Costco is known for numerous things – from buying goods in bulk to amazing discounts and deals and dealing with nearly anything you wish to buy(cosmetics, clothing, food, medication). But did you know that they also provide some of the best whiskey in the market?
The company strives to become a liquor staple and has a proprietary brand for Kirkland Signature Whiskey. This guide aims to compare the different whiskeys in the market available at Costco and help you pick the best one that fits your taste.
Difference Between Irish Whiskey and Scotch
Most people use these two terms interchangeably, but they are quite different. The main difference between Irish whiskey and Scotch is the origin: Irish whiskey is distilled in Ireland, while Scotch whisky is distilled in Scotland.
The distillation process is another notable difference. Irish whiskey is distilled three times, while Scotch whisky is distilled only twice, resulting in a smoother taste for the former. The flavor profile of each whiskey also varies significantly, with Irish whiskey being lighter, sweet, and smooth, and Scotch has a smoky, peaty note to it.
However, the two varieties do share a few similarities in terms of production. The maturation process, for example, involves aging the spirit in oak barrels for at least three years. This process gives both options a smoky and toasty flavor.
Irish Whiskey Vs. Scotch Whisky – Comparison Table
| Distillation | Flavor Profile | Maturation process | Characteristics | Price Range | |
| Irish Whisky | 3 times | Lighter, sweeter, and smooth | Aged in oak barrels for at least three years | Grainy, nutty, fruity notes | Mid-range prices |
| Scotch Whisky | 2 times | Smoky with a peaty note | Aged in oak barrels for at least three years | Smoky, peaty, woody, and earthy notes | Expensive to mid-range prices |
7 Best Whiskeys at Costco – H2
Now that you have an idea of what Costco offers and the differences between the two main types of whiskey, here are some picks for the best whiskeys at Costco.
Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whiskey
The Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whiskey is great for thick, classic flavor lovers. This full-bodied whiskey has honey, caramel, and oaky smokiness notes. It’s best served neat or with a few drops of water at room temperature.
The liquor starts with a candy-like sweetness, followed by a smoky, peaty flavor, but it slowly pulls inside an orange zest, which is nice for the aftertaste. It has a 40% alcohol content, so you can get more than you bargained for.
Kirkland 12-Year Blended Scotch Whisky
This whiskey is neither too old to break the bank nor too young to be called a “real” whisky. It is an excellent balance between the two.
This whiskey offers a nice flavor blend of honey, pears, and toasted black bread, with a hint of smoke. It has a balanced body that is not too light but not overly heavy.
The aftertaste brings out the smokiness, a slightly nutty flavor, and some nice woody notes. The drink has an excellently smooth finish and a long-lasting warmth, making it perfect for sipping neat.
This whiskey’s flavor complexity makes it perfect for cocktails. If you wish to invite friends for an evening of drinks, this is the whiskey to have. It mixes well with other spirits and can be used as a base for various cocktails.
Kirkland Signature Speyside Single Malt Scotch 23 Years
If you don’t love the burn and sting of most bourbon or rye whiskey, then you should go for this Scotch. The liquor is aged in ex-sherry casks, which gives it a distinct flavor. You will enjoy the sherry notes, along with honey-like and oak consistencies.
The maltiness of the whiskey is strongly present in every sip and does not overpower. It’s smooth enough to be neat or on the rocks but can also be used for more complex cocktails.
The Kirkland Signature Speyside Single Malt Scotch 23 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive bottle of whiskey for a glass neat or mixing it up for a cocktail; this whiskey will not disappoint you.
It starts with a citric note (mostly orange), which develops into honey and fruity flavors and finishes with a strong but smooth oak. The taste is very balanced, with no one flavor overpowering the others.
Kirkland Signature Speyside Single Malt Whiskey 22 Years
This is the perfect whiskey for anyone who enjoys a smooth, balanced flavor. It has a fruity, woody nose with sherry notes, aged in sherry casks. The taste is smooth and mellow, with hints of honey, dried fruits, and oak.
This liquor is also abundant in earthly flavors such as leather, tobacco, and pepper. It has a long finish with an ever-present sherry note that lingers in the background. This is a great whiskey for enjoying neat or on the rocks.
Whether you want to savor the taste of whiskey alone or mix it up for a cocktail, this whiskey is great. With a 46% alcohol content, it is sure to pack a punch. The price is right too. For quality, you get amazing value at Costco.
Kirkland Signature Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This whiskey contains all traditional elements of bourbon, from caramel, vanilla, rye, and oak. It has a unique flavor that is smooth yet rich in taste. The mash bill of this whiskey predominantly consists of corn, rye, and malted barley with an age statement of two years in an oak barrel.
This whiskey has a long, smooth finish that will leave an impression. It ends with oak and clove notes, giving it a unique flavor. These features make the drink ideal for mixed drinks and cocktails.
Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whiskey
This liquor is also known as a bottled sharp-baked cookie due to its sweetness and slight spice. It has a light-bodied taste that is mellow yet full of flavor.
It begins with a peppermint taste, followed by baked goods and a hint of oak. The finish is sweet and smooth, with a hint of caramel.
This Whisky is aged in an oak barrel for six years to give it a unique flavor and to make it more robust. The Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whiskey is an excellent choice for whiskey connoisseurs looking for something affordable yet high-quality. It is perfect for sipping on the rocks or crafting amazing cocktails.
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
Another great option from the Scottish distilleries is the Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. This whiskey is made with malted barley and peated to give it a smoky flavor. It has an aroma of smoke, sugar, honey, and spice. The taste is slightly sweet, with hints of citrus and licorice. There are also notes of oak and leather in the finish.
You will love this option if you like a full-bodied whiskey with complex flavors. It is perfect for sipping neat or mixed drinks.
Which is the Best Whiskey in Costco?
There is no on-size-fit-all answer to this question, as everyone has different tastes and preferences. Some essential factors to consider during your selection include:
Taste
Most whiskeys have a smoky flavor, but there are also sweeter options. Some whiskeys have an oak or leather finish, while others may have notes of citrus and licorice. The taste is highly subjective, so pick whichever matches your palate best.
Also, consider how you intend to drink the whiskey. For example, if you mix it with other ingredients, choose one with a mild flavor that other flavors won’t overpower. If you love your drink dry and neat, go for a full-bodied whiskey with bold flavors.
Age
Whiskey gets better as it ages, so consider the age of your desired bottle. Older whiskeys are usually more expensive, but they may also have complex taste notes that can’t be found in younger bottles. Some good options at Costco include the 22 and 23-year-old bottles of Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Price
If you’re looking for good quality whiskey on a budget, Costco has plenty of options that won’t break the bank. For example, their Kirkland Signature Aged Canadian Whiskey, aged 8 to 12 years, costs about $25 a bottle. The price may increase if you’re looking for something more exotic, like the Kirkland Signature Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Speyside region of Scotland. But you cannot let cost deter you from enjoying a quality bottle of whiskey.
Origin
When shopping for whiskey at Costco, you will notice that many of their options are from Canada and Scotland. This is because both countries have a long-standing reputation for producing excellent whiskey, and Costco has capitalized on this by offering some of the best bottles available.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profiles of whiskeys vary greatly depending on where they are from. Canadian whiskey is typically smooth and light, while Scottish whiskeys can be robust and smoky. Both regions offer a wide range of flavors, so research before deciding which bottle you want to purchase.
Final Thoughts
Costco has some excellent whiskeys in its selection. Everything from single-malt scotch to Irish Whisky can be found here, all at a great price point. Take your time to go through the selection, and you’ll surely find something to enjoy. And if unsure, you can check reviews on their website or YouTube.
