So, you’re at Costco, staring at that massive bottle of Kirkland Signature Scotch, and a question pops into your head: “who makes Costco scotch?” You might feel a little hesitant to ask, maybe because you think it’s a dumb question or you’re worried about sounding uninformed. But, let me tell you, you are NOT alone. This is actually a really common question. It even makes a seasoned Scotch drinker like myself curious.
Costco, with its reputation for quality and value, does a great job of building its Kirkland Signature brand. But it doesn’t make its own Scotch. Identifying who makes Costco scotch is a question that requires some digging.
Table of Contents:
- The Secret Behind Kirkland Signature Scotch
- Who is Alexander Murray & Company?
- What Types of Scotch Does Costco Sell?
- Comparing Kirkland Signature Scotch
- Finding Kirkland Signature Scotch
- FAQs About Who Makes Costco Scotch
- Conclusion
The Secret Behind Kirkland Signature Scotch
The answer lies in a California-based Scotch exporter called Alexander Murray & Company. This independent bottler works with several distilleries in Scotland to source, blend, and bottle the whisky. Then they package it with the Kirkland Signature label.
You might see Alexander Murray & Company’s name discreetly printed at the bottom of the label. However, they don’t disclose *which* distilleries in Scotland they work with. This practice is standard in the world of private labels.
Costco, similar to other large retailers, uses a strategy of partnering with third-party producers to create its in-house Kirkland Signature brand. The brand kirkland is just a proxy brand. It’s a strategy that helps Costco keep costs low and allows suppliers like Alexander Murray & Company to produce high-volume items like Scotch whisky. This also keeps their own costs down. So, if you’re wondering if a bottle of Kirkland Scotch whisky is just a big-name brand disguised in different packaging, the answer is likely no.
Instead, think of it more as Alexander Murray & Company creating a blend designed to be similar in taste to market leaders. Many find the quality to be just as good, if not better, than popular brands.
Who is Alexander Murray & Company?
Founded in 2004, Alexander Murray & Company specializes in sourcing and bottling Scotch for several retailers. You can find their bottles not only at Costco but at Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Total Wine & More.
Although based in California, their name reflects the deep Scottish roots of the company. Founder Steve Lipp, a Scottish expatriate, was introduced to whisky by his great uncle, who, as fate would have it, was also named Alexander Murray.
This childhood experience became the driving force behind Alexander Murray & Company’s commitment to offering quality, affordable Scotch. Their relationship with Costco, although shrouded in a bit of secrecy regarding distillery sources, is clearly successful. Costco is reported to have sold the most Scotch whisky in North America back in 2023, much of it under their Kirkland Signature brand.
What Types of Scotch Does Costco Sell?
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Scotch range offers various options catering to different palates and preferences. Whether you prefer single malts or blended scotch whisky, they have something for you. Here is more information on each type of Costco’s Kirkland Signature scotch:
Blended Scotch Whisky
This is the most common and affordable type of Scotch. One reviewer gave it a respectable 78 out of 100 on Reddit, praising its taste and delightful aroma. It’s described by consumers as having fruity and malty notes and a bit of nuttiness, making it an easy choice for casual sipping or using in mixed drinks.
Many online reviews comment on its great value for the price, especially when buying the 1.75-liter bottle, which tends to go for around $19. At that price, this blended Scotch makes a great choice for parties, get-togethers, and for using in Scotch cocktails like a Hot Toddy.
12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
If you want something a little smoother and more complex than the standard blend, step up to the 12-year-old option. One Reddit user describes this blended scotch whisky as “a great everyday uncomplicated dram.” This 12 year blended scotch is aged in sherry casks, giving it a unique flavor profile.
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
For those interested in a more refined Scotch experience, Kirkland offers a few Single Malt options. The details change from year to year as they’re sourced from different distilleries in the Speyside region. But they’ve become well-known for offering excellent value, particularly with their age statements ranging from 18 years old to as high as 25 years old.
