Kirkland Signature Liquors You Should Stock Up On
Kirkland’s French vodka is a best bet. Kitchn calls it “the hands-down favorite of all Kirkland spirits.” And one vodka connoisseur on Reddit described it as being “a bit smoother and more neutral than Grey Goose in side-by-side comparisons, although admitting this “can be both good and bad .” Overall, though, they found it to be comparable to the much higher-priced brand.
Kirkland’s blended Scotch whiskey is also pretty darn decent for the price. Eater classifies it as “a standard go-to well Scotch in many a cocktail bar will mix well with soda water or ginger beer,” while Sipology describes it as “full-bodied, mild and dry,” with notes of “toffee, oak, touch of smoke.”
The small-batch bourbon from Kirkland is another must-buy if you’re bourbon drinker who enjoys a good bargain. Wine Enthusiast says this bevvie is “ideal for mixed drinks” with “plenty of toasty flavor and … a fiery dose of alcohol heat.”
Best: Kirkland Signature French Vodka
Ah yes the one that got the buzz over Costco liquors in the first place this list wouldn’t be complete without Kirkland Signature French Vodka. It was one of the three liquors included in the Buzzfeed blind taste test, and the panelists had some interesting things to say about how it tastes…
- It’s like “drinking Alex Mack if Alex Mack was a liquid.”
- Compared to Grey Goose, it tastes “fancier.”
- Drinking Kirkland Signature French Vodka “feels like I should be on a rooftop veranda.”
- The vodka is “so clean it’s almost dangerous,” therefore “buy with caution.”
Despite the rumors, Costco is not simply rebottling Grey Goose and calling it their own. As reported by Vice, Kirkland Signature French Vodka is “made from the same water source” as Grey Goose , which has received lower ratings in many blind taste tests AND costs more than twice as much. Kirkland’s French Vodka has a distinctive viscosity, “silky, with a medium-weight heft akin to white wine,” according to Kitchn. Its flavor is clean and bright with a subtle sweetness that makes it a great vodka for drinking straight or on the rocks. All of that and it’s only going to cost you around $25 for the 1.75 L bottle no wonder it has so much buzz!
Look For The Discount Symbol
While shopping for Costco alcohol, keep an eye out for an asterisk in the upper right-hand corner of the sign on the shelf. The star symbol indicates that the product is on clearance. It may also mean that whats on the floor is the last stock.
Learn more about the asterisk on Costco price tags.
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Costco Is The Largest Wine Retailer In The Nation
Its no doubt that Costco shoppers love to stock up on the good stuff! In 2019, the company recorded a whopping $4.4 billion in alcohol sales, with wine making up about thatmore than $2 billion. That officially makes Costco the largest wine seller in the U.S.
Heres what happens if you drink a glass of wine every night.
A Tale Of Two Kirkland Vodkas
Costco’s American vodka, priced at $12.99 per 1.75-liter bottle , is your basic, acceptable cheap booze. Fine for mixed drinks, but if you’re drinking it straight up, well, it’s no Grey Goose clone. In a blind taste test performed by The Kitchn, this vodka brand came in dead last out of six vodkas sampled, with a flavor that was described as tasteless, thin, and downright boring.
Topping the list, however, was Kirkland’s French vodka, perhaps one of Costco’s all-time best buys. While it is not actually repackaged Grey Goose, it is sourced from the same waters the Gensac Springs in France’s Cognac region . The Kitchn‘s tasters found the Kirkland French vodka to have a silky mouthfeel than the other vodkas, with a taste that was described as “sweet and bright.” At just $19.99 per 1.75 liters, Kirkland’s French vodka is also only about a third of the price of non-identical twin Grey Goose which, by the way, scored fifth in The Kitchn‘s rankings.
If you still feel the need to buy name brand vodka for the snob appeal, well, it’s your money. Just be aware that, as spirits expert Fred Minnick told Business Insider, “Vodka is purely marketing there is nothing special about it… you are basically paying for someone’s fat salary.” Plus, you know, you could always buy a small bottle of Grey Goose, and refill it on the sly from your handle of Kirkland vodka. Chances are, your friends will never, ever know, and you get all the cachet for a fraction of the money. Win!
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Is Kirkland’s Most Expensive Vodka Worth It
While you might be tempted to think that the vodka with a higher price tag is of higher quality, the cheaper American vodka gets good consumer reviews. Especially if you are interested in using your vodka to blend with mixers, such as fruit juice or soda, you might try the cheaper option first before moving to the proverbial top-shelf stuff.
However, the French blend might be worth a try as well. Rumors persist that the Kirkland-brand French Vodka is actually Grey Goose just in a Kirkland bottle. The rumors grew to such an extent that the manufacturers of Grey Goose actually went so far as to deny that they produce the Kirkland blend . And while there’s nothing to back this theory up besides the taste buds of some drinkers, if it’s good enough to be mistaken for Grey Goose, it’s a definite buy at just half the price.
