What Company Makes Costco's Kirkland Brand Vodka?

Costco's Kirkland Signature brand vodka has intrigued shoppers for years, with many speculating about its origins. The company does not officially disclose the manufacturer, but industry insiders and various reports suggest that there are two primary producers, depending on whether you buy Kirkland American Vodka or Kirkland French Vodka. Kirkland American Vodka is often believed to be produced by the same distillery that makes Tito's Handmade Vodka, based in the United States. However, confirmation remains elusive as both companies keep such partnerships confidential. On the other hand, Kirkland French Vodka is widely rumored to be produced by the same distiller that manufactures the renowned Grey Goose Vodka. This association is largely based on taste comparisons and similar production qualities, though Grey Goose representatives have refuted these claims. Costco's ability to offer premium quality products at competitive prices fuels these speculations, as the retailer leverages its vast buying power to provide excellent value to its members. The mystery surrounding Kirkland vodka’s production adds an element of allure, encouraging enthusiasts to enjoy a quality product while engaging in spirited discussions about its provenance.
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Vodka that gets your goose

While it's widely recognized that Kirkland brand vodkas are not produced by Grey Goose, the essence of these rumors highlights the quality associated with the spirits. Grey Goose is currently regarded as one of the finest vodkas available, and both Kirkland's American vodka and its French variant have excelled in blind taste tests.

Kirkland's vodkas, similar to many of its other products, enjoy a devoted following among Costco shoppers, who frequently commend the spirits for their clean, high-quality flavor. Additionally, the affordability of Kirkland products compared to their name-brand equivalents is a significant advantage. Their competitive pricing adds yet another appeal to Kirkland brand vodkas and products overall. Furthermore, like many offerings at Costco, Kirkland's vodkas are available in bulk sizes, merging quality with quantity to provide customers exceptional value while ensuring they receive a top-notch product.

Something in the vodka

However, this doesn't mean that Costco's Kirkland brand vodkas are without issues. In fact, in 2023, the American version of this beloved product sparked some controversy among Costco shoppers. Users on Reddit voiced their dissatisfaction with the vodka's altered flavor, describing its smell and taste as "terrible." In response to these concerns, Costco decided to remove its Kirkland brand American vodka, which was sold between June 12, 2023, and August 10, 2023, from its shelves. The retailer also provided refunds to customers who had purchased the vodka during that period.

No official explanation for the vodka's change in flavor and aroma was disclosed. Nevertheless, Costco continues to sell its Kirkland brand vodkas, and the flavor and smell issues seem to have been a temporary setback. Fortunately, Kirkland vodkas remain among the brand's most popular offerings, and we are now closer to understanding who to credit for these cult-favorite products.

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