Last Updated on February 16, 2024 by Lydia Martin
There are speculations that Kirkland is the same as Grey Goose vodka. Some say that Costco’s vodka tasted the same as Grey Goose’s during blind tastings, but both brands deny being related. However, are they really the same?
Let’s find out as we compare all details between Costco’s Kirkland vodka vs Grey Goose.
Comparing Kirkland Vodka & Grey Goose
Kirkland is often mistaken for Grey Goose vodka because of its taste and texture. Speculations say it was just packaged differently. However, looking more closely, Kirkland’s is creamier and less watery to the palate than Grey Goose’s.
The price is also a big difference between the two. Kirkland is way cheaper than Grey Goose, intentionally produced as a luxury vodka.
Grey Goose has been an established brand since 2004. As Joe Mccanta, its Global Head claimed, they have the best tasting and smoothest luxury spirit. It is because of their high-quality ingredients and meticulous methods of manufacturing their product.
Their Main Differences
Company
Kirkland is a product of Costco Wholesale Corporation. This establishment is a membership-only chain of retail stores that sells luxury brands and other products. They do not have their own distillery, but private labels manufacture their liquors.
Kirkland Signature American vodka is made by LeVecke Corp, while Gayant Distillery manufactures Kirkland Signature French vodka. On the other hand, Grey Goose was manufactured by the Bacardi Group after they acquired it from Sidney Frank in 2004.
Taste
Kirkland brand frequently defeated Grey Goose brand, based on random blind taste tests results, according to Business Insider. Both have a silky, creamy, and smooth texture. But Kirkland’s have that extra viscosity [1], almost similar to white wine.
On the other hand, Grey Goose has been a favorite of many vodka enthusiasts because of its subtle sweetness and creaminess. A bottle contains a clean, crisp, smooth spirit from nose to palate.
Color
Like other vodka brands, Costco’s Kirkland spirit is colorless and clear. Kirkland American vodka and Kirkland French vodka are clear in color, the way any other spirit should be.
Grey Goose also has the same crystal clear spirit. These vodkas are carefully crafted to look like a traditional colorless, odorless, and supposed-to-be tasteless spirit.
Base Ingredients
The manufacturer produces Costco’s Kirkland blend with American heartland grains. On the other hand, Grey Goose’s recipe uses single-origin Picardy winter wheat sourced in the same neighborhood before sending it to Cognac for distillation. But how many times is Grey Goose vodka distilled?
However, Kirkland and Grey Goose use water from Gensac Springs in France’s Cognac region. The difference is that the latter have exclusive access to their private well.
Popularity
Kirkland brand vodka is very popular with Costco shoppers. It may be a cheap spirit, but based on Business Insiders, the rave reviews during the blind taste tests are chosen by many vodka enthusiasts.
Grey Goose relied on purely marketing when its then-maker, Sidney Franks, introduced it. Famous rappers and celebrities promoted it as a high-quality vodka using premium ingredients.
Read: Who Makes Kirkland Vodka?
Certificate of Label Approval
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau only approved one certificate for Costco’s Kirkland Signature vodka. It is issued to Le Vecke Corporation as the producer of this brand from Mira Loma, California.
On the other hand, Grey Goose was issued a certificate stating that all their products are from France. They also stated that they complete harvesting, milling, distillation, and bottling at their France facility.
Price Point
Some consider Kirkland a cheap product because it is a Costco vodka. However, Costco’s Kirkland vodka tastes very similar to what the Bacardi group was manufacturing.
The only thing is, a 1.75-liter bottle is priced three folds if you do not pick Kirkland’s. Bacardi’s product is not a cheap vodka, but you are basically paying someone’s fat salary for the same size bottle of Grey Goose.
Are There Any Similarities?
The similarities between the two vodkas are in their appearance and their flavors. Both have the same color because these spirits are supposed to be clear and colorless. Both taste creamy and sweet, which a lot of vodka drinkers like.
We can give credit to the ingredients that they are using. The water contributes highly to the texture, which is the same stuff they are using. However, spirits expert Fred Minnick said that vodkas are supposed to be tasteless.
Read: Will Vodka Evaporate?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why do people think Kirkland vodka and Grey Goose are the same?
People think that Kirkland and Grey Goose are the same because they use the same water source, influencing their spirits’ taste similarity.
Is Kirkland vodka considered top-shelf?
No, Kirkland is not considered a top-shelf spirit. It is a good vodka with a low price, but it is considered a bottom-shelf and discount product.
Is Kirkland vodka the same as Grey Goose?
No, Kirkland vodka is not the same as Grey Goose. While both brands are associated with vodka, they are distinct products. Kirkland vodka is a private label brand owned by Costco, and its production source may vary. On the other hand, Grey Goose is a premium French vodka known for its high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship. The differences lie in the production methods, ingredients, and the brand reputation, making them separate entities in the vodka market.
