Costco is known for curating excellent spirits, and every bottle seems hard to turn down because of its aggressive pricing.
In 2021, Costco released their Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon in partnership with Barton 1792, and many are curious if it is worth trying.
Here’s an honest review of Costco’s Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon and some interesting facts about this new budget bourbon.
What’s Kirkland Bottled In Bond Bourbon?
Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon is one of the ten whiskey expressions from the Costco warehouse. Three new bourbon expressions were released under the Kirkland Signature brand and are in partnership with Barton 1792 Distillery.
Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond is made in one distilling season by a single distillery. It is aged in new charred oak barrels in a government bonded warehouse and features 50% alcohol content.
Interesting Facts
History & Origin
Costco released Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond bourbon under Barton 1792 in 2021 but historically, Costco sources the original bourbon bottlings from Jim Beam and George Dickel.
Since Kirkland BiB bourbon is a Bottled-In-Bond expression, it should be made by a single distillery in one distilling season (January to June or July to December).
Ownership & Distillery
Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond bourbon is owned by Costco warehouse, one of the world’s largest retailers of alcoholic beverages. It is a known fact that Costco does not own a distillery, and all of its expressions are sourced from different distilleries.
Kirkland BiB bourbon is distilled in Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. It was established in 1879 and was known to be the oldest full-operating distillery in Bardstown.
How It’s Made
Bottled-in-Bond bourbons guarantee purity and authenticity, and the production process from grain to bottle is highly regulated by the Federal government [1]. A lone distillery distills it in one distilling season.
After distillation, the bourbon is aged in a government-bonded warehouse for no less than four years. It should contain 50% ABV; if it needs to be reduced in proof, it is added with pure water only.
Mash Bill & Alcohol Content
Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond should contain 50% ABV (100 proof) as it is one of the requirements of the Bottled-In Bond Act of 1897 [2].
The mash bill of the Kirkland BIB bourbon is undisclosed. However, since it shows consistent DNA as Barton 1792, it possibly contains 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley, which is the same mash bill of the distillery.
Tasting Notes
Palate: Honey, graham cracker, fruity, sweet, complex, with strong wood notes, vanilla, cinnamon, and rye
Nose: Strong notes of caramel, banana, vanilla, honey, graham cracker, and slight oak
Color: Chestnut Gold
Finish: Medium to long finish, oaky dryness with rye spice, vanilla, and cinnamon
Common Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Price
| Brand | Size | Alcohol Content | Average Price |
| Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon | 1 L | 50% | Roughly $23.99 in Costco |
Compared To Other Bourbons
Evan Williams
Evan Williams can be a great alternative to Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond bourbon because a 1L bottle is roughly $23.99 on Drizly online.
Aside from its impressive price point, the distillery strictly follows the standards of BiB products to ensure its authenticity and purity.
In addition, Evan Williams BiB received multiple awards from prestigious award-giving bodies in the spirit world.
Bulleit
Bulleit bourbon can be a slightly expensive alternative for Kirkland BiB bourbon since a 1L bottle of Bulleit costs around $42.99.
It may not be a Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon, but it can be your go-to choice if you want a bold and spicy bourbon whiskey.
Also, it has a great long, sanity, and dry finish with light-tasting toffee that lingers long.
Maker’s Mark
If you are looking for a sweeter bourbon whiskey, you can not go wrong with Maker’s Mark.
Instead of rye as the secondary grain of the distilled spirit, the brand uses red winter wheat for a smoother and sweeter flavor profile.
A bottle of Maker’s Mark is expensive compared to Kirkland bottles because it is approximately $31.99 per 750ml.
FAQs
What does Bottled in Bond mean on a liquor bottle?
Bottled-In-Bond in a liquor bottle is a label used by the distilleries and the federal government to ensure the authenticity and purity of the spirit.
Every bottle labeled with “Bottled-In-Bond” should be made in accordance with the legal regulations of the BiB Act of 1897.
Do all Costco stores sell Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond?
Unfortunately, no, not all Costco stores sell Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond. While Kirkland Signature is sold in Costco warehouses, not all warehouses contain similar inventories of distilled spirits to give way to other inventories.
What is Kirkland Bottled in Bond Bourbon?
Kirkland Bottled in Bond Bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey produced under the Kirkland Signature brand, which is owned and sold exclusively by Costco.
Where is Kirkland Bottled in Bond Bourbon produced?
The exact distillery where Kirkland Bottled in Bond Bourbon is produced is not disclosed by Costco. However, it is known to be sourced from established distilleries with a reputation for quality.
What distinguishes Kirkland Bottled in Bond Bourbon from other Kirkland bourbon offerings?
Kirkland Bottled in Bond Bourbon is distinguished by its adherence to the “Bottled in Bond” regulations, ensuring a higher standard of quality and authenticity compared to other Kirkland bourbon products.
Final Say
Costco and Barton 1792 did a great job producing a quality Bottled-in-Bond bourbon at an affordable price. Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond bourbon is distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, and features 50% ABV.
The Kirkland Bottled In Bond bourbon production is highly guarded by the Federal government to ensure the authenticity of the distilled spirit. It may share some DNA with the Barton 1792 expressions but exhibits differences from its regular bottlings.
References:
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-5/subpart-F/section-5.88
- https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/drinks/a36466533/what-is-bottled-in-bond/
