As Costco introduces its private selection of Kirkland Signature spirits, one bottle recently caught many drinkers’ attention– the Kirkland 12 Year Old Blended Scotch.
Since they’ve launched blended whiskies before, what makes this 12 Year Old Scotch worthy of attention? How can this be unique from the previous blended expressions?
Let’s learn more about this Kirkland 12 Year Blended Scotch: its flavor profile, price, the distillery behind it, and everything you need to know.
What is Kirkland’s 12-Year Blended Scotch Whisky?
Kirkland’s 12 Year Old blended Scotch whisky is distilled and aged in Scotland, then bottled specifically for Alexander Murray & Co. LTD.
This Kirkland Signature 12 Year expression combines grain and single malt whiskies that are aged using oak casks [1] for at least 12 years.
It embodies the tagline in its bottle saying, “An exceptional dram with incredible depth of character,” that every whisky enthusiast should look forward to.
The nose and palate of this whisky blend are filled with spice, smoke, and caramel notes. It’s very smooth and drinkable, a great blend of a 12 Year Old expression.
Who Makes It?
The mastermind behind this Kirkland Signature expression 12 Year Old blended Scotch whisky is Costco, one of the leading liquor retailers worldwide.
Costco owns the propriety brand, Kirkland Signature, including this 12 Year Old Blended Scotch.
But besides Costco, the production of this whisky expression involves Alexander Murray, an independent Scotch whisky company.
How Much Does Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch Cost?
This Kirkland 12 Year old expression costs around $55 per 1.75-liter bottle at Costco’s liquor store.
If you’ll ask if this bottle is reasonably priced– well, yes. It is a good deal for booze, given it’s bottled in a larger carafe, compared to other spirits available in 700ml or 750ml bottles.
What Does It Taste Like?
This 12 Year Old blended Scotch whisky is pretty smooth with a slight sweetness and not smoky at all. You can expect some kick with a subtle oak flavor and fruity hints like apricots and apples.
On the nose, it opens with caramel and vanilla aromas with malt notes and a masculine edge.
The flavor is full-bodied on the palate, and you’ll get the dark sherry fruit tone as you proceed.
“I’m on a whisky diet. I’ve lost three days already.”
— Tommy Cooper, Magician/Welsh Pop Comedian
It has a medium to long finish that feels leathery with spicy yet dry notes.
What is Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch Comparable To?
The Kirkland 12 Year Old Blended Scotch is comparable to the spirit made within the Scottish region, the Kirkland Blended Scotch Whisky.
These two expressions almost share the same flavor profile, like the vanilla, oak, and fruit notes.
But although they’re aged within the same region, they use different barrels, as the Kirkland Blended Scotch whisky has used American oak casks while aging.
But aside from that, the 12 Year Old expression can also be related to the Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky and the Kirkland Signature Irish Whiskey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ABV of Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch?
The ABV (Alcohol by Volume) content of Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch typically falls within the range of 40% to 43%. This percentage range is standard for many Scotch whiskies, offering a balance between the desired alcohol strength and the flavors inherent in the whisky.
However, it’s worth noting that the precise ABV may vary slightly between different batches or bottlings due to factors such as production variations or regional regulations. To obtain the exact ABV of a specific bottle, it’s advisable to refer to the label, where this information is typically displayed prominently.
Is Kirkland’s 12-Year Blended Scotch smooth?
Kirkland’s 12-Year Blended Scotch is renowned for its remarkable smoothness, a quality that has endeared it to whisky enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The aging process of 12 years imparts a level of maturity and refinement to the whisky, allowing its flavors to harmonize and develop while simultaneously smoothing out any harsh edges.
This results in a whisky that is characterized by its velvety texture and gentle mouthfeel, making it eminently enjoyable to sip neat or with a splash of water. Whether savored on its own or incorporated into cocktails, Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch consistently delivers a smooth and satisfying drinking experience.
However, individual taste preferences may vary, and some drinkers may perceive its smoothness differently based on their palate sensitivities. Overall, Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch stands out as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of Scotch whisky production, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that culminate in a delightfully smooth spirit.
Where is Kirkland 12 Year Blended Scotch made?
Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch is a private label product sold exclusively by Costco, a multinational retail corporation. The specific distilleries responsible for producing Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch are not publicly disclosed. However, like many private label products, Kirkland Scotch is sourced from various reputable distilleries across Scotland.
These distilleries adhere to strict quality standards and traditional production methods, ensuring the high quality of the final product. While the exact origins of the whisky may not be openly disclosed, Costco works with reputable distilleries to provide customers with a premium Scotch whisky at a competitive price point.
As a result, Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch is known for its quality and value, appealing to whisky enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
How is Kirkland 12 Year Blended Scotch different from other whiskies?
Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch sets itself apart from other whiskies in several ways. Firstly, it’s a private label product exclusively available at Costco, distinguishing it as a retailer-specific offering. This exclusivity often translates to a competitive price point without compromising quality.
Additionally, while the specific distilleries producing Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch aren’t disclosed publicly, it’s sourced from reputable distilleries in Scotland. This allows Costco to ensure consistent quality and flavor profile while keeping production details confidential. F
urthermore, Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch undergoes a meticulous blending process, incorporating a variety of malt and grain whiskies aged for at least 12 years, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful expression unique to Kirkland’s brand.
What flavors can I expect from Kirkland 12 Year Blended Scotch?
Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch offers a delightful array of flavors that showcase the intricacies of its blending and aging process. Upon nosing, you’ll be greeted by a captivating aroma characterized by nuances of caramelized sugar, inviting hints of toffee, and a gentle waft of honey. These sweet notes intertwine with the subtle complexities derived from the aging barrels, imparting delicate undertones of oak and a whisper of smokiness that adds depth to the bouquet.
As you take your first sip, your palate will be enveloped by a symphony of flavors. The velvety texture carries forth the richness of dried fruits, evoking memories of raisins and apricots, while the interplay of spice and vanilla lends a sophisticated allure. The 12-year aging process allows these flavors to harmonize, resulting in a remarkably smooth and balanced whisky that unfolds with each sip. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation of a classic cocktail, Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch promises a rewarding journey of taste and aroma that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
Is Kirkland 12 Year Blended Scotch aged for 12 years?
Indeed, Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch undergoes a meticulous aging process spanning a minimum of 12 years. This commitment to aging imparts a level of maturity and complexity to the whisky, allowing it to develop its distinctive character and depth of flavor.
Throughout its time in the cask, the whisky interacts with the oak wood, absorbing subtle nuances and mellowing over time. By adhering to this 12-year aging requirement, Kirkland ensures that its blended Scotch whisky attains the pinnacle of quality and refinement expected from a premium spirit. Each bottle of Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch stands as a testament to the artistry and dedication of its craft, offering discerning drinkers an unparalleled experience that transcends mere libation.
What kind of Scotch is Kirkland brand?
Kirkland brand Scotch falls under the category of blended Scotch whisky. Blended Scotch whisky is crafted by combining malt whisky, which is distilled from malted barley in pot stills, with grain whisky, typically made from grains like wheat or corn in column stills.
This blending process allows producers to create a consistent and well-balanced whisky with a diverse range of flavors. Kirkland’s blended Scotch whiskies often include a blend of malt and grain whiskies sourced from various distilleries across Scotland.
Where is Kirkland Scotch from?
Indeed, Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch undergoes a meticulous aging process spanning a minimum of 12 years. This commitment to aging imparts a level of maturity and complexity to the whisky, allowing it to develop its distinctive character and depth of flavor.
Throughout its time in the cask, the whisky interacts with the oak wood, absorbing subtle nuances and mellowing over time. By adhering to this 12-year aging requirement, Kirkland ensures that its blended Scotch whisky attains the pinnacle of quality and refinement expected from a premium spirit.
Each bottle of Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch stands as a testament to the artistry and dedication of its craft, offering discerning drinkers an unparalleled experience that transcends mere libation.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this Costco Kirkland Signature expression– the 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky is a competitive spirit with a decent impression at a great value.
Although this bottle won’t stand out compared to other whisky expressions, this is still a must-try from Costco’s private-label Scotch.
Its flavor profile and character– due to aging within the Scotland region– create a decent quality of spirit at a reasonable price.
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