Olivia Taylor
A Spirited Enigma: Untangling the Curious Case of Kirkland Bourbon’s Origin
Oh, Costco – the land of plenty, where the products come in single sizes that might be defined as ‘enormous,’ ‘gargantuan,’ or perhaps ‘just a little silly.’ Candy bars are the size of skateboards, and a tub of laundry detergent might last till the next millennium. Yet, among the cornucopia of bulk items, there lies a hydration station, anyway for those who enjoy a good drink to wind down from the day. Yes, it’s the wine and spirits section, home of Costco’s very own Kirkland branded, surprisingly good bourbon.
But questions arise when Costco’s house brand keeps delivering high-quality beverages at such low prices. It makes one wonder about the unstated partnership behind this beloved bourbon brand. Who really makes Kirkland Bourbon?
The Beloved Brand: Kirkland Signature
Before unfolding the mysterious tale, it is essential to understand the incredible journey of Kirkland Signature. Costco’s house brand, Kirkland Signature, has been winning over the hearts (and wallets) of people across the globe for decades.
From toilet paper to frozen pizzas, Kirkland offers an array of solid products at inexpensive prices. Kirkland Signature’s estimate of pulling in about $40 billion annually gives testimony to its universal appeal: what’s not to like when quality combines with affordability?
The Kirkland Bourbon: Smooth, Rich and Affordable
The Kirkland Signature Bourbon is every bourbon lover’s dream at a fraction of the price of standard bourbons. Its rich and smooth taste, coupled with a reasonable Costco price tag, is more than enough to keep its patrons coming back for more.
Many whiskey critics and lovers equally applaud Kirkland Bourbon. The Costco bourbon is noted for having a hearty flavor profile, including hints of classic bourbon sweet notes, strong traces of malt, and a smooth, robust finish.
But Who Makes Kirkland Bourbon?
The fascination grows when details about “who” makes Kirkland Signature Bourbon are searched for. Costco is far from transparent about disclosing this information. All the label divulges is that the bourbon is “distilled and aged in the USA” and is “bottled by the Kirkland Distilling Company.” But, an official investigation into the Kirkland Distilling Company only circles back to Costco itself – leaving us at square one.
The Educated Guesses: Who Could it Be?
With the dearth of hard evidence, we have to turn to nice pieces of deductive reasoning and educated guesses to deduce the Kirkland Bourbon supplier. Here are two running theories:
Could it be Beam Suntory?
Beam Suntory, the heavy-weight multinationals behind brands like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Knob Creek, are a plausible contender. Kirkland Bourbon and these popular brands do share flavor and aroma profiles, though this isn’t exactly a brass articles confirmation.
Or Maybe it’s Buffalo Trace?
Buffalo Trace Distillery, another giant in the bourbon business, known for their high quality bourbons like Blanton’s and Eagle Rare, might be the secret partner. Several Kirkland Bourbon enthusiasts have pointed out similarities between the tastes of Buffalo Trace’s products and Kirkland Bourbon.
Secrecy Continues: No Final Word Yet
While we may never know for sure who precisely distills Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bourbon, the mystery adds a fascinating twist to the enjoyment of each glass. Until Costco spills the beans, we’re left to sip, ponder, and speculate – enjoying the bourbon’s delightful mystery as much as its delightful flavors.
The Kirkland Bourbon Verdict – A Blend of Affordability and Quality
Regardless of where it’s distilled, who the hidden supplier is, or why Costco remains secretive about it, the one constant is the consistent quality of Kirkland bourbon. At the end of the day, it offers incredible value for money and serves as a solid choice for bourbon lovers on a budget. So the next time you take a sip, sit back, unwind and savor that Kirkland Bourbon, the enigma wrapped in caramel, oak, and whispers of hidden truths.
