Overview: Costco’s Kirkland Signature bourbon is a Kentucky straight whiskey produced at the award-winning Barton 1792 distillery. The private label offers three distinct expressions ranging from small batch to single barrel, marketed as an affordable option for both sipping and mixing.
The Full Story
Kirkland Signature bourbon is available in three specific expressions, each with defined proof levels and flavor profiles. The small batch version is 92 proof (46% ABV) and features notes of oak, rye spice, vanilla, and caramel. It is priced at approximately $20 per liter. The bottled-in-bond expression reaches 100 proof (50% ABV) with subtle notes of candied fruit and honey, available for around $25 per liter. Finally, the single barrel variety stands at 120 proof (60% ABV), offering a spicy rye finish alongside vanilla and toasted oak flavors at approximately $30 per liter.
The product is produced by master distillers at the Barton 1792 distillery in Kentucky. While the small batch and bottled-in-bond expressions are noted for their smoothness, the single barrel variety provides a higher proof option for those accustomed to extra heat. The brand markets the spirit as versatile, suitable for sipping straight or serving as a mixer for classic and modern cocktails.
Production & Profile
The technical specifications highlight significant variation across the lineup. The small batch bourbon is described by Costco as having notes of oak and rye spice accented by vanilla and caramel. The bottled-in-bond bourbon presents subtle notes of candied fruit and honey, while the single barrel variety features notes of vanilla and toasted oak with a spicy rye finish.
The smoothness of the spirit, particularly in the small batch and bottled-in-bond expressions, makes it a versatile mixer for various cocktails. The high-proof single barrel option is best suited for those accustomed to the heat brought by a 120-proof bourbon. All three are considered good-value bourbons within the private label range.
Brand & Industry History
The production heritage relies on the association with the award-winning Barton 1792 distillery, where master distillers craft the spirit. Cocktail history is also integral to the product’s presentation, with the Paper Plane invented by Sam Ross at Chicago’s Violet Hour bar in 2008 and named after an M.I.A. song. The Bourbon Lift was created by Erik Adkins in the 2010s at Hard Water bar in San Francisco. Additionally, derivatives of the Manhattan cocktail exist, such as the Morton’s Signature State St. variation finished with a skewer of orange peel, black cherry, and fried steak.
What This Means
This release positions the spirit as an ideal mixer for those who prefer whiskey cocktails to sipping straight bourbon. The affordability and taste quality allow for experimentation with classic recipes like the Old Fashioned and modern creations like the Paper Plane. The versatility extends to citrusy, herbal, or fruity concoctions without needing to compromise on flavor profile.
Consumer Takeaway
The consumer is offered a choice between three distinct expressions based on proof and price point. The small batch option provides the most budget-friendly entry at around $20 for a 1-liter bottle, while the single barrel offers a high-proof experience at approximately $30 per liter. Each bottle contains Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced at Barton 1792, suitable for sipping or mixing into cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Smash, Bourbon Lift, and Paper Plane.
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