Any Costco fan likely knows that the members-only retailer in-house brand Kirkland offers many popular products made by other companies that you may or may not have heard of. There's long been Costco lore about the manufacturer behind its baby diapers, coffee, and even parchment paper. When it comes to the booze, like Costco's Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky,California-based Scotch exporterAlexander Murray & Companyis the company you can thank.
The company behind the bottle is likely a name you haven't heard of, but probably should know if you appreciate a sip of scotch and want to try a brand other than the most-popular Scotch whiskies. The company works with many distillers across Scotland to source whiskey for stores like Costco. We aren't Costco insiders by any means, so there's not an exact answer to which distiller Alexander Murray & Company currently sources the Kirkland Scotch from. However, it's likely worth your money considering the warehouse chain was the retailer that sold the most Scotch whiskey in North America in 2023.
Alexander Murray & Companyhas been around since 1911. In addition to sourcing Scotch for Costco, it's reported to do the same for other familiar national chains like Trader Joe's — which is also known for an affordable dark liquor — and Walmart. It also has its own varieties of Scotch whiskies like a 16-year-old Glen Moray and Tomintoul that's been aged for 20 years per the company's website. You can find them at retailers like Total Wine & More and other local retailers.
As for the Kirkland's Scotch, you might notice the Alexander Murray & Company's name at the bottom of the label on the 1.75-liter bottles. The Scotch whiskey is 80 proof and matured in American oak casks per its label. Regarding the taste, some reviews say it's a nice sip but works best when used in co*cktails, but we think your best bet is to head to the local Costco and pick up a bottle. The Scotch is affordably priced at just under $30 per bottle, but check your closest warehouse for current pricing since it varies by location. And if you're a Costco member who prefers vodka, check out the company behind Kirkland's Signature French Vodka.
Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch whisky is reminiscent of Dewar's, a whisky it is often compared to. That doesn't mean it is Dewar's in Kirkland packaging, although it could be.
Alexander Murray makes scotch for a number of stores
Alexander Murray is a Californian company that was conceived by a group of Scottish immigrants in 2004, and in addition to Costco, the company provides its scotch to multiple stores including Trader Joe's and Total Wines & More.
The whisky pours a golden amber into the glass, immediately releasing a blast of raisined-sherry goodness. Aromas of sweet toffee and orchard fruits lead to hints of honeysuckle, winter spices, and rich malt. The mouthfeel is round, soft, and slightly sweet, with a mild alcohol bite soothed by a few drops of water.
Costco uses the Kirkland Signature brand on clothing and food, sporting goods, beauty products, paper goods, supplements and organic products like grass-fed beef and wild-caught salmon. Kirkland's, Inc. on the other hand, is a U. S. retail chain that sells home decor, furniture, textiles, accessories and gifts.
On the whole, Kirkland Signature products are considered to be great quality -- often because they are made by the same factories as name-brand items. However, it's definitely not safe to assume that every single Kirkland product will be a winner. Sometimes, you wind up with something that simply isn't up to standard.
For example, Costco is the world's largest retailer of The Macallan, Johnnie Walker Blue, and Dom Perignon. Like many other retailers, Costco has its own proprietary brand: Kirkland Signature.
However, past such a commonality, the two spirits emerged from a different source. Instead, Costco's Kirkland Signature French vodka is crafted by Gayant Distillery of Douai, France. Distributor company LeVecke Corporation then delivers the bottles to Costco stores.
Costco has recently made headlines for its rock-bottom prices on elegant spirits, such as Balvenie scotch whiskey, Suntory Japanese whiskey, and a rare Blanton's bourbon.
There's long been Costco lore about the manufacturer behind its baby diapers, coffee, and even parchment paper. When it comes to the booze, like Costco's Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky, California-based Scotch exporter Alexander Murray & Company is the company you can thank.
Basically all we know is that it's a single malt, it's from Islay and the ABV is 50%. The label proudly declares that it's been “Matured in Oak”, but nothing more.
Our award-winning whiskies range from rare and innovative expressions of Scotch whisky—showcasing multiple styles, vintages, and character—to classically-tailored brands that deliver outstanding quality for the price.
As of December 2023, MISA Imports was still listed as the main importer of liquor for Costco, but the company no longer partners with Terra. Instead, they now partner with 3 Counties Spirit Company and Ballykeefe Distillery — both are likely candidates as the original distiller of this fragrant Costco whiskey today.
Where is Kirkland Bourbon Made? Kirkland Signature Bourbon comes from Barton 1792 Distillery, located in the heart of Kentucky, owned by Sazerac. The distillery was named in 1792 in honor of the year Kentucky joined the United States. The bourbon is named Kirkland after the town of Kirkland, Washington.
Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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