Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Kirkland tequila is part of Costco’s Kirkland signature brands, their private-label bottles. Costco sells various products, but they do not own a distillery.
The question now is, who makes Kirkland tequila?
Let us find out who is behind this Kirkland bottle and if Costco sells quality spirits.
So, Who’s Making Kirkland Tequila?
Fabrica de Tequilas Finos initially made Kirkland Tequila; however, Corporate Distillery Santa Lucia, S.A. de C.V. makes Kirkland Signature Tequila today. It’s a modern distillery from Tesistán, Jalisco. [1]
According to our insider, Costco outsourced its tequilas from Mexico’s La Madrileña and Fabrica de Tequilas Finos before switching distillery.
La Madrileña used to produce Costco Silver Tequila, Reposado, and Añejo, while Fabrica de Tequilas Finos produced Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila.
All Costco tequilas are made from 100% blue agave and must be bottled in Jalisco, Mexico.
“If you want to make some memories, add some tequila.” -Jimmy Buffett, Musician
Costco acquired the services of these distilleries to produce Kirkland tequilas since the company does not have its distillery.
Costco has other products made by various manufacturers, too. But what is Kirkland tequila comparable to?
Where Is Costco’s Kirkland Tequila Made?
La Madrileña
La Madrileña is from Tototlan Jalisco, Mexico, where they produce Costco Kirkland Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila, and Añejo tequila.
This distillery doesn’t only produce Kirkland tequilas. It also produces Corona, Jarana, Mayorazgo, and Piedra Azul products.
Costco outsources three varieties from La Madrileña, bottles them, and labels them Kirkland Signature Tequilas.
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Fabrica de Tequilas Finos
This distillery produced Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila in 2019 from the Cognac region in France.
The same distillery manufactures other brands like Cielo Tequila and Ed Hardy Tequila. It also makes Grey Goose vodka. But is tequila really stronger than vodka?
Corporate Distillery Santa Lucia, S.A. de C.V
After few years of using La Madrileña and Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, Costco decided to upgrade its tequila’s quality.
Now, the Costco proprietary brand uses Corporate Distillery Santa Lucia (NOM 1173) to produce tequilas that, according to some, have better quality than what the former tequila distilleries used to make.
Kirkland Signature tequilas are currently made in Tesistán town, northwest of Guadalajara.
This modern distillery uses high-pressure autoclaves to cook the agave piñas. It then ferments the cooked agave in stainless steel tanks.
This distillery uses a column or stainless steel pot stills for distillation. The mixture is then matured in virgin American or French oak barrels or ex-bourbon barrels.
However, even today, you can still find Costco tequila variants carrying the NOM 1142 of La Madrileña in some Costco stores.
Why Kirkland Doesn’t Make Their Own Tequila
Kirkland doesn’t make their tequila because they do not own a distillery.
Instead, they work with other known tequila manufacturers who agree to sell their products under their label.
The distillery that makes Kirkland tequilas also produces Ed Hardy (NOM 1472), Santos, KAH tequila, Sol Dios, and Tonala. But what does tequila taste like?
What Is A CRT NOM Number?
CRT NOM Number or Norma Oficial Mexicana is the official number provided by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT).
It is proof of authenticity that they manufacture their tequila in Mexico. Each bottle has either 1173 or 1472.
The famous skull tequila KAH Tequila Blanco bottle has the same NOM since the same manufacturer distills it.
“Kirkland is the hidden gem that shines brighter with every pour.” -Liquor Laboratory
This number is also on bottles such as Cielo, Sol Dios, and El Tesoro, among other known tequila brands.
To track who makes tequila brands, check the NOM rather than rely on a booze rating site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Kirkland Tequila Silver made by Patron?
No, Kirkland Tequila Silver is not made by Patron. It is made by La Madrileña which is located in Tototlan, Jalisco, Mexico. Patron Silver Tequila is also made in Jalisco but at Hacienda Tequila. More on Patron Silver and Kirkland Tequila Silver here.
They use special ingredients similar to Kirkland’s Columbia Valley Red Wine. Here’s the difference between silver and gold tequila.
How is Kirkland Tequila related to Cielo Tequila?
There is no relation between Cielo Tequila and Kirkland Tequila. The only similarity is that Cielo and Kirkland are made at the same distillery.
However, whoever makes Kirkland Silver Tequila is not using the same ingredients and process as Cielo does.
Why is Costco out of Kirkland Anejo Tequila?
Costo is out of Kirkland Añejo Tequila because they have to outsource this product to another distillery. Kirkland does not have a manufacturing distillery.
Acquiring the end-product and labeling it under Kirkland Signature Brands is written down in a contract, and sold at the same bottle with a different Costco price.
