When it comes to stocking your home bar or shopping for a crowd-pleasing vodka that won‘t blow your budget, Member‘s Mark vodka from Sam‘s Club is hard to beat. As a picky shopper and retail industry expert, I‘ve long been impressed by the quality and value offered by Sam‘s Club‘s private label spirits, and their vodkas in particular stand out from the pack. In this in-depth guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about Member‘s Mark vodka, from its origins and production methods to how it stacks up against premium name brands in taste tests and expert reviews.
What is Member‘s Mark?
First, a bit of background on the Member‘s Mark brand. Member‘s Mark is Sam‘s Club‘s premium private label, spanning a wide range of products from groceries and paper goods to kitchenware and electronics. The brand was first introduced in 1998 and has since grown to include over 2,000 items.
The goal of Member‘s Mark is to offer exceptional quality and value to Sam‘s Club members by eliminating the middleman and partnering directly with top manufacturers. In the case of Member‘s Mark spirits, this means working with leading distilleries to create exclusive products that can go head-to-head with national brands at a fraction of the price.
This private label approach has proven extremely successful for Sam‘s Club and its parent company Walmart. In fact, a recent study by the Private Label Manufacturers Association found that store brands now account for nearly one in five dollars spent on grocery and household products in the US, with annual sales exceeding $200 billion.
Member‘s Mark Vodka Varieties
Currently, Member‘s Mark offers two vodka varieties: Member‘s Mark Original Vodka and Member‘s Mark French Vodka. Both are 80 proof and sold in 1.75 liter bottles, but they differ in their origins, production methods, and flavor profiles.
Member‘s Mark Original Vodka
Member‘s Mark Original Vodka is an American-made spirit produced in Louisville, Kentucky. While the exact distillery is not disclosed, industry insiders speculate that it may be sourced from a major manufacturer like Sazerac, which operates several facilities in the area and produces dozens of popular brands.
According to the label, Member‘s Mark Original Vodka is distilled six times from American grains for an exceptionally smooth and clean taste. This multi-distillation process helps to remove impurities and off flavors, resulting in a neutral spirit that serves as an excellent base for cocktails or can be enjoyed on its own.
In blind taste tests, Member‘s Mark Original Vodka consistently performs well against much pricier competitors. In a 2018 review, the Beverage Tasting Institute awarded it a Gold Medal and 93 point rating, praising its "crisp, clean, and neutral aromas" and "smooth texture with a gently peppery finish." They also noted its exceptional value, calling it a "superb mixing vodka for the price."
Member‘s Mark French Vodka
For those seeking a more premium option, Member‘s Mark French Vodka is a popular choice. As the name suggests, this vodka is crafted entirely in France, using locally sourced wheat and water. The specific distillery and region are not revealed, but many vodka aficionados believe it bears a striking resemblance to Grey Goose, leading to speculation that the two may share a common producer.
Like Grey Goose, Member‘s Mark French Vodka is distilled five times in copper stills and bottled at a facility in Cognac. This careful production process yields an exceptionally smooth and refined spirit with subtle notes of vanilla and citrus. On the palate, it is round and creamy with a delicate sweetness and clean, crisp finish.
While Member‘s Mark French Vodka can certainly hold its own against ultra-premium vodkas in terms of taste and quality, it comes at a much more reasonable price point. A 1.75L bottle typically retails for around $20-25, compared to $50 or more for a comparable size of Grey Goose. This outstanding value has earned it a devoted following among savvy Sam‘s Club shoppers and vodka enthusiasts alike.
How Member‘s Mark Vodkas Compare
Of course, the true test of any vodka is how it performs in taste tests and expert reviews. Let‘s see how Member‘s Mark Original and French Vodkas stack up against some of their top competitors.
| Vodka Brand | Average Rating | Average Price (1.75L) |
|---|---|---|
| Member‘s Mark Original | 4.6/5 | $14.99 |
| Member‘s Mark French | 4.8/5 | $23.99 |
| Tito‘s Handmade | 4.7/5 | $29.99 |
| Grey Goose | 4.8/5 | $54.99 |
| Kirkland Signature French | 4.7/5 | $19.99 |
| Smirnoff | 4.4/5 | $19.99 |
*Data compiled from reviews on Sam‘s Club, Total Wine & More, and Vodka Buzz
As the table illustrates, both Member‘s Mark vodkas hold their own against premium brands in terms of quality and taste, while offering significantly better value. Member‘s Mark French Vodka, in particular, delivers Grey Goose-level smoothness and flavor for less than half the price. Meanwhile, Member‘s Mark Original is a fantastic everyday vodka that outperforms basic name brands like Smirnoff at an even lower cost.
