The Best And Worst Kirkland Liquors To Buy At Costco

If you're on a budget — or simply a smart shopper — you know that buying generic products, like cereal and soda, get you pretty much the same food for less cash. Some people even become more loyal to house brands in the end. Anyone who grew up near an H-E-B definitely understands. 

In addition to foodstuffs, more and more retailers are getting into the private-label liquor game. However none have caught the attention of consumers quite like the options at Costco. Their in-store label Kirkland Signature has already been declared as the "best store brand there ever was" by Bon Appétit, but it's not just their organic produce and pantry staples that have people signing up for Costco memberships. Kirkland Signature liquors have become a "cult favorite" that bartenders love. Not only are they a great price, but many of them also rival their name-brand counterparts as far as quality goes. 

Of course, not everything can be a winner — sometimes the store really misses the mark and it's better to just go with the name-brand. These picks for the best and worst Kirkland liquors can help you figure out which spirits to pick up the next time you're at Costco and which ones to avoid. The following prices were accurate as of February 2019, but they're always subject to changes over time and by location.

The Kirkland Signature American Vodka is the Costco alternative for those who prefer domestic vodkas such as Tito's. At under $20 for 1.75 L, it's one of the most wallet-friendly options on the list. It's sold reportedly distilled six times for ultra-smoothness. 

Having a great price isn't the only thing that makes Kirkland's American Vodka a good choice. Reviewers praise the liquor for its mild and sweet aroma as well as its smooth and slightly citrus flavor. And it comes with a "Highly Recommended" Tastings rating. However, like most cheaper vodkas, this is likely not the best choice if you're wanting to take shots all Russian banya style. As noted by the expert reviewers over at Good Cheap Booze, Kirkland's American Vodka is a bit too harsh and thin in the mouth for shots. It's best served with something in it, be it ice, a mixer, or even a splash of juice. 

A great way to use this American vodka is in a Moscow Mule which, despite its name, is a classic American cocktail that debuted in the 20th century. Fill a tall glass (or, preferably, a copper mug) with ice and top with 2 ounces of vodka, 4 ounces of ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with extra limes before serving. 

You're probably asking yourself "how does a company based out of Washington state make a scotch worth drinking?" Well, like cereals in a bag and most other generic products, it's not Costco that's actually producing the product. While Costco keeps their lips tight and shut when it comes to who exactly produces many of their liquors, the word on the street (and on the bottle) is that the manufacturer of this one is Alexander Murray & Co. The Kirkland Original Blended Scotch Whisky has a nice, caramel color and scent notes of vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and — of course — peat. Flavor-wise, you'll notice hints of brown sugar, plums, orange, and malt. It's not overly-complicated; rather, it's a very basic scotch distinguished by its clean drinkability. Overall, Tastings ranks Kirkland Original as an "Exceptional" blended scotch whisky. 

Now, is this blended scotch whisky the bottle you should turn to if you're looking to treat yourself to a high-quality dram on a special occasion? Probably not. But that certainly doesn't mean that Kirkland Original Blended Scotch Whisky doesn't have its uses. It's a great scotch to have on hand if you like a nightly scotch and soda before you hit the hay. It's also a good option if you want something that's nice and dry, perfect for your favorite scotch cocktails or mixed into a boozy winter punch. At less than $25 for 1.75 L, you can easily afford to be heavy-handed with this blended scotch whisky. 

Crown Royal fans, rejoice! The Kirkland Signature Canadian Blended Whisky is considered a great dupe at a better price compared to the name-brand in the purple bag. The Canadian Whisky was one of the three Costco spirits chosen to be tested in a Buzzfeed blind taste test. Panelists noted that when compared visually, the two side-by-side look "exactly the same" as far as color and clarity go. Flavor-wise, you can expect that harsh burn at the front followed by the sweet, smokey, and (duh) maple-y finishing notes that people enjoy from their Canadian whiskies. The amateur taste-testers were split 50/50 when deciding which whisky was the real-deal and which was the Costco version, which is a pretty good indicator that when it comes to choosing between the two, you have an either/or situation on hand. There are even some whispers on the internet that the two are made by the same distillery. 

Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky is another Costco spirit that's earned an "Exceptional" rating from Tastings, scoring an impressive 91 points through their blind taste test. Best of all? Kirkland's Canadian Whisky costs less than $20 for the 1.75 L bottle; compare that to the $40-$45 you'll spend for the same amount of the name-brand stuff! As far as values go, half-off isn't something to which one should turn up their nose — it's a pretty solid bargain if you're a fan of Canadian whisky in your highballs. 

What in the heckin' heck does the "XO" in XO cognac even stand for? Well, as it turns out it means "extra old," which kind of makes sense considering that Kirkland Signature XO Cognac is one of the pricier Costco liquors to make it to the list at a healthy average price of $50 for 750 mL, though that price may vary by location. However, compare that price tag to the minimum $130 for 750 mL you'll pay for another bottle of XO. To be considered "XO," the youngest cognac in the blend must be aged at least 10 years with the average age of all the individual liquors running 20 years or older. The result is a sweet and slightly spicy liquor that pairs well with cigars and is best served straight or, at most, with a couple of ice cubes. 

