Kirkland Tequila Silver vs Patron: Which is Better? (2024)

Written By Lydia Martin
February 22, 2024

Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Lydia Martin

For different reasons, Kirkland Tequila Silver and Patron are two of the most prominent tequilas on the market today.

Kirkland tequila is famous for its price while Patron is known for its brand, but which do you think is better? Here’s our in-depth Kirkland Tequila Silver vs Patron review.

Table of Contents

Kirkland Tequila Silver & Patron In-Depth Comparison

The price point is the most notable difference between these two fine tequilas.

Patron Silver is way more expensive than Kirkland Tequila Silver because Patron is an ultra-premium tequila.

Both Kirkland and Patron have different origins, histories, and production processes. Moreso, they do not share equal ownership, distillery, or use the same base materials.

With all the differences mentioned, it is no surprise that it will affect both the price and the tasting notes of the tequila.

How Are They Different?

History & Origin

Kirkland Tequila Silver, Costco’s proprietary tequila brand, comes from different distilleries. In 2019, the Fabrica de Tequilas Finos produced the tequila for Kirkland Signature before transferring to another distillery, the Santa Lucia, S.A. de C.V.

On the other hand, Patron Tequila was launched in 1989 by the Patron Spirits Company. The distinctive beehive-shaped bottle became iconic in liquor stores and bars and remains a symbol of quality until today.

Production & Distillation Process

Both tequilas have different production and distillation processes because Patron still uses traditional processes while Kirkland uses modern ones.

Kirkland’s new distillery uses high-pressure autoclaves and diffusers to cook the agave piñas. It is then double distilled before resting in a steel tank before bottling.

On the other hand, the piñas of Patron Silver are hand-chopped and then baked in small brick ovens.

It will be crushed using a two-ton volcanic stone wheel and roller mill to extract the juices and then fermented before it undergoes double distillation before bottling.

Base Materials

Patron Silver is an ultra-premium tequila that uses only high-quality raw ingredients to develop complex and deep flavors.

Its distillery uses ripe weber blue agave (ages eight years or so), and the skilled Jimadors use a sharp tool, Coa, to strip the leaves and reveal the piña.

On the other hand, Kirkland Tequila Silver uses 100% blue agave with undisclosed age.

Ownership & Distillery

Patron Silver tequila is made and distilled in Siete Leguas in Jalisco, Mexico. It was previously owned by John Paul DeJoria, who was once a homeless man and now a billionaire.

However, in 2018, he sold 70% stakes to Bacardi Limited for $5.1 billion [1].

On the other hand, Kirkland’s signature is owned by Costco, a membership warehouse club and one of the largest retailers of spirits in America.

It is currently distilled in Corporate Distillery Santa Lucia (NOM 1173).

Fun Fact: The Mexican government assigns identification numbers (NOM) for Tequila distillery to identify which distillery produced the tequila.

But what are the best tequilas at Costco?

Tasting Notes

Kirkland Tequila Silver

Palate: Fruity notes with subtle cooked agave taste, along with sweet, earthy, black pepper, and vegetative notes
Nose: Pronounced notes of cooked agave, floral, slight medicinal note, and alcohol
Color: Crystal clear
Finish: Medium length, lingering pepperiness, sweet and fruity

Patron Silver

Palate: Dry, smooth, savory with slightly roasted agave, white pepper, and undertones of anise and vanilla
Nose: Lovely aroma of cooked agave, grass, green pepper, earthy with hints of eucalyptus
Color: Crystal clear
Finish: Dry, long, moderately spicy kick, agave heavy, and savory afterglow

Price, Age & Alcohol Proof

Patron Silver (Blanco) is directly bottled after distillation, while Kirkland Tequila Silver is rested in a steel tank for 30 days or more before bottling.

They are labeled with 40% ABV (80 Proof).

Patron is more expensive than Kirkland. A 750 ml bottle of Patron costs around $51.99 on Drizly online, while a 1.75 L bottle of Kirkland is shy of $24.99 on Total Wine.

Why Most People Think Kirkland Silver & Patron Are The Same

People think Kirkland Silver and Patron are the same because of some urban legends that Kirkland is crafted at the same distillery as Patron.

However, it is fake news because Kirkland carries the NOM IDs 1472 and 1142, and its present distillery is 1173 (Corporate Distillery Santa Lucia).