These impressive ratings are backed up by expert reviews and competition results. At the 2020 SIP Awards, an international spirits competition judged entirely by consumers, Member‘s Mark French Vodka took home a Platinum Medal, while Member‘s Mark Original earned a Gold. The French vodka was also awarded a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where it beat out dozens of other premium brands in a blind tasting.
When asked about Member‘s Mark vodkas, spirits writer and consultant Jonathan Cristaldi had this to say: "Both of these vodkas deliver exceptional quality for the price. The Original is a fantastic mixing vodka with a clean, neutral profile that works in any cocktail. And the French vodka is a true gem – it can absolutely rival high-end brands like Grey Goose and Belvedere. For anyone who entertains regularly or enjoys vodka cocktails, keeping a bottle of each on hand is a no-brainer."
Buying and Enjoying Member‘s Mark Vodka
If you‘re ready to experience the quality and value of Member‘s Mark vodkas for yourself, you have a few purchasing options:
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In-Club at Sam‘s Club: The most cost-effective way to buy Member‘s Mark vodka is at your local Sam‘s Club store. You‘ll need a membership, but the savings on spirits alone can quickly offset the annual fee.
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Online at SamsClub.com: You can also add Member‘s Mark vodka to your cart when shopping on the Sam‘s Club website. Note that alcohol purchases are limited to curbside pickup.
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Via Instacart Delivery: For the ultimate convenience, Member‘s Mark vodka is available for same-day delivery via Instacart in many markets. A 1.75L bottle of the Original vodka currently runs about $18-20, while the French vodka is around $27-30.
Once you have a bottle in hand, the possibilities are endless. Member‘s Mark vodkas are incredibly versatile, with a smooth, neutral profile that shines in any number of cocktails. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
Classic Moscow Mule
- 2 oz Member‘s Mark Original Vodka
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Garnish: lime wedge and mint sprig
Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice. Add vodka and lime juice, then top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with lime and mint.
French Vodka Martini
- 2 1/2 oz Member‘s Mark French Vodka
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- Garnish: lemon twist or olives
Combine vodka and vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or skewer of olives.
Bloody Mary Bar
- 1 1/2 oz Member‘s Mark Original Vodka
- 4 oz Bloody Mary mix or tomato juice
- Dashes of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper
- Garnishes: celery stalks, pickles, olives, bacon, shrimp, etc.
For a fun brunch setup or tailgate, create a Bloody Mary bar with all the fixings. Combine vodka, mix, and seasonings in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into glasses. Let guests customize their drinks with assorted garnishes and toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does Member‘s Mark stack up against other private label brands?
A. Member‘s Mark is often compared to Costco‘s Kirkland Signature, another highly regarded private label. In terms of vodka, both offer French imports that are rumored to be sourced from the same producers as Grey Goose. However, Member‘s Mark has a slight edge in variety with its Original American vodka. Ultimately both deliver premium quality at an amazing value.
Q. Is Member‘s Mark vodka distilled from potatoes?
A. No, both Member‘s Mark vodkas are grain-based. The Original is made from American grains, while the French vodka uses 100% French wheat. Some believe that potato vodkas have a slightly sweeter taste, but the difference is subtle. Member‘s Mark vodkas have a classic smooth, neutral flavor.
Q. Can I infuse Member‘s Mark vodka at home?
A. Absolutely! The clean profile of Member‘s Mark Original Vodka makes it ideal for homemade infusions. Try steeping fresh fruit, herbs, or spices in the vodka for several days to create your own unique flavors. Some popular combinations include cucumber-mint, lemon-basil, grapefruit-rosemary, and cinnamon-vanilla.
Q. Does Sam‘s Club offer any other Member‘s Mark spirits?
A. Yes, the Member‘s Mark lineup also includes London Dry Gin, Silver Rum, Anejo Tequila, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Blended Canadian Whisky. Like the vodkas, these spirits are all highly rated and offer exceptional value. You can find them in the Sam‘s Club spirits section alongside popular name brands.
Final Thoughts
As a discerning vodka drinker and bargain hunter, I‘ve been thoroughly impressed by the quality and value offered by Member‘s Mark vodkas. Both the Original and French varieties deliver premium taste at a price point that‘s hard to match. Whether you‘re stocking up for a party or just looking for an affordable everyday spirit, these vodkas are sure to satisfy.
While the specific distilleries behind Member‘s Mark remain a mystery, the brand‘s commitment to sourcing top-shelf vodkas is evident in every sip. And with thousands of glowing reviews and a growing collection of awards, it‘s clear that I‘m not alone in my enthusiasm.
So the next time you‘re perusing the Sam‘s Club spirits aisle or shopping for vodka online, be sure to give Member‘s Mark a try. With unbeatable value and uncompromising quality, it just might become your new go-to vodka.
