Kirkland Signature Spirits: Your Insider Guide to What’s Worth Buying (and Skipping) at Costco

Everyone knows Costco is a great place to save money on many things. This includes your groceries, household stuff, plus nearly everything else in between your needs. Yet have you truly explored the alcohol aisle they offer? For members lucky enough to live in states where Costco sells spirits, the Kirkland Signature label offers a dazzling array of bottles available now. These often mimic popular premium brands at very attractive price points. It is no wonder these house-brand liquors have developed a cult following among clever shoppers, you know. Some industry professionals even appreciate these selections significantly.

As someone spending years navigating the world of spirits, private-brand liquors can be a hit or miss for sure. The lower price point doesn’t always guarantee quality like you hope for. But Costco’s Kirkland Signature range features some genuinely surprising and impressive exceptions out there. Their whiskeys, in particular, tend to be quite consistent across offerings. Although it is worth noting, specific expressions and age statements can change easily. This depends on what their undisclosed producers have available at the moment. We are here giving you the inside scoop right now. Digging into which bottles truly deliver on the quality and value you seek. Also finding which ones might be better left on the shelf they sit on.

In this first part of our deep dive into Kirkland spirits, we will explore some of the more entry-level or less heralded offerings present. This includes a few whiskeys sitting lower on the quality scale overall. These are based on expert opinion and customer reviews they shared. We will also introduce you to some surprisingly good value finds available. Among their other spirit categories are options like rum and tequila. Getting a handle on these initial options will set the stage effectively. For appreciating the truly top-tier bottles we will cover later on. Let’s get started and find out where real deals are hiding for you.

1. Blended Scotch Whisky: When you see the label of a scotch bottle, you can often make some initial assumptions about its quality level. Blended Scotch accounts for the vast majority of production globally today. It is made by combining whiskies from different grain types. This often comes from numerous distilleries blending together. While a blended scotch could potentially surpass a single malt bottle, it is generally less likely that happens. Especially when you see the price tag on Kirkland Signature’s version right now. This is typically around $25 for a massive 1.75-liter bottle they sell.

The lack of an age statement is another key indicator right here. It means the youngest whisky in this blend is probably only the legal minimum of three years old. We know Alexander Murray & Co. produces Costco’s scotch, but they source spirits from undisclosed distillers in Scotland. While you can certainly find worse budget blended Scotches out there available, Kirkland Signature’s renditions are arguably the weakest in their current range, according to some reviews read. Its youth really comes through in a thin, harsh profile upon tasting. And the malt sweetness is very light without being particularly elegant or complex. There’s simply not much flavor complexity to speak of, honestly.

It is definitely not something you’d typically want to drink neat by itself. However, given its low price and lack of nuanced tasting notes present, it serves a purpose mixed with sodas like Coke or ginger ale very well. You could even splash into a warming hot toddy on a cold evening when the weather is bad.

2. Irish Whiskey: One notable difference between Irish whiskey and Scotch is the distillation process involved. Irish whiskey is usually triple distilled for extra smoothness. While scotch is typically distilled twice by comparison. This extra distillation step purifies the spirit further than before. Reducing off-flavors and aiming for a smoother taste like anticipated. This inherent smoothness is part of why Irish whiskey is often recommended for beginners starting out. And why even a lower-shelf version can sometimes be more palatable than equivalent bourbons or scotches you try.

Kirkland Signature Irish Whiskey does possess this trademark approachability feature. This makes it easy to drink for most people trying it. However, many feel it is nothing particularly special or complex compared to others. You might find subtle sweetness notes in it. Also light citrus hints and touches of vanilla flavor. But it generally lacks the spice and deeper character found in higher-quality Irish whiskies like Jameson. Even though it is not necessarily harsh tasting, its texture is described as notably thin, despite its smoothness and drinkability.

Priced comparably to the blended Scotch option, around $30 for a 1.75-liter size. It is undeniably one of the cheapest Irish whiskies available you can buy. For some, the flavors are underwhelming and slightly disappointing. One commenter described it as tasting like

3. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Those first whiskeys were just for mixing, maybe. The Kirkland Signature Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey gets better. Barton 1792 distillery in Kentucky makes it. They make other bourbons, you know. This one has classic notes of caramel and vanilla. You find bold rye spice too. Barton whiskeys often taste like this.

