Does Costco Sell Japanese Whisky? Answered (2023)
Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Costco, one of the world’s largest wholesale stores, offers tempting deals with its huge range of liquors at affordable prices.
Currently, this retail shop carries ten whisky expressions under its Kirkland Signature brand, but you can still purchase different whiskies in Costco’s different shop locations.
However, does Costco sell Japanese whisky, too? Find out if you can score a few bottles of this elusive spirit here.
Costco: Does It Sell Japanese Whisky?
Yes, Costco does sell Japanese whiskies. However, you should limit your expectations and not expect rare bottles on their shelves.
It offers Nikka Coffey Grain whisky and some of Suntory’s few variants on its shelves though they are not available in all locations.
If you’re lucky enough, you can purchase a bottle of the rare Yamato spirit, especially if you are from California and Colorado.
However, since this whisky is only available in limited supply, one member can only get up to two whisky bottles at a local Costco store.
3 Japanese Whisky Brands It Sells
1. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
Alcohol Proof: 90
Average Price: Roughly $75.24
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is a Japanese whisky. It uses 95% corn mash and produces a high-quality sweet-tasting blend. It almost has the same flavor as the Scotch but less the smokey peat taste.
The taste is more refined with fruity notes, vanilla, and caramel. The bottle has a sweet scent of oak, banana, and oatmeal notes which is very pleasant to the nose.
2. Suntory Hibiki
Alcohol Proof: 86
Average Price: Roughly $99.99
Suntory Hibiki is one of Beam Suntory’s Japanese blend whiskies you can purchase at Cosco.
A bottle of this drink contains 43% ABV and is believed to be 22 years old. The flavors are distinctly different from the whiskies made in Scotland.
It has a special blend of flavors that entices many to drink and enjoy. You can easily distinguish rich notes of honey and caramelized dates.
The nose is greeted with fruity fragrances with hints of sandalwood and rosemary herb.
It has a smooth and lingering finish with a sweet, woody savor. Learn how to drink Japanese whisky like a pro here.
3. Suntory Toki
Alcohol Proof: 86
Average Price: Roughly $40.00
Suntory Toki is a blended whisky produced by the same company as Hibiki. Toki is a mixture of non-aged whiskies and old varieties matured in oak barrels for at least three years, giving it a bright mix of flavors.
The nose can detect fruity scents with ginger and spice, while the palate enjoys the sweetness of apples and citrus with hints of almonds and grapefruit.
This blended whisky has a smooth peppery finish.
Also Read:
Does Costco Make Its Own Japanese Whisky Brand?
Costco does not make its own Japanese whisky brand, even under the Kirkland label. Unlike Scotch and bourbon production, there are special regulations [1] in making Japanese whiskies.
The production of these distilled spirits is tedious and should be made in Japan. It also needs to be matured in oak barrels made from Mizunara trees which you can only find in one location, Japan.
Currently, only partner brands are sold at their various locations.
Read: Does Walgreens Sell Liquor?
Comparing Costco’s Price & Other Liquor Stores
Costco’s products are much lower-priced compared to other liquor stores. Instead of spending money on advertisements, they reinvest their money to cut down on costs.
They offer a deal on almost all their products, making them cheaper than the outside market.
However, Costco’s prices are not the same as all their stores since there are varied factors to consider, such as shipping costs and location distance from their nearest warehouse. But you can purchase cheaper products from here.
Find out the best places to buy whisky online here.
How Many Whisky Bottles Can You Buy At Costco?
Depending on the supply, you can buy up to two Japanese whiskies at any local Costco store. These whiskies are not produced massively, so the buying limit and the rates also vary depending on the availability and the store’s locations.
However, other types of whiskies like Scotch have no limits, especially on Kirkland liquors. And there is always a good deal offered on these products.
Read: Does Sake Go Bad?
FAQs
Does Costco sell the Japanese Whisky Yamato?
Yes, Costco sells Japanese whisky Yamato in California, Colorado, and some other stores. However, rates differ; some stores carry a buying limit for members and non-members.
Does Costco sell fake Japanese whiskies?
No. Costco does not sell fake Japanese whiskies or other products or services. The company has already addressed this issue. They accept products from direct manufacturers combined with third-party sellers, which assures them of authenticity.
Key Takeaways
Costco sells Japanese whisky but with only a limited supply. Apparently, there’s a limit on buying up to two bottles of this liquor at different retail stores. You can buy Suntory and Nikka Coffey Grain whiskies at a more affordable price point.
This Japanese liquor has swept the world because of its impeccably smooth taste, so it’s not surprising that the demand for this spirit is high. Many affirm that it has bested the likes of Scotch or bourbons, considering they use the same mash bill.
The rates may be significantly higher than any regular spirit like Scotch whiskies, but this has not stopped those who have tasted it as they are coming for more.
Reference:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/akikokatayama/2021/04/01/japanese-whisky-finally-defined-now-you-know-what-exactly-you-are-paying-for/
