Kirkland Signature has become synonymous with quality and value in the Costco shopping experience. The private label brand offers members access to premium products at discount warehouse prices across categories like wine, vodka, toiletries, and even pet food.
But few Kirkland products generate as much curiosity as Kirkland whiskey. Shoppers and whiskey enthusiasts alike wonder – who makes this stuff and how good can it really be? This guide will explore everything you need to know about the distilleries and processes behind Kirkland‘s major whiskey offerings.
Kirkland Signature: The Private Label Powerhouse
Launched in 1992 and named after Costco‘s first location in Kirkland, Washington, the Kirkland Signature brand represents close to 30% of Costco‘s total worldwide sales today. This is an impressive feat in the retail sector.
The key to Kirkland‘s success lies in Costco‘s partnership strategy. They leverage their position as the world‘s largest warehouse chain to source top-quality products from leading manufacturers and provide them to members at exclusive discounted rates.
Suppliers benefit from lucrative long-term contracts and Kirkland wines and spirits regularly beat name brands in blind taste tests. But the manufacturers behind Kirkland products are rarely advertised to maintain competitive pricing.
This aura of mystery is especially strong around Kirkland liquor offerings like whiskey. Let‘s see if we can shed some light on the subject!
Who Makes Kirkland Canadian Whiskey?
Kirkland Signature Canadian whiskey is produced at the same Gimli distillery in Manitoba, Canada as the popular Crown Royal brand. Though the exact details are undisclosed, it is likely distilled using a similar mash bill and aged in retired Crown Royal barrels.
According to those in the know, Kirkland‘s Canadian whiskey and Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye are virtually indistinguishable in blind taste comparisons. That‘s high praise considering Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye won World Whiskey of the Year from Jim Murray‘s Whisky Bible in 2016.
What sets Kirkland‘s version apart is thefriendly $18.99 price tag for a 1.75 liter bottle – far less than Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye. So while the exact source remains a mystery, Costco members can be reasonably sure they are getting an excellent Canadian rye whiskey for the price.
Who Makes Kirkland Blended Scotch Whiskey?
Rumor has it that Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky originates from the acclaimed Speyside region of Scotland, home to top single malt distilleries like Macallan and Glenlivet.
While the distillery is undisclosed, experts speculate the malt whiskey component comes from Macallan based on flavor profile similarities. The 12-year Macallan is aged in a combination of European and American oak, while Kirkland uses smaller, previously used ex-bourbon casks.
This small tweak allows Costco to likely source quality single malt scotch from Macallan and sell it at a far more affordable blended price point. At around $18.99 for a 1.75 liter bottle, Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch delivers excellent value.
Tastings.com scores this 92-point gold medal whiskey as "exceptional" – highest honors for the category. For easy-drinking scotch on a budget, Kirkland more than delivers.
Who Makes Kirkland Irish Whiskey?
The distillery behind Kirkland Signature Irish Whiskey is not definitively known. Most likely, the whiskey starts at one of Ireland‘s famed distilleries like Midleton, home of Jameson, Redbreast, and others. It may be aged for around 5 years in used bourbon casks.
Bottling appears handled by an independent company called Maine Spirits. The back label indicates it‘s filtered in Ireland and imported by Miami-based company MISA Imports.
So while the exact origins remain obscure, Kirkland Irish Whiskey delivers smooth, easy-drinking flavor aged sufficiently to carry the "Irish Whiskey" title. Enjoy it straight, on the rocks, or in Irish coffee or cocktails for under $20 per 1.75 liter bottle.
How Does Kirkland Whiskey Compare to Name Brands?
Across categories, Kirkland liquor consistently punches above its weight class. The private label brand is able to source top-quality whiskey and spirits from leading distillers to bottle under its own name at member-only prices.
While exact sources remain confidential, Kirkland Canadian Whiskey likely matches Crown Royal for a fraction of the price. Expert reviews peg Kirkland Blended Scotch as comparable to a 12-year Macallan. And Kirkland Irish Whiskey easily competes with lower-end Jameson and Bushmills offerings.
The takeaway is that Kirkland spirits offer incredible value to Costco members. They may not come in fancy bottles bearing a premium name. But quality and taste live up to the Kirkland brand promise in each major whiskey category.
Where Can You Buy Kirkland Whiskey?
As a private label exclusive to Costco, Kirkland whiskey is only available at Costco warehouse locations in the United States and online via Instacart alcohol delivery where available.
You must be a Costco member to access Kirkland liquor pricing, though some states do permit alcohol sales without a paid membership. Check your local regulations to confirm one way or another.
Supply and selection of Kirkland whiskey can vary by location and season. For the best chance at availability across varieties, check at your local Costco during the fall and winter holiday seasons when stock tends to be higher.
Do You Need a Costco Membership for Kirkland Whiskey?
Costco technically requires a paid membership plan to access savings on Kirkland Signature liquor. However, regulations on alcohol sales vary widely across states.
In at least 12 US states and the District of Columbia, some Costco locations allow alcohol purchases without membership. These include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Vermont.
You can also shop at any Costco with Visa gifcards purchased online or at the store instead of an official membership card. Levels of enforcement tend to vary location to location – some may permit direct alcohol sales to non-members while others adhere strictly to membership requirements.
Check your specific state and warehouse alcohol policies to determine any workarounds before shopping for Kirkland spirits without a paid Costco membership. Or better yet, make the switch to become an official member and unlock all Kirkland has to offer!
Tips for Enjoying Kirkland Whiskey
Kirkland offers excellent whiskey at bargain prices – but all that value goes to waste if you don‘t know how best to drink it! Here are some quick tips for enjoying Kirkland whiskey:
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Neat or on the rocks – Sip Kirkland‘s velvety blended scotch whisky straight or over ice cubes. Add a few drops of water to open up the flavors.
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Highballs and cocktails – The smoothness of Kirkland rye and Irish varieties mix effortlessly in highballs, Manhattans, sours, and more.
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Pair with cigars – Enjoy Kirkland Canadian whiskey with a fine cigar by the fire for a rich, full-bodied experience.
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Use in baking and cooking – Incorporate a splash of Kirkland scotch or Irish whiskey to elevate cakes, sauces, flambes, and sweets.
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Entertain guests – Keep plenty of Kirkland spirits stocked for party cocktails, post-dinner sipping, Irish coffees, and nightcaps.
With endless options at excellent prices, Kirkland whiskey earns a permanent place at any home bar. Keep stocked up to enhance everyday sipping and special occasion toasting alike!
The Verdict: Is Kirkland Whiskey Worth Buying?
Between the respectable quality and unbeatable value, Kirkland liquor earns high marks across whiskey categories. Shoppers and experts agree – with pricing nearly half that of premium name brands, Kirkland spirits deliver serious bang for your buck.
While Kirkland plays its cards close to the vest regarding exact sources, distillation methods bring out beautifully smooth, distinctive flavors on par with far more expensive alternatives. Factor in availability limited to Costco members only, and Kirkland whiskey becomes a no-brainer buy for the bargain hunter.
Bottom line: With excellent member-exclusive pricing on par with luxury brands in blind taste tests, Costco eliminates the need to think twice. Kirkland whiskey across varieties is absolutely worth buying and stocking on your home bar cart. Mystery solved!
