Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Lydia Martin
The Kirkland liquor line has offered some of the most affordable yet premium quality drinks for many years now. But despite their billions of sales every year, there is only a handful of information we know regarding their drinks.
Many associate Costco’s Kirkland Signature Canadian whisky and Kirkland Signature vodka with premium brands. But does Costco sell Jameson whiskey under their home brand? Who makes Kirkland Irish whiskey?
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ToggleWho’s Making Kirkland Irish Whiskey?
The alleged maker of Kirkland Irish Whiskey is the Irish Distillers Ltd. (IDL). But just like most Kirkland brands, there is no official confirmation from Costco regarding their supplier.
For instance, we know that Alexander Murray supplied Costco’s Kirkland Signature Scotch whiskies because their president and CEO confirmed it during an interview in 2016. Although Costco remains passive about their supplier, you will still notice the Alexander Murray label in the bottles of their Kirkland Scotch.
In the case of Kirkland Irish Whiskey, the only information we can gather in their bottles is that MISA Imports handles the importation of this Kirkland brand liquor. But what makes Irish Whiskey different?
Does Costco Make Kirkland Irish Whiskey?
No, Costco does not make the Kirkland Irish Whiskey. The company focuses on selling the Kirkland brand products they procured from undisclosed third-party producers. Hiding their original manufacturers most probably makes Costco booze bargains even more intriguing to their consumers.
It is a popular nationwide grocery chain alongside Trader Joe’s, Target, and Walmart. Some speculations regarding the Kirkland signature brand spirits state that Kirkland Vodka is the same as Grey Goose, and the Kirkland Irish Cream is the same as Baileys.
In addition, Kirkland Tequila shares the same distillery as Cielo Tequila, leading many people to associate the products.
The Company That Supplies It (Allegedly)
As mentioned, the Irish Distillers Ltd (IDL) is the alleged supplier of the Kirkland Brand Irish Whiskey. The distillery is under Pernod Ricard, one of the world’s largest liquor producers, making it the only Irish distillery to have the capacity and volume to supply Costco.
It is already common for Costco to partner with well-known liquor companies and distilleries such as Alexander Murray and Macallan Distillery for their Kirkland Scotch. They also source Costco’s Canadian whisky from the same distillery as Crown Royal.
On the other hand, Tennessee Distilling bottled the Kirkland Tennessee whiskey, while Jim Beam is responsible for the Kirkland Bourbon or their small-batch bourbon expression.
What People Suspect Who Makes It
Jameson Irish Whiskey
One of the wonders for many whiskey enthusiasts is probably, “Is Kirkland Irish whiskey from Jameson?” Jameson whiskey is perhaps the most popular Irish whiskey in the market, made by the same alleged distillery that makes Kirkland Irish whiskey.
However, Jameson is more expensive than the Kirkland brand whiskey. It also has a sweeter flavor profile and a smoother finish.
Crown Royal
Kirkland’s Canadian whisky and Crown Royal are produced in the same Gimli Distillery in Canada. Both distilled spirits almost have the same flavor profile that is hard to distinguish in a blind tasting test. These similarities led to more speculations connecting another Kirkland whiskey to Crown Royal.
But Kirkland Signature Irish whiskey follows the whiskey-making guidelines of Ireland, not Canada.
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Where Does Kirkland Irish Whiskey Gets Distilled?
Kirkland Irish Whiskey gets distilled in Ireland. It is one of the regulations set by the Irish Whiskey Act of 1950 [1]. Although whiskey/whisky can be produced globally, some varieties must follow certain regulations according to their country of origin.
For example, Kirkland Small Batch Bourbon is a whiskey product exclusively produced in the United States. Other distilled spirits like Kirkland Vodka, which is often associated with Grey Goose, have easier guidelines to follow.
Although it is unclear who makes Costco Irish Whiskey, we can be sure that it came from Ireland. But what’s the best whiskey at Costco?
Fun Facts About Kirkland Irish Whiskey
How It’s Made
According to law, it is necessary to age Irish whiskey in new or previously filled barrels for at least three years. These barrels may have already been used to age sherry, rum, or bourbon.
However, this Kirkland booze is a triple distilled whiskey that has been aged for at least four years using oak casks.
Related Posts:
- Who Makes Kirkland Tequila?
- Who Makes Kirkland Tennessee Whiskey?
- Who Makes Kirkland Vodka?
- What’s the Best Irish Whiskey For the Money?
- What’s the Most Expensive Irish Whiskey?
Key Ingredients
Again, different countries have different guidelines regarding their whiskey-making process and labeling. This Costco whiskey used fine malt and grain during production based on its bottle label. It makes Kirkland whiskey rich and smooth on the palate.
There are also speculations that this liquor contains a pot still whiskey, consisting of a minimum of 30% malted, 30% unmalted barley, and an additional 5% other cereals [2].
It Doesn’t Have a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA)
This whiskey is not on the list of COLA registries posted on the official website of TTB. However, it is subject to having a “Certificate of Origin, Age and Conformity with the Immature Spirits Acts for Spirits Exported To.” It is a requirement for imported distilled spirits coming from the Republic of Ireland.[3]
Blended or Malted?