Patron is distilled in Siete Leguas and has a NOM ID of 1492. But what can you mix with Patron tequila?

Patron & Kirkland Tequila Silver Price Comparison

Brand	Size	Alcohol Proof	Average Price
Kirkland Tequila Silver	1.75 L	80	Around $24.99 *(Total Wine)*
Patron Silver	750 ml	80	Around $51.99 *(Drizly)*
Patron Silver	1.75 L	80	Around $105.99 *(Drizly)*

* Prices may vary in local liquor shops.

FAQs

Which silver tequila tastes better on ice, Kirkland or Patron?

Patron Silver tequila tastes better on ice than Kirkland. Patron tastes better on the rocks because it is warm and peppery, and ice will help remove the tequila’s hard edges.

Is Patron better to be drunk neat than Kirkland Tequila Silver?

Yes, Patron is better to be drunk neat than Kirkland Tequila Silver. Patron has nice tasting notes, and a competent traditional flavor best enjoyed neat.

Is Kirkland Tequila Made by Patrón?

There is speculation that Kirkland Signature Tequila is produced by Patrón, although neither Kirkland nor Patrón has confirmed this. Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label brand, known for offering high-quality products at competitive prices. Some consumers have noted similarities between Kirkland Tequila and Patrón Tequila, such as taste profile and bottle design. However, without official confirmation, it remains unclear whether Patrón is involved in the production of Kirkland Tequila. Regardless of its origins, Kirkland Tequila has gained popularity among Costco shoppers for its affordability and perceived quality.

What Tequila is Equal to PATRÓN Silver?

Several tequila brands offer silver or blanco tequilas that are comparable to PATRÓN Silver in terms of taste and quality. Some popular options include Don Julio Blanco, Herradura Silver, and Espolòn Blanco. These tequilas are known for their smoothness, versatility, and crisp agave flavor, similar to PATRÓN Silver. While each brand has its unique characteristics, fans of PATRÓN Silver may find these alternatives to be suitable substitutes for their favorite tequila.

What Tequila is Kirkland Tequila Silver?

Kirkland Signature Tequila Silver is a blanco tequila produced exclusively for Costco under its private label brand. While the exact distillery or producer behind Kirkland Tequila remains undisclosed, it is known for its smoothness and value. Kirkland Tequila Silver is a versatile spirit, ideal for sipping neat, mixing in cocktails, or using as a base for margaritas. Despite its lower price point compared to premium tequila brands, Kirkland Tequila Silver has garnered positive reviews from consumers for its quality and affordability.

Is Kirkland Tequila 100% Agave?

The specifics of Kirkland Signature Tequila’s composition remain undisclosed by Costco, the retailer behind the Kirkland brand. However, many consumers speculate that Kirkland Tequila is indeed made from 100% blue agave, a requirement for tequilas labeled as such. Without official confirmation from Costco or the tequila’s manufacturer, it’s challenging to ascertain the exact ingredients used in Kirkland Tequila. Nonetheless, Kirkland products are known for their high quality and value, leading many to believe that Kirkland Tequila adheres to the standards of being 100% agave.

Who Manufactures Kirkland Silver Tequila?

The exact distillery responsible for producing Kirkland Signature Tequila remains undisclosed by Costco. As a private label brand, Kirkland partners with various manufacturers and suppliers to produce its products, including Kirkland Tequila Silver. While there is speculation regarding the origin of Kirkland Tequila, Costco has not officially disclosed the manufacturer or distillery behind the product.

Who Owns Silver Patron Tequila?

Patrón Tequila, including its Silver (blanco) variant, is owned by Bacardi Limited, a multinational spirits company. Bacardi acquired Patrón Spirits International AG, the producer of Patrón Tequila, in 2018. As a subsidiary of Bacardi Limited, Patrón Tequila continues to be one of the world’s leading premium tequila brands, known for its high quality and craftsmanship.

Why is Silver Patrón So Expensive?

