copper stills, and aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels. The "XO" designation stands for "Extra Old," indicating that the cognac has been aged for at least 10 years.
The producer of Kirkland Signature XO Fine Cognac is Peyrat-Associés & CIE, a family-owned French company that has been in the cognac industry since 1921. Given that many of its cognacs have received prestigious accolades, it’s no surprise that consumers have positive feedback about the cognac made for Costco. Cognac Expert highlighted the notes of oak, vanilla, honey, and dried fruit, along with the delightful flavors of apricot and exotic spices. Another reviewer on Reddit remarked, "It's enjoyable even if you don't analyze it too much, but it has enough complexity to make it interesting to ponder."
Worst: Kirkland Signature Tequila Reposado
When it comes to tequila, many believe Costco has missed the mark. They offer three varieties of Kirkland tequila: Blanco, Añejo, and Reposado. The Reposado often receives the most negative feedback. One dissatisfied customer remarked, "Upon opening this bottle, it had a strong smell of nail polish... The taste is revolting—just terrible. It's thin and harsh." Priced at around $20, many argue that there are better alternatives available for a similar cost.
Reposado can be challenging because it is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months and up to a year. Some distilleries achieve the perfect balance of oak and agave, while others fall short. So, which distillery produces Costco's Kirkland brand tequila? The NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) number on the Kirkland Tequila Reposado indicates that it is sourced from the Santa Lucia Corporate Distillery, located just outside Guadalajara. Although the distillery produces other tequilas that receive favorable reviews, many claim that the Kirkland Reposado is not even suitable for mixing, let alone enjoying neat.
Best: Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky
If you enjoy Crown Royal, you’re likely to appreciate Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky as well. There’s a lot of speculation that Crown Royal produces the Kirkland brand Canadian Whisky, but this has never been officially verified. What we do know is that a 1.75-liter bottle of Crown Royal typically costs around $45, while a Kirkland bottle of the same size is priced at about half that amount. Of course, prices can vary depending on the store.
The label indicates that Costco's Canadian Whisky is crafted from high-quality grains and spring water, and it is aged for six years in white oak barrels. The result is a highly enjoyable blended whisky that many describe as smooth and complex. Tasters note flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and toasted oak, with some mentioning a delightful spiciness in the finish. When comparing it to Crown Royal, one reviewer remarked, "Crown Royal is sweeter and thicker. Kirkland reduces the sweetness and enhances the barrel flavor." Another stated, "I prefer Costco's version over Crown. It might be partly because of the price, but it tastes fantastic."
Best: Kirkland Signature Irish Cream Liqueur
While Baileys is often regarded as the reigning champion of Irish cream liqueurs, many enthusiasts suggest that Costco's offering shouldn't be overlooked. The Kirkland Signature Irish Cream Liqueur is crafted in Ireland using genuine cream, sugar, and Irish whiskey. Tasting notes highlight its rich and full-bodied profile, featuring flavors of marshmallow, butterscotch, malted chocolate, and angel food cake. Plus, the price is hard to beat— a 1.75-liter bottle retails for around $18. In contrast, a 750-milliliter bottle of Baileys Irish Cream can range from $24 to $50, depending on the retailer.
It's important to note that Costco offers two variations of Irish cream: Kirkland Signature Irish Cream Liqueur and Kirkland Signature Irish Country Cream. The key distinction is that the Irish Cream Liqueur is made with whiskey, while the Irish Country Cream is produced with wine. The availability of these versions at your local Costco depends on your state, as some states legally restrict Costco to selling only beer, wine, and wine-based products. Consequently, the Kirkland Signature Irish Cream Liqueur, which contains hard alcohol, may not be available in certain locations.
Best: Kirkland Signature Premium Golden Margarita
Although Costco's Kirkland brand tequila doesn't receive the best reviews from customers, one surprisingly popular drink is the Kirkland Signature Premium Golden Margarita. This ready-to-drink margarita mix combines gold tequila, triple sec liqueur, and real lime juice. Priced at around $9 for a 1.75-liter bottle, it has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 12.7%. Simply pour it into a salt-rimmed glass or blend it with ice, and you're all set.
Many people describe the Premium Golden Margarita mix as fresh and flavorful, highlighting its vibrant notes of orange, lime, and agave. Numerous reviewers appreciate its strong alcohol presence. The Costco Wine Blog remarked, "We were pleasantly surprised by how well-balanced the ingredients were. It turns out, it's quite good on its own." However, it's important to note that due to alcohol regulations in certain states, the Kirkland Signature Premium Golden Margarita mix available at your location may contain agave wine instead of tequila. As one customer mentioned, "The regular version is better, but honestly, the wine version is perfectly acceptable."
Worst: Kirkland Signature Irish Whisky
While many of Costco's Kirkland brand whiskies receive high praise, there is one that fails to win over a significant number of consumers. The Kirkland Signature Irish Whisky, produced in Ireland and aged for four years, offers little information beyond that. The identity of the distillery behind this Irish Whisky remains a mystery. Priced at around $30 for a 1.75-liter bottle, it is more affordable than many other Irish whiskies available. However, numerous customers suggest that spending a bit more would yield a better-tasting option.
Reviews for the Kirkland Signature Irish Whisky vary widely, ranging from harsh criticism to indifference. One reviewer noted, "It has a timid aroma, a somewhat thin body, and a very basic flavor profile, but nothing particularly offensive—though everything about it could be improved." Some claim it resembles a weaker, less enjoyable version of Jameson, suitable only for mixing, though even that is debatable. Others argue that it is significantly harsher than Jameson and has a rather rough finish. Irish Whisky Lad commented, "It's a fairly straightforward whiskey that lacks any notable complexity, which is to be expected given its price."
Best: La Luna Artisanal Mezcal
Tequila has long been recognized as Mexico's most iconic spirit, but in recent years, mezcal has been gaining significant traction on the global alcohol stage. Given this trend, it's no surprise that Costco is joining in. While it may not be available in every location, if you come across a bottle of La Luna Artisanal Mezcal at your local warehouse, many enthusiasts recommend picking it up. La Luna offers a range of mezcals, including the highly praised Espadincillo.
For those unfamiliar with mezcal, it is a spirit made from agave, similar to tequila. However, most mezcals have a distinctive smoky flavor, which is achieved by roasting the agave piñas. La Luna's Espadincillo is crafted from Espadin agave sourced from the state of Michoacán. One Costco shopper reported finding a bottle priced at $46.99, which many consider to be an incredible deal. Reviewers describe its initial smoky taste that transitions into a delightful sweetness on the finish. Overall, it is widely regarded as a delicious mezcal offered at an excellent price.
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