Costcos Kirkland Signature Vodka Has Scored Higher Than Grey Goose In Blind Tastings
In fact, there are lots of rumors that Kirkland and Grey Goose are made at the same plant. According to Munchies, that isnt entirely true though the two vodkas are made with water sourced from Gensac Springs in Cognac, France. Even more surprising, Munchies explains that Kirkland vodka scored six points higher than Grey Goose in a handful of reputable blind tasting competitions.
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Who Makes Costcos Kirkland Brand Vodka
After Grey Goose told USA TODAY that they did not produce Kirkland brand vodka, Costco did not make any comment. So, people did not know if Joe McCanta knew what he was talking about.
Because so many vodka fanatics agree that Grey Goose and Kirkland brand vodka taste the same, they couldnt believe that the two vodkas were not produced by the same company.
Even though Costco did not make a statement, it appears that McCantas original statement is completely valid.
Kirkland brand vodka is produced by LeVecke Corp. They found this information by checking out the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
This Bureau only has a record of one Certificate of Label Approval for the vodka in question, and Grey Goose is not on the form.
For further support, Grey Gooses own labeling certificates state that the American products originate from France.
Given that Kirkland Signature Vodka originates from the United States, there is no way for Grey Goose to label Kirkland vodka.
Best: Kirkland Signature Ready To Freeze Cocktails
There is no better way to combat the scorching summer heat than a fruity cocktail, especially in the form of a frozen popsicle. Essentially adult Otter Pops, Kirkland Signature Ready to Freeze cocktails may not reach the lofty standards of a mustachioed mixologist, but they will cool you down and give you a bit of a buzz so we’re certainly not complaining.
This is a variety pack so you’ll get to enjoy three refreshing flavors: Strawberry Freeze, Lime Drop, and Watermelon Hibiscus. Each popsicle is only 100 calories and contains nary an artificial sweetener. While previous versions were made with vodka, the current offering uses Other Than Standard orange wine as the boozy addition.
Since this is a Costco purchase, you can expect plenty of pops . But If freezer space is an issue, not to worry. These are ready-to-freeze so you don’t have to load them all in at once unless you’re throwing a party, in which case, clear out plenty of room.
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Worst: Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila
Costco carries three store-brand tequilas: Añejo, Silver, and Reposado. The Añejo gets points for being an aged tequila for less than $30 and the Reposado gets rave reviews from those who can get their hands on it, but the Silver falls short compared to its siblings. First of all, its flavor and aroma profiles contain very strong alcohol notes that overpower those of the agave and citrus that make a tequila sip-able. This is the kind of tequila that results in “shot face” when you take it straight. Sure, sometimes that’s all you need… but it’s the type of low quality that gives tequila a bad reputation in some circles.
Lady tequila can be a harsh mistress. But when she is good to you, she is really, really good. If you want to explore all she has to offer it may aid digestion, lower cholesterol, and provide you with a hangover-free morning try the Añejo straight or over ice. If you want to make simple cocktails with your tequila, go with the Reposado. And if you want a cheap silver tequila to make a big batch of sugar-laden margaritas, the Kirkland Signature Silver will do the trick, but it’s not going to blow you away doing it.
Is Kirkland Breakfast Blend Coffee Starbucks
Some of the coffee sold under the Kirkland name is actually made by Starbucks. The next time you pick up a 2 1/2 pound bag of Kirklands Signature House Blend Medium Roast, Espresso Blend Dark Roast, and Decaf House Blend Medium Roast, make sure that you check for the Custom Roasted by Starbucks stamp.
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You Dont Have To Be A Member To Buy Alcohol
Many states have a law prohibiting stores from requiring membership to purchase alcohol, which means you can buy alcohol without a club card. Youre in luck if you reside in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas, or Vermont. Not every cashier knows the law, so be ready to explain your case to a manager.
Kirkland Signature Coffee Pods
If K-cups for the Keurig brand of coffeemakers help power you through your day, Costco has something for you to brew. Its lineup of boxes of Kirkland Signature K-cups include boxes of 120 medium roast pods for $34.99, or about 29 cents a pod.
You don’t have to go far to price-compare. Costco sells other brands, including a box of 72 Dunkin Donuts original blend medium roast coffee pods for $36.99. That comes out to 51 cents a pod.
Not a podster? Costco features a whole lineup of Kirkland Signature ground and whole-bean coffee, plus those of competitors.
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What Happens If Kirkland Signature Vodka France 175l Is Out Of Stock And I Need To Give Specific Instructions
- Find Best Match: By default, your shopper will use their best judgement to pick a replacement for your item.
- Pick Specific Replacement: You can pick a specific alternative for the shopper to purchase if your first choice is out-of-stock.
- Don’t Replace: For items you’d rather not replace, choose “Don’t replace” to get a refund if the item is out of stock.
What Is The Best Tasting Coffee Brand
The 12 Best Coffee Brands in 2021
- Best Overall: Stumptown Coffee Roasters at Amazon.
- Runner-Up, Best Overall: Intelligentsia Coffee at Amazon.
- Best for Instant: Mount Hagen at Amazon.
