Costco has built a loyal following for everything from its baked goods to its bargain wines, but its whiskey selection deserves just as much attention. Some whiskies even have hidden connections to major distilleries, giving shoppers high-quality drinks at a fraction of the price. There are even a few secret perks for buyers, including limited editions and places where you do not need a membership to make a purchase. Here are a few interesting facts that might change how you see Costco’s famous whiskey aisle.
Contents
- 1 Costco’s Massive Alcohol Sales
- 2 Kirkland Bourbon’s True Source
- 3 Kirkland vs. Pricey Labels
- 4 Rare Whiskey Finds at Costco
- 5 Limited-Edition Kirkland Whiskies
- 6 Kirkland and Crown Royal Connection
- 7 Wide Kirkland Whiskey Selection
- 8 Rumored Scotch Supplier Revealed
- 9 Kirkland Whiskies Cost Less
- 10 Kirkland’s Irish Whiskey Partner
- 11 Non-Member Whiskey Access
- 12 More From RetailShout
- 13 9 Fan-Favorite Clothing Items Costco Shoppers Swear By
- 14 10 Aldi Dupes That Rival Pottery Barn’s Pricey Pieces
Costco’s Massive Alcohol Sales
Costco’s alcohol sales are larger than most people realize. In 2023 alone, the retailer reportedly sold between $6.5 and $7 billion worth of alcohol. That figure makes Costco the biggest alcohol retailer in the world, not just in the United States. Around a quarter of those sales come from spirits, including its wide range of whiskies. Many shoppers are drawn in by the low prices and large bottle sizes that make Costco feel like a bargain stop for booze. The membership system also plays a role, encouraging customers to stock up to get their money’s worth. With so much whisky moving through its shelves, it is clear that Costco’s alcohol section is a quiet powerhouse.
Kirkland Bourbon’s True Source
Costco’s bourbon has quite the backstory. Its Kirkland Signature line of bourbon whiskies is made by Barton 1792 Distillery, a Kentucky producer with deep roots in bourbon-making. Barton has been distilling bourbon since 1879 and is known for its small-batch style and classic Kentucky flavor. For years, Costco partnered with different suppliers, including Jim Beam and George Dickel, before landing on Barton 1792. The switch gave its Kirkland bourbon a more distinct taste and higher quality. Shoppers can now find multiple Kirkland bourbon expressions, from small batch to single barrel. With Barton behind it, Kirkland bourbon delivers solid craftsmanship at a fraction of the name-brand price.
Kirkland vs. Pricey Labels
Many Costco shoppers have found that Kirkland whiskies taste similar to expensive name brands. The Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky, for instance, has been compared to Dewar’s White Label for its smooth and balanced flavor. Likewise, Kirkland’s Canadian whisky shares plenty of traits with Crown Royal, from bottle shape to aroma. These similarities make Kirkland whiskies a smart buy for those who want quality without paying premium prices. Even whisky enthusiasts admit the Kirkland line holds up well in cocktails or enjoyed neat. While the label might not carry the same prestige, the flavor experience is often just as satisfying. It is an easy way to save money while still drinking well.
Rare Whiskey Finds at Costco
Costco is famous for more than its Kirkland brand. The retailer also stocks some of the most sought-after whiskies in the world. Shelves may feature bottles from Johnnie Walker, Glenlivet, Macallan, and even the elusive Pappy Van Winkle. When Pappy Van Winkle does appear, it is often priced slightly lower than in specialty stores, though it sells out fast. These rare “drops” happen without warning, making them a thrill for collectors and whiskey lovers. Costco’s wide range lets shoppers grab both affordable Kirkland bottles and luxurious name brands in one trip. For those lucky enough to find the rare ones, it feels like striking gold in the liquor aisle.
Limited-Edition Kirkland Whiskies
Kirkland whiskies are not always the same year after year. Costco occasionally releases limited-edition versions that highlight special flavors or events. For example, the store offered an eight-year Scotch for Lunar New Year 2024, complete with a dragon-themed design. In earlier years, there were special releases like a 15-year single malt and a 20-year Speyside Scotch. These bottles often feature slightly different notes while keeping the smooth and balanced flavor Kirkland is known for. They are also collectible since they appear for a short time and do not always return. Keeping an eye on the whisky section might reward fans with something truly unique.