It's flavor is "very light, very floral" with just a hint of spice on the end and enough notes to tell you that you're drinking a rich, complex cognac for the money. Kirkland Signature XO Cognac received a "Highly Recommended" rating from Tastings with an 89 point rating that is just shy of "Exceptional" status. If you want to make this bargain bottle feel fancier when you sip it, store it in a nice liquor decanter and no one will know the difference. Grab it when you see it though — this one is often only available during the holidays.

A lot of the "best" Costco liquors are considered so because they are indistinguishable from their name-brand counterparts (we're looking at you, Bailey's) while costing significantly less. What helps the Kirkland Signature Irish Cream Liqueur stand out from the pack is not only for its wallet-friendliness (it should only set you back around $15 for 1.75 L), but experts also find that flavor-wise it is better than the name-brand counterpart as it is "smoother, less harsh, and more balanced." 

At first whiff of Kirkland's Irish Cream, you'll pick up aromas of cocoa, cream, and — of course — Irish whiskey. As far as flavor goes, it's incredibly smooth and very sweet. You'll likely taste notes reminiscent of candy: chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut in particular. Given its inherent sweetness, most people enjoy Irish cream either chilled and served straight or over ice, but it's also delicious poured into a cup coffee or in the middle of a a homemade Mudslide.

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 (though they use a different well), 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!

This recent addition to the Costco shelves is not to be confused with Kirkland's longstanding and underwhelming 7-year small batch bourbon. While the bottle lacks an age statement, it's one of the rare Kirkland liquor offerings that doesn't require a scavenger hunt to figure out who actually makes the stuff. Printed right there on the label is the name of the producer, Barton 1792 Master Distillers, which happens to be one of the most revered distilleries in the bourbon biz.

Since we reported on the release in May, the reviews have begun to pour in and the consensus is buy, buy, buy this easy-drinking Kentucky nectar which clocks in at 45% alcohol by volume. According to Forbes, the whisky has a smooth taste "... with notes of cinnamon and clove, accompanied by caramel and vanilla notes." For 20 bucks a liter, this is an absolute steal, especially if you're looking to stock your bar with a solid, everyday sipper. "This is a great value bourbon," notes a Reddit user. "Its amazing finish and even better price give it a dedicated place on my shelf."

And for those of you who prefer a bourbon that is a tier or two higher on the shelf, keep your eyes peeled for two additional Kirkland collaborations with Barton that are sure to be a hit: a single barrel bottle and a bottled-in-bond version.

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 (the alcohol by volume is only 8% — more or less splitting the difference between a lager and a rosé) 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 (18 pouches in each $13.99 package). 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.

If Frank Sinatra were alive today, the Jack Daniels fanatic would likely get a kick out of the Kirkland Signature Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey. While the branding isn't explicit, it doesn't take much detective work to figure out who is behind this one. Not only did Costco release a behind-the-scenes video documenting the making of the whiskey, directly on the bottle you'll find the signature of Mike Williams. A quick Google search indicates that Mr. Williams, is in fact, the owner of celebrated Tennessee whiskey producer Collier and McKeel where he doubles as chief distiller. The company's Tennessee Whiskey earned a 92 point rating from Wine Enthusiast and was named one of the magazine's top 100 spirits of 2016. While this particular bottling may not contain the exact same juice as the Collier and McKeel offering (the Kirkland version comes in at a lower proof), whiskey lovers are equally enthusiastic.

Over on Reddit, there are plenty of comparisons to Jack Daniels. One Redditor who prefers the Kirkland Tennessee whiskey notes, "It tasted sweeter and more mellow than jack." Another reported, "It is a bit like a Jack knockoff, but it has a little of its own flavor too. I really love it."

Prices for the Kirkland Tennessee whiskey have been reported anywhere from $18.99 to $36.99 but if you can pick it up for less than the price of a handle of good old reliable JD, it's definitely worth it.

Kirkland Signature 7-Year Small Batch Bourbon simply misses the mark where other liquors sold at Costco hit it. It is rumored to be sourced from the Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort, KY, but, there's also some proof that it may be manufactured by Jim Beam, and others claim it's recently started being manufactured by George Dickel. Either way, reviewers agree that it tastes more like Jim Beam — that is, it's OK. Just OK. 

At 51.5 percent alcohol by volume, it's very "hot," meaning it has that harsh, alcohol burn that generally turns people off from a liquor. And while it's strong, it's not complex at all. This 7 Year Small Batch Bourbon lacks the various sweet and spicy notes that make a spirit interesting. After all, that's what people like about bourbon — that while it's strong up front, it generally mellows out on the palate to showcase other flavors, making it enjoyable to drink. 

Bourbon is America's native spirit and is taken very, very seriously in certain circles. While Costco can provide an cost-friendly option and there will certainly be people out there willing to buy it, in all honesty there are better bourbons out there that are maybe a buck or two more if they cost more, at all! According to A Bar Above, Kirkland Signature Small Batch Bourbon is similar in price to brands like Maker's Mark and Bulleit Rye — and those options taste better. Other bourbons that combine quality with affordability include bartender-suggested Old Grand-Dad, Old Forester, Buffalo Trace, and Eagle Rare.