Patrón Silver Tequila is considered a premium product, reflecting its high quality, craftsmanship, and brand reputation. Several factors contribute to the higher price point of Patrón Silver compared to other tequilas:

Quality Ingredients: Patrón Silver is made from 100% blue Weber agave, sourced from the Jalisco region of Mexico. The use of premium agave and traditional production methods contribute to the tequila’s superior taste and smoothness.
Handcrafted Process: Patrón Tequila is handcrafted in small batches by skilled artisans, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and quality control at every stage of production.
Premium Brand Image: Patrón has cultivated a prestigious brand image associated with luxury, sophistication, and exclusivity. The brand’s marketing efforts and celebrity endorsements further contribute to its premium positioning in the market.
Aged Distillation: Patrón Silver undergoes a careful distillation process to remove impurities while preserving the natural flavors of the agave. This results in a smooth and refined tequila with complex flavor profiles.

Overall, the combination of superior ingredients, artisanal craftsmanship, and brand prestige contributes to the higher price tag of Patrón Silver Tequila compared to other tequila brands.

What Tequilas are Better than Patrón?

Determining which tequilas are “better” than Patrón is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. While Patrón is a popular and well-regarded tequila brand known for its quality and craftsmanship, there are many other tequila brands that offer comparable or superior products. Some tequilas that are often considered on par with or better than Patrón include Don Julio, Casa Noble, Herradura, Fortaleza, and Clase Azul. These brands are celebrated for their distinct flavor profiles, premium ingredients, and artisanal production methods. Ultimately, the best tequila is the one that resonates with your palate and offers the taste experience you enjoy the most.

Is There a Tequila Better than Patrón?

Whether there is a tequila better than Patrón is a matter of personal preference. While Patrón is widely regarded as a high-quality tequila brand, there are numerous other tequila brands that enthusiasts may argue offer comparable or superior products. Tequila tasting is subjective, and different brands may appeal to different individuals based on factors such as flavor profile, smoothness, aroma, and overall drinking experience. Ultimately, the best tequila is the one that satisfies your taste preferences and provides a memorable drinking experience.

What Does Kirkland Tequila Silver Taste Like?

Kirkland Signature Tequila Silver, produced exclusively for Costco under its private label brand, is known for its smoothness and versatility. While taste experiences can vary from person to person, Kirkland Tequila Silver is typically described as having a clean and crisp flavor profile with notes of agave sweetness, citrus, and hints of pepper. It is commonly enjoyed as a sipping tequila or used as a base for cocktails such as margaritas or palomas. Despite its lower price point compared to premium tequila brands, Kirkland Tequila Silver has garnered positive reviews from consumers for its quality and value.

What is Silver Tequila Best For?

Silver tequila, also known as blanco or plata tequila, is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in various ways. Due to its clear and unaged nature, silver tequila is known for its crisp and vibrant flavors, making it ideal for cocktails that highlight its agave-forward profile. Some popular uses for silver tequila include:

Margaritas: Silver tequila is a key ingredient in classic margaritas, where its clean and refreshing taste complements the citrus flavors of lime juice and the sweetness of orange liqueur.
Palomas: Silver tequila is commonly used in palomas, a refreshing cocktail made with tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Tequila Sunrises: Silver tequila adds a bright and lively flavor to tequila sunrises, a cocktail featuring tequila, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine for a vibrant sunrise effect.
Shots: Silver tequila is often enjoyed as a chilled shot, served straight or with a sprinkle of salt and a wedge of lime.

Overall, silver tequila’s clean and crisp taste makes it a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into a wide range of cocktails.

What is Kirkland Tequila Reposado?

Kirkland Signature Tequila Reposado is a type of tequila that has been aged in oak barrels for a period of time, typically between two months to one year. The aging process imparts additional flavor and complexity to the tequila, resulting in a smoother and more nuanced taste compared to silver (blanco) tequila. Kirkland Tequila Reposado is known for its balance of agave sweetness, oakiness, and hints of vanilla and caramel from the barrel aging. It is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks, allowing the rich flavors of the aged tequila to shine through. Additionally, Kirkland Tequila Reposado can be used in cocktails where its depth of flavor adds complexity and richness to the drink.

What is Kirkland Tequila From?

The exact origins of Kirkland Signature Tequila remain undisclosed by Costco, the retailer behind the Kirkland brand. As a private label brand, Kirkland partners with various manufacturers and suppliers to produce its products, including Kirkland Tequila. While the specific distillery or producer behind Kirkland Tequila is not publicly disclosed, Kirkland products are known for their high quality and value. Despite the mystery surrounding its origin, Kirkland Tequila has gained popularity among consumers for its affordability and perceived quality.