Kirkland and Crown Royal Connection
Rumors have long swirled about Costco’s Kirkland Canadian whisky being linked to Crown Royal. Many drinkers say the two taste almost identical, with a smooth sweetness and a bit of spice. Both whiskies are blended, which might explain the resemblance in flavor and aroma. While Costco has never confirmed the partnership, the similarities are too strong for most people to ignore. Some believe the Kirkland version could be made with a slightly altered recipe from the same distillery. The Kirkland bottle is aged six years, giving it a mellow finish that appeals to many fans. Whether the rumor is true or not, the drink delivers impressive quality for its price.
Wide Kirkland Whiskey Selection
Costco’s Kirkland line offers a surprisingly broad whiskey selection. Shoppers can find Scotch, bourbon, Canadian, and Irish whiskies under the Kirkland name. The Scotch range includes multiple single malts, Speyside options, and blended expressions, some aged up to 25 years. Its bourbon selection tends to appear more often in the summer, giving fans something seasonal to look forward to. Irish and Canadian whiskies round out the lineup, showing Costco’s commitment to variety. Some bottles even come in limited runs or specialty packaging, adding more appeal to collectors. Whether you want smoky, spicy, or sweet notes, Kirkland’s whiskey range has something for nearly every taste.
Rumored Scotch Supplier Revealed
Costco’s Kirkland Scotch has a mystery behind it, but most people believe they know the truth. Since 2007, the supplier is widely assumed to be Alexander Murray & Co., a respected Scotch company based in California. The brand was founded by Steve Lipp, who learned the whisky trade in Scotland before launching his own operation. Alexander Murray produces many private-label whiskies in the United States, making it a natural fit for Costco. The Kirkland versions often include single malts aged 12 to 25 years, offering impressive depth and smoothness. Buying them at Costco gives shoppers a chance to taste quality Scotch without paying top-shelf prices. While Costco never confirms its producers, the taste speaks for itself.
Kirkland Whiskies Cost Less
One of Costco’s biggest draws is price, and its whiskies are no exception. Kirkland whiskies cost far less than their name-brand counterparts but still offer satisfying flavor and quality. A 1.75-liter bottle of Kirkland Canadian whisky usually costs between $20 and $30, compared to about $50 for Crown Royal. The same goes for its Scotch, where the 12-year expression costs around $46 while similar bottles like Johnnie Walker Black are pricier. These savings make stocking up feel like a smart move, especially for gatherings or gifts. Despite the lower cost, the whiskies taste smooth, balanced, and well-aged. Costco proves you do not have to pay more for a good drink.
Kirkland’s Irish Whiskey Partner
Costco’s Kirkland Irish whiskey has gained a reputation for quality and smoothness. The secret may lie in who makes it. Many believe the whiskey is produced by Irish Distillers Ltd., the same company behind Jameson, Redbreast, and Powers. Costco has never confirmed the partnership, but the flavor and craftsmanship point in that direction. The whiskey carries the rich, barley-based taste and long aging typical of Irish Distillers products. Fans enjoy it as a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive Irish bottles found in liquor stores. Whether or not the rumor is true, Kirkland Irish whiskey continues to earn loyal fans for its approachable flavor.
Non-Member Whiskey Access
Many people think you must have a Costco membership to buy its whisky, but that is not always true. In some regions, Costco operates separate liquor stores that allow non-members to shop freely. These are mostly found in Alberta, Canada, where liquor laws require alcohol to be sold in distinct outlets. The setup lets anyone walk in and buy whisky, vodka, or other spirits without flashing a membership card. In the United States, though, things are more restricted, and you generally need to be a member. Some states do have separate entrances for alcohol sales, but a valid Costco card is still required. If you find one of the few locations that sells liquor openly, it feels like a rare win.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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