If you’ve ever been to Costco, you probably know that they have some of the widest selections for alcoholic beverages. The business even branched out into creating their own alcohol brand, which they named Kirkland.
But we know Costco is all about retail selling — none of that whiskey distilling. So who makes Kirkland Bourbon for Costco? Let’s find out.
Who Makes Kirkland Bourbon for Costco?
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bourbon Whiskey is made in the oldest distillery still operational today in Bardstown, Kentucky, known as Barton 1792. The Sazerac Company purchased it in 2008. [1]
Sounds familiar? Yes, the 1792 Bourbon is produced in the very same distillery.
Like 1792 Bourbon, Barton did not publicly disclose the mash bill they used for Kirkland Signature Bourbon Whiskey. We would assume they both use a high-rye mash bill — at least 25 percent, alongside the standard 51 percent corn.
The juice is distilled twice for optimal purification and aged inside new charred oak barrels. We can also assume that the spirit has aged at least two years.
That wasn’t always the case, though. Before teaming up with Barton 1792, most bourbon expressions from the Kirkland brand were sourced from two other major distilleries: Jim Beam and George Dickel.
Fun fact: Kirkland Bourbon Whiskey was named after the city of Kirkland, Washington, where Costco’s head office currently resides.
Distilleries That Possibly Manufacture It
Jim Beam American Stillhouse
Jim Beam used to distill all of Kirkland Bourbon Whiskey, but Costco has partnered with other distilleries to produce their bourbon whiskeys.
Barton 1792 Distillery
The Barton 1792 Distillery produces the three labels under the Kirkland Signature brand: Small Batch, Bottled-In-Bond, and Single Barrel.
This distillery is famous for producing the award-winning 1792 Bourbon, which won Gold at the Whiskies of the World Competition and the 2019 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition.
George Dickel
After ceasing business with Jim Beam, it is said that Costco has partnered with George Dickel to produce their flagship bourbon bottles.
The George Dickel distillery in Tennessee is one of the oldest in the state and is owned by Diageo today.
3 Bourbon Types of Costco’s Kirkland Bourbon
1. Kirkland Signature Bottled-In-Bond
Average Price: Around $25
Alcohol Content: 50%
Quick Description:
The Barton 1792 Distillery produces Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond, which, for about $30, is a great bang for your buck. This has a perfectly balanced profile, with oaky notes and pleasant spice.
Of course, it also has signature caramel and vanilla notes, with a candied fruit note.
We drank this neat on our first sip, but we find that adding an ice cube works wonders in making this BIB’s subtle notes and aroma shine through more. But what’s the best bourbon at Costco?
2. Kirkland Signature Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Around $20
Alcohol Content: 46%
Quick Description:
The Kirkland Signature Small Batch Bourbon, made again by Barton 1792 Distillery, is another solid bottle that’s enjoyably smooth.
We have to say that this is the best out of the bunch for sipping neat. Tasting notes include creamy vanilla, caramel, and a little oak and rye spice.
Overall this is a great choice if you’re looking for something friendly and uncomplicated, but we have to admit that the Kirkland Small Batch wasn’t that memorable.
3. Kirkland Signature Single Barrel
Average Price: Around $30
Alcohol Content: 60%
Quick Description:
The Kirkland Single Barrel has the highest proof among the three at 120. This is palpably stronger with a lot more spicy burn, which is expected with such a high proof.
The pleasant dried fruit notes in the mid-palate make way for a cinnamon and clove spice finish.
At first, the ethanol aroma might turn you off, but serve this on the rocks or serve the bourbon whiskey chilled to dampen that a little bit — you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. And at just about $30, this bottle is an awesome steal.
Read: Does Costco Sell Japanese Whiskies?
FAQs Related to Who Makes Kirkland Bourbon for Costco?
Who manufactures Kirkland bourbon for Costco?
Kirkland bourbon for Costco is produced by various well-known distilleries, but the specific distillery behind each bottling is not always disclosed by Costco. However, some Kirkland bourbon products are believed to be sourced from established distilleries and then sold under the Kirkland brand.
Can I find out which distillery produces Kirkland bourbon?
While Costco typically does not disclose the distillery source for their Kirkland bourbon, there have been speculations and investigations by enthusiasts that suggest certain Kirkland bourbon products may come from particular distilleries.
Are there any rumors or speculations about the origin of Kirkland bourbon?
Yes, there have been rumors and speculations within the whiskey community regarding the source of Kirkland bourbon, with some enthusiasts suggesting possible distillery origins based on taste profiles and bottle similarities.
Why doesn’t Costco disclose the distillery behind Kirkland bourbon?
Costco tends to keep the sourcing of their Kirkland branded products, including bourbon, confidential as part of their business practices and agreements with suppliers.
Does the undisclosed distillery affect the quality of Kirkland bourbon?
The undisclosed distillery behind Kirkland bourbon does not necessarily affect its quality. Many Kirkland bourbon products have received positive reviews and are regarded as good value for their price.
Are there any advantages to sourcing bourbon for a private label brand like Kirkland?
Sourcing bourbon for a private label brand like Kirkland allows Costco to offer high-quality products at competitive prices by leveraging their purchasing power and negotiating favorable terms with distilleries.
Kirkland Bourbon used to be made in Kentucky when Jim Beam was still producing the flagship spirit for the brand.
Final Thoughts About Who Makes Kirkland Bourbon for Costco?
Costco’s bourbon, Kirkland Signature, is produced in the Barton 1792 Distillery in Kentucky.
Barton 1792 is a reputable distillery known for producing some of the best bottles to graze liquor shelves, like the 1792 Bourbon and Kentucky Gentleman.
It makes perfect sense why the retail business partnered with them for their three new bourbon expressions: Single Barrel, Bottled-In-Bond, and Small Batch.
The George Dickel Distillery produces the flagship Kirkland Costco Bourbon, which Jim Beam previously produced.
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