That value extends to theboozeaisle, with Costco solidifying its place as North America’sbiggest retailerofalcoholicbeverages.
In the 2022 fiscal year, the big box retailer sold $6.5 billion in alcoholic beverages.
According toForbes,about half of those sales were wine, a quarter spirits, and a quarter beer.
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Costco doesn’t actually produce its signature spirits.
Costco’s booze has even inspired the TikTok series “Can it Kirkland?”
in which five members of the band Never Ending Fall compare name-brand alcohol to its Kirkland Signature counterpart.
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(Booze that “can” Kirkland?
Spiced rum, French vodka, dry gin, small batch bourbon, among others.)
And when it comes to quality, booze experts are impressed, too.
u/CoronaCurious/Reddit
(He also founded the annualNew York International Spirits Competition.
He knows spirits!)
“The Kirkland portfolio has no duds.
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All of their selections are solid winners to me,” says Levy.
“They often exceed the quality of most of the big brands' portfolios.”
Check out thishandy mapto see whether your local warehouse sells spirits.)
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It’s notGrey Goosehas officially put that myth to rest.
Still Kirkland’s French vodka is a fan favorite and it has held up in taste tests.
(The Kitchnpitted it against Ketel One and Grey Goose and Kirkland’scame out on top.)
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Joe Bruno, owner and director ofAmerican Bartenders School, has 35 years experience in the nightlife industry.
He’s run some of the most famous (and infamous) nightclubs in New York City’s history.
“Quite honestly, as a blanket statement, I’m a fan,” Bruno says.
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Bruno blind-tested Kirkland’s French vodka and was pleasantly surprised by the results.
I see why the comparison leads to this assumption," Bruno says.
“The flavor profile and mouthfeel is pretty damn close.”
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Bourbon sour, anyone?
Hall uses Kirkland’s American vodka for infusions and to keep simple syrups longer.
“The Signature American Vodka tastes like many name brand vodkas,” she says.
“Any vodka lover will be happy with it.
We made ahomemade strawberry vodkawith it, as well as aDIY caramel vodka.”
Bruno is on board with this vodka, too.
It retails around $14 for 1.75 liters, so there’s really no downside to trying it out.
Our experts say, yesit is definitely worth it for around $70.
“This was exceptional,” says Bruno.
“The value is there and you just can’t go wrong.
“It would also make a great gift.”
Alexander Murray, one of Scotland’s leading independent bottlers, makes this Scotch.
One online reviewersaysit is worth every cent.
Bruno recommends sipping this neat with a bit of water.
“This has a fine mixability like a Gordons, Tanqueray, or Beefeater,” he says.
“Perfect for a low rent martini or gin and tonic.”
(And yes, it “can” Kirkland.)
For around $25, experts say this Scotch is exceptionally well-priced.
“Great for a quick rocks drink or mixed cocktail.”
Levy says this bottle is great for cocktails or to bring to a party.
Kirkland Signature Small Batch Bourbon
Here’sanother Kirkland bourbonworth trying, a small batch version.