What is Kirkland vodka comparable to?
Kirkland vodka is often compared to other value-priced vodkas rather than premium brands like Grey Goose. As a private label brand, Kirkland aims to provide a cost-effective option for consumers. Some consumers may compare Kirkland vodka to other budget-friendly vodkas, considering factors like taste, smoothness, and overall quality. However, it’s essential to note that taste preferences are subjective, and comparisons may vary from person to person.
Is Grey Goose vodka high quality?
Yes, Grey Goose is widely regarded as a high-quality vodka. It is produced in France using French ingredients, particularly soft winter wheat from the Picardy region. Grey Goose is known for its smooth and clean taste, as well as its meticulous production process, which includes distillation in copper pot stills and a focus on using high-quality ingredients. The brand has gained a reputation for being a premium vodka and is often associated with luxury and sophistication.
What is the closest vodka to Grey Goose?
The closest vodka to Grey Goose in terms of quality and reputation may vary depending on individual preferences. However, some other premium vodka brands that are often considered comparable to Grey Goose include Belvedere, Ciroc, and Chopin. These brands also emphasize high-quality ingredients and meticulous production processes, similar to Grey Goose. Ultimately, the choice between vodkas is subjective, and personal taste preferences play a significant role in determining the closest alternative to Grey Goose for an individual consumer.
Is Grey Goose a cheap vodka?
No, Grey Goose is not considered a cheap vodka. It is positioned as a premium vodka with a higher price point compared to many mainstream or budget vodkas. Grey Goose is known for using high-quality ingredients and a meticulous production process, contributing to its reputation as a premium brand associated with luxury and sophistication.
Is Grey Goose better than other vodkas?
The perception of whether Grey Goose is better than other vodkas is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Grey Goose is often regarded as a high-quality vodka, appreciated for its smooth taste and refined production methods. However, what someone considers the “best” vodka can vary based on personal taste preferences. Some may prefer other premium brands or have different criteria for what makes a vodka exceptional.
Is Kirkland vodka nice?
The perception of whether Kirkland vodka is “nice” is subjective and varies among consumers. Kirkland vodka is a private label brand owned by Costco, and it is generally considered a value-oriented option. Some people find it to be a satisfactory and affordable choice for their vodka needs, while others may prefer more premium brands. As with any alcoholic beverage, taste preferences differ, and what one person finds enjoyable, another may not.
What kind of vodka is Kirkland vodka?
Kirkland vodka is a private label brand owned and sold exclusively by Costco. It is not produced by Costco but is sourced from various distilleries. The exact source may vary, as Costco contracts with different distillers for the production of their private label products. Kirkland vodka is typically considered a budget-friendly option, and its quality is often compared to other value-priced vodkas rather than premium brands.
How much alcohol is in Kirkland vodka?
Like most vodkas, Kirkland vodka typically contains 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). This standard alcohol content is common across many vodka brands and is regulated by industry standards.
Why is Grey Goose so expensive?
Grey Goose is considered a premium vodka, and its higher price is attributed to several factors. Firstly, Grey Goose is produced in France using high-quality ingredients, such as soft winter wheat from the Picardy region. The production process involves distillation in copper pot stills, contributing to the vodka’s smooth and clean taste. Additionally, Grey Goose has built a brand reputation associated with luxury and sophistication, which can contribute to a higher perceived value and, consequently, a higher price.
What is the #1 ranked vodka?
Vodka rankings can be subjective and depend on personal preferences. Different organizations and competitions may have their own criteria for evaluating and ranking vodkas. One widely recognized and prestigious vodka competition is the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), but the #1 ranked vodka can vary each year. It’s advisable to check recent competition results or expert reviews for the most up-to-date information on top-ranked vodkas.
Why is GREY Goose vodka better?
Whether Grey Goose is considered “better” is subjective and based on individual taste preferences. Grey Goose is often praised for its smooth and clean flavor profile, attributed to its high-quality ingredients and meticulous production process. The use of French ingredients, copper pot stills, and a commitment to quality contribute to Grey Goose’s reputation as a premium vodka. However, what makes a vodka “better” can vary among consumers, as taste is a personal and subjective experience. Some individuals may prefer other vodkas based on their unique flavor profiles and characteristics.
Final Thoughts: Kirkland Vodka Vs Grey Goose
So, everyone knows now that Kirkland vodkas are not the same as Grey Goose. Both have bottles of extraordinary quality, but the other is selling at a much lower price. As consumers, we have various bases in choosing when we buy vodka.
For the case of Kirkland vodka vs Grey Goose, many would pick Kirkland’s because it is easy for the pocket. But for some, spending a few bucks won’t be a problem as long as they get the smoothness and luxurious flavor notes of Grey Goose.
It all boils down to what your preferences are.
Reference:
- http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Tables/viscosity.html
