Who Makes Kirkland Canadian Whisky? (2023 Updated)

Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by Lydia Martin

Kirkland brand liquor is generally considered a decent buy given its price range. And what makes Kirkland more interesting is the speculations regarding its manufacturer being one of the big distillers.  

Do you have any idea who makes Kirkland Canadian whisky? Keep reading if you want to know the truth. 

Kirkland Canadian Whisky – Who Makes It?

There are hearsays that Crown Royal manufactures this spirit. As we all know, the Kirkland Signature brand markets several whiskeys.

Since there’s no confirmation between the brands, we can say that Costco really did a great job guarding the identity of its partners. 

According to our whiskey experts, this is Costco’s private label brand.

Currently, Costco carries 10 whiskey expressions under the Kirkland signature brand: bourbons and Kirkland signature Irish whiskey, Kirkland signature blended Scotch whisky, Tennessee whiskey, and a Canadian whisky.

Does Crown Royal Make it? 

During our taste test of the Kirkland signature Canadian spirit, it had an aroma and smack profile similar to Crown Royal.

So, we think it leads to the speculations that Crown Royal makes the Kirkland signature booze. 

Upon consulting the Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) [1] of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Costco only listed the Tennessee Distilling LTD as their distiller. 

What Makes People Think So?

As we mentioned earlier, this spirit has a very close palate profile and nose to Crown Royal. However, we can still distinguish Crown Royal from Kirkland.

The Kirkland version is a little bit spicier than Crown Royal because of its long aging process. 

The blended Crown Royal comprises 50 different types of hooch, each with its own distinct mash bill.

According to Costco, the Kirkland Canadian spirit has four ingredients: 2% rye, 2% barley, 94% corn, and 1% Sherry. 

Read: Pendleton Canadian Whisky Guide

How Crown Royal Resembles Kirkland Canadian Whisky

The Kirkland label is very similar to that of Crown Royal. The purple colorway, the standing lion logo, and the cursive font are too similar.

We can’t see why Crown Royal would allow this to happen without permission.

Also, the standing lion and purple colorways are too similar for them not to sue if they didn’t have an agreement.

Also, both whiskeys share the same color – golden amber – and their finish is closely related, providing warming and pleasantly spice notes. 

Read: Popular Cheap Canadian Whisky Brands?

What Experts Say Who Could Be Its Manufacturer

• Based on our expert opinion, Kirkland Tequila is manufactured in the same distillery as Cielo Tequila.
• Gordon Biersch brews Kirkland Beer.
• Jim Beam manufactures Kirkland Rum and Bourbon. 
• Either Macallan Distillery or Alexander Murray distills Kirkland Scotch.
• Kirkland Vodka is manufactured by the same employees, using the same water source that Grey Goose uses. 
• Irish Distillers LTD manufactures Kirkland Signature Irish Whiskey label. 

Is Kirkland Canadian Whisky Sourced?

Kirkland Canadian Whisky could be sourced. Older bottles have revealed in their labels that the whisky is imported by Wide World Importers, a company once associated with Sazerac, but is now listed as inactive.  

Read: Does Costco Offer Japanese Whisky Brands?

Fun Facts

Tasting Notes

Palate

These whiskeys boast a sugary cookie flavor with hints of peppermint and mild teaberry. It comes with a little punch on the mid-palate but is not too wild. 

Appearance

This booze comes with a golden amber color, which is very soothing and interesting to the eyes. Also, its elegant bottle is a plus point. 

Nose

You can expect a clean bouquet with the fragrance of fruit and baked goods with a flavoring and vegetal element. 

Finish

This Kirkland version from Costco provides a smooth with subtle warming seasoning notes.

You can expect a biscuit-like background that lingers on the throat as you move forward. 

Read: Canadian Whisky & Bourbon Compared

Price & Value

The Kirkland Signature Canadian alcohol has an estimated price of $21.99 (depending on liquor stores).

Additionally, here’s the breakdown of prices of Kirkland’s signature whiskey.

• The Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch whisky is priced at around $27.65.
• The Kirkland Signature Small Batch Bourbon is priced at about $27.99. 
• The Kirkland Signature Irish Whiskey is priced under $42.46. 
• The Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin is priced at $23.99. 

You can definitely get a delicious and high-quality drink at an affordable price in this price range. You can easily find them in your favorite stores. 

*Average prices are based on Total Wine, Wine Searcher, and Drizly online. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.

Read: Kirkland Tennessee Whiskey Review

FAQs 

In Closing

Costco label has managed to create a wide variety of products under a single brand name, making them more affordable while keeping their manufacturing partners a secret. To clarify, Costco doesn’t operate or own any breweries, making us wonder who really makes the Kirkland Canadian Whisky. 

Overall, assuming that Crown Royal is behind the Kirkland Canadian Whisky production, they really did a good job introducing a close-to-perfection spirit! 

Reference: 

1. https://www.ttb.gov/alfd/certificate-of-label-aproval-cola

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