When it comes to liquor, the older the better... right? Well, not when it comes to this particular list. While the Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch may be one of the best liquor buys at Costco, its 24-year-old cousin doesn't make the cut. At about $70 for 750 mL, the quality for the price just doesn't hold up like Costco's better options. 

Overall, the aroma lacks depth and complexity. The first whiff of Kirkland Signature 24-Year Scotch Whisky is harsh with a "slight chemical, industrial, and metallic smell" that shouldn't be so obvious with an aged whisky, according to The Whisky Shelf. This scotch whisky also has a thinner mouthfeel and is quite astringent upon first taste. The flavor is also "oak-heavy (in an old, tired oak kind of way)," according to another reviewer, which a lot of people like! However having one note like that overpower the more subtle flavors isn't really indicative of the quality one expects from a $70 bottle of alcohol. And people who know scotch are typically okay with paying in the triple-digits for what they drink, anyways. In the end, getting the giant bottle of Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky is the much smarter buy for the Average Joe. 

The third type of booze included in Buzzfeed's blind taste test was the Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum versus Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. And while panelists commented that the Costco version is darker, sweeter, and tastes "like a drunk gingerbread man," they generally preferred The Captain which they claim tastes like "honey" and "eggnog without the egg." Of course, one panelist said it best with, "being an elitist about alcohol is stupid. Everybody's trying to get to the same finish line. We're all trying to get f***ed up." Touché.

With that being said, Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum isn't the best buy on the Costco liquor shelves because at around $20 for 1.75 L, you're not really saving that much money for a product that is, well, meh. If you've tried the Kirkland Spiced Rum and love the flavor, by all means — buy away. However, if you're looking for a steal with quality that will blow you away á la their French Vodka, you're not going to find it here. 

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 (also touted as "blanco") 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. 

At around $25 for 1.75 L, the price is right for Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin. But like the other "worsts" on this list, it simply doesn't stand out enough among its competition. After all, depending on where you buy it, you can get the same amount of New Amsterdam for a pretty similar price. So while Kirkland Signature gets points for its "satiny, crisp, dry light body" and "effortless, medium-length finish," it's not going to blow you away as far as value goes. 

Furthermore, the Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin is a poor choice for certain cocktails. If you like to throw back a few gin and tonics with lime every now and then, you're looking for something to mix into your Pimm's cup, or you want to experiment with making negronis, it's fine. However, a decent martini needs the right gin... and this ain't it. You want something with more complexity and additional floral and citrus notes to balance out the juniper. Tanqueray, Boodles, and Hendrick's are all great choices and at $20 to $35 a bottle, they aren't going to set you back much more than the Costco stuff. 

The canned cocktail revolution is upon us and we're pleased as Planter's Punch. With access to so many high-quality ready-to-imbibe mixed drinks, the Kirkland Signature Strawberry Margarita sadly drinks like an afterthought. If you happen to be attending a Jimmy Buffett concert, this would be an ideal pre-game beverage with the assumption, of course, that since you're paying actual money to hear "Cheeseburger in Paradise" live there's no accounting for taste. (Easy, Parrotheads. We're just yankin' your tail feathers.)

Let's start with the positives: it comes in a double-sized 1.5 L bottle, plus it's made with 100% cane sugar and real lime juice. As for the strawberry portion of the margarita, that falls under the "natural flavors" portion of the ingredients and the taste is a bit too sweet and artificial for our liking. 

When it comes to the base liquor, you need to double-check the label. In some regions, the margarita is your standard gold tequila and triple sec version. But in other locations, the cocktail is spiked with inferior agave wine. At least if you're going to cheap out, don't anoint your product as "premium." The bait-and-switch is like going to a Kansas City Chiefs game and instead of Patrick Mahomes, Chad Henne is starting at quarterback. 

Be it tequila or agave wine, this one isn't a winner.   

There are plenty of haters who love to neg the nog but we are not among them. Why exactly fruit cake remains a yuletide tradition is a question worth asking (the likely answer is somehow connected to a pact made with the devil). When it comes to eggnog, though, there is no denying the drink deserves recognition as a Christmas cocktail standard. When done right, as in using fresh eggs, milk, and nutmeg, the creamy, frothy, not too sweet concoction is bound to be a holiday hit.

And then there's the seasonal Kirkland rendition which is about as fresh as a "that's what she said" retort. The good news is that the former wine-based beverage is now made with actual hard booze, a blend of whiskey, spiced rum, and brandy. Unfortunately, they are still being sold alongside the rest of Costco's liquor selection which means it's just sitting out there in the room temperature warehouse which is a pretty good indicator that fresh eggs and milk are not part of the equation.

Is it drinkable? Yes. And if you're throwing a holiday get-together we understand the impulse to take the premade route. But if you can carve out some time, going D.I.Y. will yield far jollier results.