It feels smooth and nice. This bourbon has a touch of oak, but no age is listed. It’s not as oaky as older bourbons get. Small batch usually means good barrels mixed. Reviewers think this one is not quite there for taste. It is drinkable, though, for budget whiskey. The price is around $20 a liter, a good value. It ranks lowest of Kirkland bourbons, many think.

Like the entry scotch and Irish whiskey, you don’t sip this one neat. It works great in mixed drinks, okay? Bourbon is not the star in these drinks. Try it in a Manhattan or a boulevardier, perhaps. For an old-fashioned drink, get a bourbon bitter.

4. American Vodka: Let’s switch from whiskey fast. Vodka is the next staple bottle. Kirkland’s American Vodka is distilled six times. They say it’s clean and neutral for mixing. It works fine in most cocktails, they say. Make a vodka soda or a martini. A refreshing mule drink is possible.

People like it for the price you pay. It costs much less than many famous brands. Its flavor is mild, and the finish is the same every time. Many shoppers choose this for daily vodka. It does not cost much money. Keep it for big parties, maybe. It works when you need a base drink.

But some folks are not big fans, though. Compare it to the French version; big difference. Some experts say it tastes bland. It has a watery, thin taste, they said in tests. Sipping it alone is not the best plan. It is cheap and good for mixing when flavor is not

Blended Canadian Whisky — What Brand Makes Costco’s Kirkland Vodka?, Photo by zenfs.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

5. Spiced Rum: Rum is another spirit great at Costco prices. The Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum comes from Puerto Rico. People like it a lot now. It feels warm and sweet when you drink. It is aged and blended carefully. Vanilla and cinnamon notes are strong. Brown sugar makes it feel comforting. It works in different drinks very well.

Mix it with cola for a standard. Or make a tropical punch you can. This spiced rum works well because the flavors balance. Fans always say it’s a good everyday rum. The value is great for what you get. The taste is liked by many people. It is a safe bottle for casual drinks. Serving guests is easy with this one.

The price is usually around $18.79, which saves money. Compared to many big brands, it is cheaper. It does not lose flavors needed in spiced rum. It’s easy to approach for everyone. Taste is crowd-pleasing, they say. Solid recommendation for budget spiced rum. It delivers what you want, you see.

6. Añejo Tequila: People who love tequila, listen up. Or if you want better margaritas, this helps. The Kirkland Signature Añejo Tequila is a top pick. It is made in the Jalisco region of Mexico, which is famous. This Añejo style is aged at least one year. They use oak barrels for this time. Aging makes the tequila smoother. It gets nice notes from the wood too, you bet. key.

The result is a tequila balanced well. Caramel and vanilla notes stand out. Soft oak is also in there, you taste. It feels grown-up and friendly to drink. It’s good to sip by itself. This helps you taste all the complex parts. Mix it in high-end cocktails too. Try a premium margarita or a tequila old-fashioned. It is made well, and the flavors are nice. Maybe the best tequila value at the Costco store.

The price is about $23.49 you pay. Quality is often found in bottles costing way more. Want aged tequila flavors but need to save money? Kirkland Añejo is a good choice you pick. You don’t spend a lot to have a quality spirit bottle.

7. London Dry Gin: Beyond whiskey and tequila, they have other drinks. Kirkland Signature has good gin too. Their London Dry Gin is a classic kind of gin. It tastes strongly of juniper berry; this is the main flavor. Little notes of citrus you find. Spice is there for you to taste. It is like the traditional London Dry style you expect.

Made in the U.S. using old ways, they say. It’s a choice you can trust for normal gin drinks. Mix a gin and tonic for a refreshing drink. Or a crisp martini, maybe you like. This gin always works as a dependable base. The price is around $19.79, which is fair. It’s a simple choice and very useful. Good for people liking traditional gin. For mixing at home, you see.

It does not have complex botanicals some gins use. But it follows classic taste well enough. The price is easy to pay, for sure. It does exactly what London Dry gin should. You can count on it being cheap too.