How is the Costco Bourbon Selection? Answered (2023)
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
For many people, bourbon is their go-to drink of choice. Its rich taste and smooth finish make it ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Fortunately, our all-time favorite Costco also offers private label bourbons that can potentially turn heads.
But how is the Costco bourbon selection? Let’s find out.
About The Costco Bourbon Selection
Costco is one of the largest retailers of alcoholic beverages in the world [1], and its bourbon selection is second to none. Previously, bourbon bottlings are sourced from Jim Beam and George Dickel before ending up with Barton 1792 Distillery.
Costco and Barton 1792 Distillery are in clear partnership to make three bourbon expressions: Kirkland Small Batch Bourbon, Kirkland Bottled in Bond, and Kirkland Single Barrel Bourbon.
Each bourbon expression contains alcohol content that ranges from 46% to 60%, and since they are all American native spirits, their production follows strict regulations [2].
3 Kirkland Bourbons You Can Buy At Costco
1. Kirkland Small-Batch Bourbon
ABV: 46%
Average Price: Around $18.99 (Costco)
Why You Should Try It:
Kirkland Small-Batch bourbon is produced by Barton 1792 Distillery for Costco Warehouse, and while its mash bill is not disclosed, it presumably contains high rye.
It is a sweet and smooth bourbon on the palate with notes of clove, cinnamon, vanilla, rye, and caramel. It has a rich aroma of rye spice, caramel, oak, clove, and a medium-length finish.
2. Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
ABV: 50%
Average Price: Roughly $23.99 (Costco)
Why You Should Try It:
Barton 1792 Distillery produces Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond (BIB) bourbon in one distilling season before aging for at least four years.
It has a persistent aroma of oak, dried and candied fruit notes, caramel, and vanilla. It has a bold flavor of vanilla, caramel, and noticeable pepperiness with cinnamon and clove in a medium-length finish.
3. Kirkland Single Barrel Bourbons
ABV: 60%
Average Price: Around $30.99 (Costco)
Why You Should Try It:
Kirkland Single Barrel Bourbon is a bourbon whiskey from Barton 1792, and it is a non-chill filtered, unblended Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.
It may not share a common DNA with the two bourbon expressions, but since it is unblended, its tasting notes vary on each barrel.
It has notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and dried fruit that carry over the palate. It has a fair alcohol burn on the palate and a long yet smooth finish with lingering spice notes.
Did you know?
Costco does not own a distillery, so their bourbon selection is a sourced spirit from Barton 1792 Distillery.
Other Major Brands Currently Sold At Costco
- Bulleit Bourbon: $44/1.75L
- Jeffersons Reserve: $33/750ml
- Elijah Craig: $50/1.75L
- Basil Hayden 8yr: $65/1.75L
- Uncle Nearest 1884: $35/750ml *limited supply (6/10)
- Jim Beam White: $26/1.75L
- Michter’s Small Batch: $42/750ml (only 1 per membership)
- Four Roses: $36/1.75L
- Kentucky Owl Confiscated: $110/750ml
- District Made: $39/750ml
- Four Roses Small Batch Select: $50/750ml
- Smooth Ambler Contradiction: $29/750ml
- H Deringer: $85/750ml *limited supply (6/10)
- Blade and Bow: $44/750ml
- Knob Creek 9: $56/1.75L
- Maker’s Mark: $45/1.75L
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon: $59/1.75L
- Angels Envy: $42/750ml
- John J Bowman Single Barrel: $49/750ml
- Heaven’s Door: $33/750ml
- Rabbithole Cavehill: $75/750ml
- Jeffersons Reserve Single Barrel: $58/750ml
***Prices and stocks vary widely depending on your location
How Does Its Bourbon Selection Prices Compare?
Online Liquor Stores
Kirkland small batch bourbon in Costco costs around $18.99, but in Instacart Online, a 1L bottle may cost you around $21.99 (delivery fee not included).
Bourbon selection may vary in online liquor stores, but its price difference ranges from $2-$3 from its suggested retail price for their profit.
Read: Costco’s Whiskey Advent Calendar Guide
Local Liquor Stores
The Costco bourbon selection in local liquor stores is a little more expensive than in Costco stores because Costco’s markups are around 14% only.
Most local liquor stores sell bottles up to 50% more than their wholesale price, so it would be much cheaper to buy directly from Costco, especially if you are near one. We’ve got a list of the best bourbons sold at Costco here.
Costco Stores In Different States
Kirkland bourbon prices can vary from state to state, so while a small batch is typically priced at $18.99, it can be $20 from other Costco stores in different states.
A 1L Kirkland bottled in bourbon is roughly $23.99 in Idaho, but it is priced at $25 in South Carolina. But does Costco have Japanese whisky?
Costco Stores Outside US
If a local liquor store sells Costco bourbon up to 50% more than its suggested retail price, Costco stores outside the US roughly sell a bottle with an 80-90% mark up due to its location.
A bottle of Small Batch in Costco UK is priced around 33.99 British Pound, and when converted into US Dollars, it’s approximately $40.84.
FAQs
Does Costco have the same bourbon selection in every store?
No, Costco does not have the same bourbon selection in every store. The release of the expressions can be unpredictable because not all bottles can be released in all stores at the same time.
Does Costco’s bourbon selection vary every month?
Yes, Costco’s bourbon selection varies every month. Since the release of different expressions is unpredictable, it may change every month depending on the supply.
Final Thoughts
Costco is the place to stock up if you’re a bourbon lover. The bourbon selection is impressive, and the prices are hard to beat.
The partnership between Barton 1792 Distillery and Costco made the American native spirit accessible and affordable to many people.
Have you tried any of the Costco bourbon selections? How do you find it? Let us know by leaving a comment.
References:
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/things-you-need-to-know-before-buying-booze-at-costco/
- https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html
