While heading to the grocery store might seem like a chore, going to Costco is ALWAYS a welcomed trip.
The bulk groceries and supplies, the free samples, and, of course, the savings.
One of the ways that you can save big time at Costco is by skipping the name brands for their in-store label, Kirkland Signature.
Bon Appétit just declared the brand as the “best store brand there ever was.”
You can save a lot with Kirland Signature without sacrificing quality.
Especially when it comes to their liquor line. The Mercury News reports that Kirkland liquors have become a “cult favorite.”
The best part is, you don’t have to have a Costco membership to buy their liquor in some states.
But not all of their liquors are fan favorites.
We can help you sort through which ones are worth the buy and which ones aren’t.
These Are the Best And Worst Liquors To Buy At Costco:
Kirkland Signature American Vodka – Best
Are you a lover of domestic vodkas like Tito’s? Then you’ll love Kirland’s version. You can score a 1.75 L bottle for under $20. It is distilled six times for a smooth sweet and citrusy flavor. While it’s great for mixing up cocktails, you might not want to use this vodka for taking shots. Tastings gave it a “Highly Recommended” rating.
Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whiskey: Best
Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky has everything you need in a whiskey. This blended scotch whiskey has a gorgeous caramel color mixed with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and brown sugar. You can grab a 1.75 L for under $25. Tastings deemed it as “Exceptional.”
Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky: Best
People often liken Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky’s to the Crown Royal. The difference is Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky costs less than $20 and the competition is upwards of $40. It hits you harshly but has a sweet, smokey, and maple taste at the end. Tastings gave it an “Exceptional” rating.
Kirkland Signature XO Cognac: Best
You’ll pay about $130 for a 750 ml bottle of XO (which means extra old) but Costco’s will cost you only $50. Kirkland Signature XO Cognac has a light kind of floral flavor that finishes with some spice. Tastings gave it a “Highly Recommended” rating. It’s one of Costco’s more exclusive spirits as it is mostly only available during the holidays.
Kirkland Signature Irish Cream Liqueur: Best
There’s nothing like some Irish Cream Liqueur to give your coffee a shot of life. And places like Good Cheap Booze say that Kirland’s is even better than the name brand at around just $15. They found it to be a lot smoother and not as harsh with its hints of chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut.
Kirkland Signature French Vodka: Best
Kirkland Signature French Vodka is what Costco’s store brand liquors on the map. Those who took Buzzfeed’s blind taste test said that Kirkland’s French Vodka tasted “fancier.” Kirkland’s brand actually scored much higher than Grey Goose which costs twice as much. You can grab a bottle for about $25.
Kirkland Signature 7-Year Small Batch Bourbon: Worst
So, it’s not that Kirkland Signature 7-Year Small Batch Bourbon is bad but it’s just OK. Some have likened it to Jim Beam and say that it offers a harsh flavor without sweet or spicy notes that usually give bourbon a rich flavor. While this is a little bit cheaper than other brands, most would still pay a few bucks more for something a little better like Maker’s Mark or Bulleit Rye.
Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky Aged 24 Years: Worst
The $70 price tag on this bottle doesn’t come with the payoff that Costco’s other brands have. The Whisky Shelf reported that it gives off a chemical taste and a metallic smell. Those who are looking to drink high-quality Whisky are willing to pay for it and those looking to save a buck are better off with Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky.
Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum: Worst
People who took Buzzfeed’s blind taste test said that it tastes “like a drunk gingerbread man” but those also preferred Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. Since the Kirkland brand will cost you about $20 there’s really not much savings when you compare it with brand named spice rums. It’s probably not worth the buy unless you actually prefer the taste of Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum.
Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila: Worst
Unlike Costco’s two other tequilas, Añejo and Reposado, doesn’t get rave reviews. The Añejo is touted for its $30 price tag and people who can actually find the Resposado love it. The Silver is reported to have a strong alcohol tastes that overpower the agave and citrus that good tequila is supposed to have. It’s definitely not the kind of tequila that you want to take shots with. You get away with using it for big batches of margaritas but it won’t particularly impress.
Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin: Worst
Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin: Worst
At $25 a bottle Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin doesn’t really impress compared to other similarly priced gins. You can get name brand gins for lower prices or just a little bit higher. Brands like Tanqueray, Boodles, and Hendrick’s go for around $20 to $35.
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