Joe Micallef, a professional wine and spirits reviewer, commented on Kirkland Signature Single Malt in a 2022 Forbes article, mentioning its enticing notes of caramel and smokiness. He called Kirkland Signature Scotch whiskies “consistently [one of] the best Scotch whisky values available in North America.” Across online forums and reviews, drinkers commend the single malts for their smooth, full-bodied tastes and lovely hints of vanilla and caramel. These bottles are more expensive than the blends but significantly cheaper than many other Single Malts on the market, making them a great way for curious drinkers to test out the category.
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
For peat lovers, Kirkland’s Islay Single Malt is another non-age-statement (NAS) bottle known for its exceptional price point. Islay whiskies are famous for their smoky, peaty characteristics, making this option a great introduction for anyone curious about exploring the bold, coastal flavors from that region.
Comparing Kirkland Signature Scotch
Trying to decide which Kirkland Signature Scotch to grab? To make things a bit easier, check out this quick comparison chart. It breaks down their popular bottlings along with some key details:
| Kirkland Signature Scotch | Type | Age Statement | Flavor Profile Notes | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blended Scotch Whisky | Blended | NAS | Fruity, Malty, Nutty | Under $20 |
| 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky | Blended | 12 Years Old | Smooth, Balanced, Lightly Smoky | Under $40 |
| Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Single Malt | Various | Sherry, Caramel, Vanilla, Smoky | $60 – $100+ |
| Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Single Malt | NAS | Peaty, Smoky, Coastal, Briny | Under $30 |
Finding Kirkland Signature Scotch
Now, if you’re interested in trying Kirkland Signature Scotch yourself, a membership to Costco is, of course, needed. These bottles are sold exclusively at Costco. This membership model, while often a topic of lighthearted debate, has definitely helped propel the brand’s success by allowing them to offer attractive price points.
FAQs About Who Makes Costco Scotch
Who makes Costco Kirkland brand scotch whiskey?
Costco’s Kirkland brand scotch whiskey is sourced and bottled by a California-based independent bottler called Alexander Murray & Company. However, they do not disclose the specific distilleries in Scotland from where the whisky is sourced.
What is Kirkland Scotch comparable to?
The philosophy behind Kirkland Scotch, according to Alexander Murray & Company’s Brand Manager, is to create blended whiskies that compare to some of the category leaders in the US. For their single malts, the company seeks out “exceptional and remarkable examples” while still being able to keep pricing low.
Who makes Kirkland 22-year-old Scotch?
Just like their other Scotches, the Kirkland 22-year-old Single Malt is produced by Alexander Murray & Company. The whisky is sourced from various distilleries, often changing each year based on availability and sourcing practices.
They remain deliberately vague, offering a kind of treasure-hunt feel, about where exactly this Scotch comes from. But they always guarantee a 22-year age statement.
Is Kirkland Scotch Glenlivet?
No, Kirkland Scotch is not Glenlivet. Although Glenlivet is a well-known Speyside Scotch, Kirkland doesn’t come from a single distillery.
They work with several unnamed sources, creating blends designed to resemble the overall profile of well-established brands. So, while their goal might be to mimic, say, the general feel of Glenlivet, they achieve this by blending together different Scotches from different sources.
Conclusion
So, while you won’t find a distillery emblazoned on those bottles of Kirkland Signature Scotch, there is more to the story than just “who makes Costco Scotch?” Thanks to their relationship with Alexander Murray & Company, the selection available at your local Costco often exceeds expectations for what you get at that price point. They cover a wide range of styles, from everyday blends perfect for casual sips or mixing to single malts that compete with some of the best on the market. And this is reflected in the fact that Costco is reported to be one of North America’s largest sellers of Scotch whisky. Next time you see those big black and red Kirkland Signature bottles at Costco, you’ll know a little more about the people and processes that got them there. Cheers.