This liquor is likely a blended whiskey. As blended Irish whiskey consists of malt and grain whiskeys, there are also assumptions that the liquor contains a Single Pot Still. It is a quintessential Irish whiskey style that pays homage to its country of origin.
Since the Kirkland Signature Irish whiskey contains a grain whiskey blended into the liquor, then it does not fall under the Single Malt whiskey category. But what’s the best Irish Whiskey to drink straight?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is Kirkland Irish whiskey?
Kirkland Signature Irish Whiskey is available at around $28 for a bottle of 1.75 Liters. The product is triple-distilled and aged for four years. Many experts also believe that it is a blended whiskey combining grain whiskey and a single pot still with a small amount of malt whiskey.
Does Kirkland Irish whiskey come from Ireland?
Yes, Kirkland Irish whiskeys come from Ireland. It is one of the requirements to bear the Irish Whiskey name on its bottle label.
Is Costco Irish whiskey the same as Jameson?
No, Costco’s Irish whiskey is not the same as Jameson. Jameson is a well-known brand of Irish whiskey produced by the Irish Distillers subsidiary of Pernod Ricard.
Costco offers its own private label Kirkland Signature brand of Irish whiskey, and while it may be a quality product, it is a distinct and separate brand from Jameson.
Who makes Kirkland’s whisky?
Kirkland’s whisky, including its Irish whiskey, is produced by various distilleries. The specific distillery or distilleries that produce Kirkland’s spirits are typically kept confidential, and Costco does not publicly disclose the producers of their private-label products.
This approach allows Costco to work with different suppliers to source high-quality products at competitive prices.
Is Kirkland’s Irish whiskey good?
The quality of Kirkland’s Irish whiskey, like any spirit, is subjective and dependent on individual taste preferences. Some consumers find Kirkland’s Irish whiskey to be a good value for its price, offering a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.
However, opinions on taste can vary, and it’s advisable for individuals to try the whiskey themselves to determine if it aligns with their personal preferences.
Is Kirkland whiskey the same as Jack Daniels?
No, Kirkland whiskey is not the same as Jack Daniel’s. Kirkland Signature offers its own private-label whiskeys, and these are not produced by Jack Daniel’s.
Jack Daniel’s is a well-known Tennessee whiskey brand with its own distinct production process, flavor profile, and brand identity. Kirkland’s whiskey, while potentially offering good value, is a separate and independent product.
Does Kirkland have an Irish whiskey?
Yes, Kirkland does offer Irish whiskey as part of its private-label Kirkland Signature brand. The specific details about the producer or distillery of Kirkland’s Irish whiskey are typically not disclosed publicly.
As with other Kirkland Signature products, the Irish whiskey offered by Costco is often considered a value-oriented option for consumers looking for quality spirits at competitive prices.
What type of whiskey is Kirkland?
Kirkland offers a variety of whiskies, including Scotch whisky, bourbon, and Irish whiskey, as part of its private-label Kirkland Signature brand.
The specific type of whiskey may vary, and Kirkland sources its spirits from different distilleries to provide a range of options to its customers.
Which country brand is Kirkland’s?
Kirkland’s whiskey is not associated with a specific country or region because Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private-label brand.
Costco works with various distilleries globally to produce its Kirkland Signature spirits, allowing the retail giant to offer a diverse selection of high-quality products at competitive prices.
How long is Kirkland whiskey aged?
The aging duration of Kirkland’s whiskey can vary depending on the specific product. Costco partners with different distilleries to create its Kirkland Signature spirits, and each distillery may have its own aging process for their respective whiskies.
The age statement for Kirkland whiskies is typically provided on the product’s label, indicating the number of years the whiskey has been aged.
Where is Kirkland liquor made?
Kirkland liquor is produced in various locations, as Costco sources its Kirkland Signature spirits from different distilleries around the world. The specific origin of
Kirkland’s liquor products, whether it be Scotch whisky, bourbon, or Irish whiskey, depends on the individual distillery that produces each particular expression.
What whiskey is most similar to Jameson?
Several Irish whiskies share similarities with Jameson in terms of style and flavor profile. Brands like Bushmills, Redbreast, Powers, and Tullamore D.E.W. are often mentioned in the same breath as Jameson.
Each of these whiskies has its own distinct characteristics, but they generally fall within the smooth and approachable style associated with many Irish whiskeys.
Exploring these alternatives allows individuals to find a whiskey that aligns with their preferences while enjoying the traditional Irish whiskey experience.
Final Verdict: Who Makes Kirkland Irish Whiskey?
Irish Distillers Ltd. allegedly makes Kirkland Irish whiskey because of its volume and capacity to supply Costco. The company does not make its own whiskey or any other products they sell. Costco only enters into partnerships with different manufacturers to supply their goods.
Some of their products are often mistaken for premium brands like Grey Goose French Vodka and Jameson’s best-selling Irish whiskey. Their Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian whisky came from the same facility as Crown Royal, while Alexander Murray partners with different Scottish distilleries to supply Kirkland’s Scotch.
References:
- Irish Whiskey Basics
- Why You Should Buy Costco’s Signature Kirkland Signature Whiskies
- Part 5 – Labelling And Advertising Of Distilled Spirit