Brian Nagele
The concept of wholesale warehouse stores is that by buying mass quantities of goods at low prices, retail companies can then offer those goods to customers at the lowest prices.
While wholesale warehouses have been around for decades, Costco updated the concept and business model with more physically attractive shopping spaces, business centers, and an unbeatable proprietary brand.
Costco’s Kirkland brand launched in 1995 with 30 products that Costco promised would never be over 15% more than the cost it takes to produce them. Over the past 25 years, the Kirkland brand has expanded from 30 products to over 360.
Kirkland brand encompasses a vast array of food and beverages for all ages, whether you’re stocking your pantry or liquor cabinet.
I recently went to Costco to buy alcohol for a neighborhood party and found every spirit imaginable on the shelves. Read on to explore my list of the best Kirkland brand liquor.
These bottles of liquor from Costco are inexpensive, but they still taste great.
Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whiskey
Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whiskey is a twelve-year-old mild blend using various malt whiskeys to create a complex flavor and smooth finish.
While pure spirits like single malt whisky may receive more notoriety, blends give you a taste of various spirits in one bottle.
Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whiskey received a score of 89 from tasting.com, with a sweet aroma and taste of honey, peaches, and toasted bread.
Kirkland sources their scotch whiskey from a well-respected bottler in Scotland.
Its mild flavor makes it a great blend to enjoy on the rocks. I like combining it with lemon juice, honey, and ginger for a sweet, summery drink.
Kirkland Signature French Vodka
Sourced from the same French region (Cognac) as Grey Goose, Kirkland Signature French Vodka has often received speculation that it’s simply Grey Goose poured into Kirkland bottles.
While both companies affirm their product’s authenticity, you can expect Kirkland Signature French Vodka to taste almost identical to Grey Goose.
Considering the popularity of Grey Goose, finding a similar-tasting bottle at one-third of the price is quite the bargain. That’s why the Kirkland Signature French Vodka is Costco’s top-selling spirit.
The taste is so smooth that you can easily make a vodka martini out of it for a decadent dinner party.
Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum
Spiced rum is the ultimate cocktail spirit, its vibrant flavor adding zest and depth to any beverage.
Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum comes from the Caribbean Island of St. Croix, made with pure sugar cane distilled five times. The spices you’ll smell immediately upon opening a bottle are:
- Clove
- oak
- allspice
- caramel
- cinnamon
- vanilla
Because it has such a diverse array of flavors, I’d recommend an equally elaborate cocktail. Save your rum and cokes for a different brand.
The Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum demands a cocktail like a mojito, with fresh herbs and plenty of sugar to stand up to the spice.
Kirkland Signature American Vodka
Unlike French Vodka, American Vodka follows a separate set of guidelines for a distinct flavor.
Kirkland Signature American Vodka isn’t aged and undergoes five distillation processes.
They source their American Vodka from the LeVecke Corp. When compared to Kirkland’s French Vodka, tasters noted a harsher finish.
I would compare the taste of Kirkland Signature American Vodka to Tito’s Vodka. It starts slightly sweet and smooth but finishes strong.
Therefore, a mixed drink is more optimal for this style of Vodka. Leave the martinis to the French Vodka and use this American Vodka in an American Mule with lemon juice, St. Germaine, and Prosecco.
Kirkland Signature Añejo Tequila
Añejo means “aged,” and Kirkland Signature Anejo Tequila comes from pure Mexican blue agave that’s been aged in American oak barrels.
It uses a double distillation process. Tequila.net awarded Kirkland Signature Anejo Tequila with a Best of the Best Award in 2012.
Its tasteful small glass bottle with an agave plant logo is an appropriate prelude to its elegant taste.
It has a full-bodied taste with sweet flavors like coconut, banana, cherry, and baking spices. It has a dryness that complements and neutralizes the sweet flavors.
I enjoy sipping a shot of this delicious tequila to savor each dessert-like flavor.
Check out other anejo tequilas we love!
Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whiskey
Receiving praise from Forbes, the Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whiskey is a predominantly corn-based whiskey blended with a small percentage of both barley and rye whiskeys.
The label says it’s a six-year-aged whiskey with a subtly sweet addition of sherry.
The closest name brand whiskey I can think of that is comparable in flavor is Crown Royal. The bottle style even resembles a Crown Royal shape.
It has a mild flavor as is characteristic of Canadian whiskies, with cookie and fruit undertones.
It’s smooth enough to drink straight but also tastes great in a Manhattan or Whiskey Sour.
Kirkland Signature Irish Cream Liqueur
Move over, Bailey’s, Costco’s Kirkland Irish Cream Liqueur is as authentic as they come.
Sourced from Ireland, Kirkland Signature Cream Liqueur consists of:
- Irish Whiskey
- Whey spirits
- Hazelnut
- Fresh dairy cream
- Chocolate and caramel flavor
It may be made in Ireland, but it’s served in an American-sized bottle. I doubt that’s a problem since this flavorful decadence will steal the show for any occasion.
For me, the chocolate cream flavor was what set it apart from Bailey’s. The bite of Irish Whiskey was cushioned by the creamy start and chocolate hazelnut finish.
At a fraction of the price of a smaller Bailey’s bottle, Kirkland Signature Irish Cream is now my go-to liqueur for Irish Coffee.
Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin
Receiving a Tastings score of 89, Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin is a high-quality, small-batch gin distilled in copper pots.
Gin is a very herby and aromatic spirit, and the Kirkland Signature brand uses a myriad of botanicals that come through with every sip, including juniper, citrus peels, and coriander.
It has a light, dry, and clean taste that works well with classic gin cocktail mixers. I think it tastes like Bombay Sapphire, and many have speculated that it may be produced by the same distiller.
The easiest way to enjoy this bright and crisp gin is with a pour of tonic and a squeeze of lime.
Kirkland Signature Small Batch Bourbon
Kirkland Signature brand partnered with the Barton bourbon distillery to create its award-winning small batch bourbon.
Aged for at least four years in oak barrels, this Kentucky bourbon consists of a smaller ratio to corn, rye, and barley than its whisky blend counterparts:
- 74% corn
- 18% rye
- 8% barley
Critics liken its flavor to an oatmeal raisin cookie with hints of oats, cinnamon, sweet cream, raisin, and a brown butter and molasses finish.
It is a solid middle-of-the-line bourbon that is dependable and very affordable.
I recommend using it in a bourbon cocktail to dress it up. Since it’s a Kentucky bourbon, I’d go with the famous Kentucky Derby cocktail, a mint Julep.
Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila
Kirkland offers three varieties of Tequila, all sourced from 100% blue agave distilled in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
Forbes calls Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila the best value for your money. Silver tequila isn’t aged, and generally has a less distinct flavor palate than aged tequila.
Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila has floral and fruity flavors like pear, apples, and cut grass. It has a peppery finish, which is the strongest part of each sip.
This is definitely a variety for mixed drinks as it kind of falls flat by itself. There’s no better cocktail for silver tequila than a tangy margarita on the rocks.
Please get kaulha brought backbite been months you have not had in stock….if costs to us stooping a type of product please put out a list for customers to at least know they will have you go to other venues to purchase
After over all the years costco has been in business where I use to spend 8000 or more a year I might now
spend 2000 due products no Jo no longer carried. Sad really
The anejo tequila is amazing. Better than any brand name tequila I’ve had. Also love their boxed wines.
Our Costco don’t carry Hard liquor so wear I can find Kirkland top hard liquor
Costco is the only place that sells. Have you checked to see if it is on their website?
I didn’t care for spice rum. I rather spend a bit more and get something I like. I do like the look of the bottle though.