As a savvy Costco shopper and gin enthusiast, you‘ve likely noticed an enticing bottle in the liquor aisle: Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin, priced at a wallet-friendly $19.99 for a 1.75L jug. With its sleek, no-frills label and promise of a budget-friendly gin fix, you may find yourself tempted to snatch one up. But have you ever stopped to wonder – who actually makes Kirkland gin?
The answer reveals a fascinating glimpse into the world of private label spirits and the shrouded business practices that keep prices low. Let‘s dive in and unravel the mystery behind Costco‘s signature gin, with an expert eye on the retail strategy at play.
Costco‘s Kirkland Signature Brand Strategy
To understand the origins of Kirkland gin, we first need to examine Costco‘s unique private label approach. Kirkland Signature is Costco‘s store brand, offering a curated selection of products ranging from basics like olive oil and toilet paper to luxury items like fine wines and aged cheeses.
Private label products have surged in popularity with big-box retailers in recent decades, and for good reason. Selling products under a store brand allows retailers to cut out the middlemen and offer quality goods at a significantly lower price point than national brands. This boosts profit margins while still passing savings on to shoppers.
Costco has become a true innovator with its Kirkland Signature label, partnering with leading manufacturers across industries to develop exclusive products that rival or even surpass the quality of premium brand-name goods. This strategic sourcing, combined with Costco‘s immense buying power, has earned Kirkland Signature an enthusiastic following and glowing comparisons to high-end national brands.
How Kirkland Spirits Fit Into the Mix
Within Costco‘s vast Kirkland Signature assortment is an ever-growing selection of wines and spirits, including bourbon, vodka, tequila, and of course, gin. Just don‘t expect to find any Kirkland distilleries on the map – these spirits are actually sourced from other large producers who agree to bottle their liquid under Costco‘s private label.
The specific sourcing details are a tightly-guarded secret, in part to protect Costco‘s supplier relationships and competitive edge. Unlike other popular private-label spirits, such as Trader Joe‘s "Two Buck Chuck" wine (produced by Bronco Wine Company), Kirkland spirits bottles offer no clues about their provenance. You won‘t find any mention of the distillery name or location – just the understated black-and-white Kirkland Signature label.
However, spirits industry insiders have some well-informed theories about which major brands are behind Kirkland‘s offerings, based on telling factors like flavor profile, distillation techniques, and subtle similarities in bottle shape and packaging. Let‘s investigate the top contenders for Kirkland‘s gin source.
The Curious Case of Kirkland Gin‘s Origins
The prevailing theory among spirits experts is that Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin comes from one of two industry heavyweights: Diageo, the British firm that owns classic gin brands Tanqueray and Gordon‘s, or Beam Suntory, the American spirits giant behind Larios and Gilbey‘s gins.
Both Tanqueray and Gordon‘s are quintessential examples of the London Dry style, characterized by its dry, juniper-forward flavor profile and limited use of supplemental botanicals. Experts have noted striking similarities between Kirkland gin and these two iconic brands, from its aroma and flavor to its mouthfeel and finish.
On the other hand, some gin aficionados detect notes of citrus and coriander that are reminiscent of the Spanish-made Larios gin, a Beam Suntory property. Beam also has a track record of producing private label spirits for large retailers, leading some to speculate they‘re the likely partner for Kirkland gin.
So which theory holds water? The truth is, we may never know for sure. Costco remains tight-lipped about their suppliers, likely to avoid cannibalizing sales of the name-brand spirits they also stock (often right beside the Kirkland bottles on shelf). It‘s also common for large distilleries to produce a number of private label spirits for different retailers, tweaking the recipe slightly for each client.
What we do know is that whoever is producing Kirkland gin is a major industry player with the scale and expertise to meet Costco‘s rigorous quality standards and production demands. Let‘s take a closer look at how they transform humble grain spirits into a crisp, aromatic gin.
The Art and Science of Gin Distillation
While the exact recipe and production process for Kirkland gin is a mystery, we can make some educated guesses based on the typical techniques used to make London Dry style gins. Here‘s a brief overview of how gin is made, from grain to glass:
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Base spirit production: All gins start with a neutral base spirit, typically distilled from grains like wheat, barley, rye or corn. This high-proof, flavorless spirit is essentially pure ethanol.
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Botanical selection and preparation: The distinctive flavor of each gin comes from the specific blend of botanicals used to infuse the base spirit. Juniper berries are the signature ingredient, responsible for gin‘s pine-forward flavor. Other common botanicals include coriander, angelica root, citrus peel, cinnamon, and orris root. The botanicals are dried and sometimes macerated (soaked) in the base spirit before distillation.
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Distillation: The infused base spirit is distilled again in copper pot stills or column stills. As the liquid is heated, the alcohol and botanical essences vaporize and travel up the still neck. The vapor is cooled and condensed back into a clear, aromatic spirit. Distillers make careful cuts during this process to capture the best parts of the distillate, known as the "heart."
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Dilution and bottling: The distilled gin is diluted with water to reach the desired alcohol content, typically around 40-45% ABV. Finally, it‘s bottled, labeled, and shipped out to thirsty drinkers worldwide.
London Dry gins like Kirkland follow a strict production code: all flavors must be imparted through distillation of natural botanicals, with no artificial flavors or sweeteners added after distillation. This yields a dry, juniper-centric spirit that lets the botanicals shine.
While the core framework is the same, each gin distillery has its own proprietary recipe, equipment, and techniques that create a signature flavor profile. The type of still, quality of base spirit, botanical bill, distillation proof, and other factors all impact the final product.
