You’re perusing the alcohol aisle at Costco, eyes scanning rows of gleaming bottles promising unparalleled taste and value. Excitedly, you select a bottle that seems destined to elevate your evening. But as you whiff and taste that first drink, anticipation turns to disappointment as the flavor falls short of expectations. It’s a familiar scenario for many Costco shoppers. So, let’s explore the highs and lows of Costco’s liquor aisle so you can ensure your next pour is memorable.
Buy: Kirkland Signature French Vodka
The price of this vodka is up to half that of similar products at local liquor stores. Produced in France and made from premium grain, it is distilled five times, resulting in a crisp, clean, and silky flavor profile. It is compared to the similarly smooth Grey Goose. Many people describe its consistency as comparable to that of fine white wine.
Avoid: Kirkland Signature American Vodka
Although Kirkland Signature American Vodka is budget-friendly, it falls short in terms of quality and taste compared to its French counterpart. Many customers report a harsh and unrefined flavor, making it less enjoyable for both sipping and mixing in cocktails. Recent feedback highlights a decline in quality, with some describing the taste as reminiscent of Flintstone vitamins, acetone, and even chemicals.
Buy: Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky
This blend of multiple single malt Scotches, grain whiskies, and neutral spirits offers a complex and inviting experience. On the nose, it reveals honey sweetness, floral aromas, and notes of caramel, cooked cereal, and a hint of smoke. The palate is sweet and candy-like, with fruit notes of apple, orange zest, and apricot, accompanied by a slightly oily texture that coats the mouth. Versatile and well-priced, this whisky is perfect for enjoying straight up, over ice, or in cocktails.
Avoid: Kirkland Ready-To-Drink Strawberry Margarita
While this drink offers a convenient summer beverage, many customers find it overly sweet with a “fake strawberry flavor.” Feedback from Reddit users and Instagram comments suggest that the drink often requires doctoring with sparkling water, orange juice, or frozen strawberries to improve its taste.
Buy: Kirkland Signature Anejo Tequila
As it is aged in oak barrels for at least one year, this tequila has a strong oak flavor and aroma, making it ideal for sipping neat or crafting premium cocktails. On the palate, it offers an oily, creamy texture with a noticeable mouth-coating quality. Its vanilla flavors impart a luxurious custard or crème brûlée-like character, enhancing the overall sipping experience.
Avoid: Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila
Compared to other silver tequilas on the market, the Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila falls short of delivering a pleasant drinking experience, leading many to seek better alternatives despite its attractive price point. It features a strong alcoholic burn and a lack of smoothness, which makes it less enjoyable for sipping or mixing into cocktails.
Buy: Kirkland Signature Small Batch Bourbon
This bourbon is distinguished by its rich, deep flavor profile of caramel, oak, and vanilla, making it ideal for sipping on the rocks. Its smooth, well-balanced taste rivals that of more expensive brands, offering exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Avoid: Kirkland Signature Traditional Holiday Eggnog Liqueur
Avoiding Kirkland Signature Traditional Holiday Eggnog Liqueur may be wise for those seeking a more authentic eggnog experience. While convenient for holiday festivities, this liqueur disappoints due to its artificial taste and overly sweetened flavor profile. Purists may find its lack of traditional eggnog ingredients and homemade charm underwhelming.
Buy: Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky
Compared with the more expensive Crown Royal, Kirkland’s Signature Blended Canadian Whisky holds its own, with panelists in Buzzfeed’s blind taste test barely distinguishing between the two. The woody taste tingles on the tongue, delivering flavors that are slightly sweet and suggestive of caramel, coffee, and cinnamon. This quality and complexity make it an excellent, budget-friendly alternative for whisky lovers.
Avoid: Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin
If you’re seeking versatility in your gin selection, Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin may suffice for casual cocktails like gin and tonics or Pimm’s cups. However, for more discerning tastes, particularly for martinis, it falls short. The lack of complexity and floral or citrus notes leaves much to be desired, especially in classic gin-based cocktails where balance is key.