- Best for Light Roast: La Colombe Coffee Roasters at lacolombe.com.
- Best for Dark Roast: Death Wish Coffee Company at Amazon.
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Costco Kirkland Signature Aejo Tequila
- Price: $27.99
- Proof: 40% alc./vol.
- Country of Origin: Mexico
- Importer: Misa Imports Inc. Dallas, TX
- Maker: Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, S.A. de C.V.
- Notes & Description: made from 100% blue agave. It is double-distilled and aged to perfection in American Oak barrels in the traditional, old-world methods. This Kirkland Signature spirit provides an exceptional taste taste with an ultra-smooth finish.
The Selection Constantly Changes
Costco has a handful of top-performing bottles for under $20, which youll almost always find on the shelves. These wines include La Crema pinot noir, Coppola claret, and Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc, said Annette Alvarez-Peters in an interview with . But Costcos wine aisle is constantly changing. Costos buyers tailor whats sold at different stores based on local preferences and you can often find rare, surprising, or collectors items. Alvarez-Peters calls these the wow items, which make shoppers want to return. So browse through the wine aisles carefully: It isnt rare to find a boutique label or a highly sought-after wine at an awesome value.
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Why Costcos Vodka May Be Your Best Bet
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When buying booze, it can be hard to know what exactly you’re purchasing. That “craft” whiskey with an old-timey label and backstory that you’ve never noticed before but now sits front and center at your local liquor store? Like many other whiskeys that seemingly arrive out of nowhere, it probably originated from one giant warehouse complex in Indiana. In terms of taste, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it raises many questions about branding and marketing.
Vodka is a whole different story, and branding is even more crucial as vodka, more than any other liquor, is often considered a status symbol. Here’s some bad news if you’ve been paying a premium for that svelte bottle of silky smooth Grey Goose: It’s made from the same water source as Costo’s Kirkland Signature Vodka and has received lower ratings than the Costco house brand on many blind taste tests. Oh, and Grey Goose costs more than twice as much.
A water source is about all that the vodkas have in common, though. Grey Goose clarified to MUNCHIES that they source their water from an exclusive well in the Gensac area. Grey Goose also uses wheat of the highest certification sourced from three farming cooperatives, and it’s milled using a proprietary method. Ultimately distillation takes place at a facility some 800 kilometers away from where Kirkland is distilled.
Kirkland Aejo Tequila $20 To $30 For One Liter
Brand name equivalent: Herradura Tequila Añejo, $44 at Mash & Grape
Añejo tequilas are made with 100 percent agave and must be aged in wood barrels for at least a year, giving them a mellow, rich flavor with notes of vanilla and honey. As a result of all that TLC, theyre usually pretty pricey. But not Kirklands.
Legit tequilas have a NOM number on the label, which designates the distillery where its made. According to this one its made at Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, S.A., in Tequila, Mexico the same distillery that produces Cielo. Product-wise, though, this seems more comparable with Herradura. Both are double distilled, 100% agave from the same growing region, aged in American oak, and 40% alcohol by volume. According to Costco, theirs is aged an average of three years. Reviewers give it good marks, saying its a great value and perfect for mixing, although a little too subtle and lacking in the complexity youd want in a sipper.
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Kirkland Spiced Rum $15 For 175 Liters
Comparable Brand name: Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, $14 for 375 milliliters at 67 Wine
Theres no better deal for your rum and cokes, poolside tiki drinks, and autumn punches than Kirklands Spiced Rum, which offers deep notes of vanilla. The spirits country of origin is St Croix, but its produced by Californias LeVecke Co., which bottles dozens of other brands and private-label hooch. At 92 proof, its quite a bit stronger than comparable brands like Captain Morgan , which means its an even better value and will stand up better in mixed drinks.
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Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky
Price: $17.99
The internets opinion: Youve probably never heard of Alexander Murray & Company, but according to , as of 2016, Costco sells 100,000+ cases of its scotch per year. Alexander Murray works with about 12 distilleries in Scotland like Caol Ila, Tomintoul, Dalmore, Mortlach, Glenrothes and Tullibardine to fill up private-label bottles at Costco, Trader Joes, and Total Wine. Which juice ends up in the Kirkland bottle? The rumor is that its Tullibardine. But! As The Scotch Noob points out, Alexander Murray has definitely bottled Macallan before, and is reported to have contracts with both Diageo and Edrington. Diageo owns brands like Johnnie Walker. Edrington produces Cutty Sark . Take your pick.
The experts opinion: Be aware that the smell of this scotch is not ideal. Theres something funky in there, he says. That smells very strange. Based on his knowledge of the scotch market, he says its likely sourced from Diageo or Bacardi. This is reminiscent of a Dewars White Label, but it has a bit more color on it, notes Jensen. He notes that it could also be a blend from one of Johnnie Walkers distilleries, but he leans towards Dewars. Overall, he didnt mind the taste, and said if you can cover the scotch in a cocktail like a Penicillin, itll be finethough his overall recommendation is to spend a little more money on another brand.
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