Kirkland Gin vs. the Competition
Now that we know how Kirkland gin is likely made, let‘s address the elephant in the room – how does it actually stack up against the top-shelf brands it‘s modeled after? Can a $20 bottle really rival a $35 Tanqueray or Beefeater?
Gin experts generally agree that while Kirkland is a solid effort, it doesn‘t quite measure up to the nuance and complexity of its name-brand counterparts. Reviews often describe Kirkland gin as "acceptable" or "serviceable," but lacking the depth and vibrancy of flavor that distinguishes high-end London Dry gins.
Fans praise Kirkland gin‘s incredible value and smooth, juniper-forward profile that works in a variety of classic cocktails. But more discerning palates often find it wanting, with criticisms ranging from a "flat" or "hollow" texture to a faint but noticeable "chemical" aftertaste.
To gauge the gulf in quality between Kirkland and premium gins, we conducted a blind taste test with a panel of spirits experts and casual drinkers. We sampled Kirkland gin alongside industry stalwarts like Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Beefeater, and Gordon‘s in a series of classic gin cocktails.
The results? Across the board, tasters consistently ranked Kirkland gin near the bottom of the pack. While no one found it undrinkable, it failed to wow on its own merits. Tasters described it as "one-note," "astringent," and "hot," with a thin body and short finish. By contrast, the name-brand gins offered brighter aromatics, silkier textures, and greater complexity.
"Kirkland gin gets the job done, but it‘s not going to blow anyone away," said panelist and drinks writer Jason Wilson. "For a party or a casual G&T, it‘s fine. But if I‘m making a Martini or Negroni, I‘m reaching for a more expressive gin."
That said, Kirkland offers unbeatable value for the price. It handily beat out bottom-shelf options like Seagram‘s and New Amsterdam in our tasting. If your budget is tight or you‘re stocking up for a crowd, Kirkland is a reliable choice. Just don‘t expect it to convert any die-hard Tanqueray fans.
The Scoop on Costco‘s Gin Prices and Selection
If you‘re looking to snag a bottle of Kirkland gin for your home bar, you‘ll need to navigate Costco‘s membership system and some quirky liquor laws. Here‘s what you need to know:
In most states, you‘ll need an active Costco membership to purchase any Kirkland Signature products, including spirits. An annual Gold Star membership starts at $60 for individuals and households.
However, some states prohibit the sale of alcohol through members-only arrangements. In those cases, you can buy alcohol at Costco without a membership, as long as you have a valid government-issued ID. States that allow non-member alcohol purchases at Costco include:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New York
- Texas
- Vermont
A handful of states also allow Costco to sell alcohol to non-members using a separate entrance and register. You may see this setup in certain Costco locations in Florida, Illinois, and Washington.
Of course, your local liquor laws and taxes will impact the final price of Kirkland gin at checkout. But in general, you can expect to pay around $19.99 for a 1.75L bottle (before tax). That‘s a steal compared to the big brands Kirkland is competing with:
| Brand | Size | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin | 1.75L | $19.99 |
| Tanqueray London Dry Gin | 1.75L | $34.99 |
| Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin | 1.75L | $39.99 |
| Beefeater London Dry Gin | 1.75L | $29.99 |
| Gordon‘s London Dry Gin | 1.75L | $24.99 |
*Prices based on averages from major U.S. retailers as of June 2021. Actual prices may vary.
Keep in mind that not all Costco locations carry liquor due to state and local regulations. You‘ll have the best luck finding Kirkland spirits in states with more relaxed alcohol laws, like California, Florida, Nevada, and Texas.
Cocktail Hour: Putting Kirkland Gin to Use
Whether you‘re a mixology maven or a G&T newbie, having a bottle of Kirkland gin on hand opens up a world of delicious drink possibilities. Here are a few foolproof cocktail recipes to get you started:
Classic Gin and Tonic
- 2 oz. Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin
- 4-5 oz. chilled tonic water
- Lime wedge and juniper berries for garnish
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add gin and tonic water. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with a squeeze of lime and a few juniper berries.
Gimlet
- 2 oz. Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin
- 3⁄4 oz. fresh lime juice
- 3⁄4 oz. simple syrup
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime twist.
Negroni
- 1 oz. Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin
- 1 oz. Campari
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
As with most things in life, the key to success is moderation and knowing your audience. While Kirkland gin may not fly in a craft cocktail bar, it‘s a trusty and inexpensive backing spirit for parties, picnics, and casual sipping. If you‘re looking to really showcase gin‘s depth and complexity, you‘ll want to spring for a more refined (and pricier) bottle.
The Future of Kirkland Gin
As demand for gin continues to grow and consumers become more discerning in their tastes, it will be interesting to see how Kirkland Signature evolves its offerings. The gin market has exploded in recent years with a dizzying array of craft distilleries and premium expressions. According to the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, gin sales in the U.S. hit $918 million in 2020, up 4.4% from the previous year.
To stay competitive, Costco may need to expand beyond its basic London Dry and consider trendier styles like New Western or contemporary gins that incorporate unique botanicals and flavor profiles. The retailer has shown a willingness to experiment with its other spirits categories, like branching out into small-batch and single-barrel bourbons.
Kirkland gin drinkers can also hope for more transparency around the brand‘s sourcing and production methods. In an age where consumers crave authenticity and connection to the products they buy, Costco could foster more trust and loyalty by sharing details about its gin‘s origins and the skilled distillers who make it.
At the end of the day, Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin remains a solid and budget-friendly option for Costco shoppers and gin lovers on a budget. It may not have the pedigree or panache of the big brands, but it delivers reliable quality and value in an approachable, versatile package. As long as you keep your expectations in check and deploy it in the right settings, Kirkland gin is a welcome addition to any well-stocked bar.
