Kirkland Signature Vodka is Costco’s proprietary brand of vodka that is wildly popular for its affordability and quality. But what exactly is the main ingredient behind this top-selling spirit? Let’s take a closer look at the grain used to make Kirkland vodka.
The Vodka Making Process
Vodka is defined as a clear distilled alcoholic beverage that is composed primarily of water and ethanol. It typically contains 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof). While many liquors rely on complex flavors from oak barrel aging, the hallmark of vodka is that it is largely flavorless and odorless.
This clean taste profile is achieved by distilling the vodka multiple times to remove impurities and substances that affect flavor. But before distillation, an initial ingredient must be fermented to derive the ethanol. For most vodkas, including Kirkland, this primary grain is wheat.
Why Wheat is Preferred
Wheat is considered ideal for vodka production for several reasons:
- It has high levels of starch that can be readily converted to alcohol.
- It lacks strong flavor compounds, resulting in a more neutral-tasting spirit.
- It produces lower levels of congeners (byproducts) compared to other grains.
- It yields adequate quantities of alcohol per bushel.
Rye and corn are also used sometimes, but wheat remains the most common vodka grain worldwide. Many premium vodka brands also rely on wheat due to its more delicate flavor profile.
Kirkland Vodka is Made from Wheat
Kirkland Signature Vodka states “Distilled from American Wheat” directly on its bottle. So it definitively uses wheat as its primary ingredient.
As a low-priced alternative to big name brands, Kirkland can achieve major cost savings by using inexpensive wheat. But it still must follow a thorough distillation process to remove impurities and obtain the signature smooth flavor of vodka.
Kirkland likely uses a combination of continuous still and column still distillation to filter the wheat-based alcohol into quality vodka. The continuous still performs the initial distillation, while the column still redistills the liquor to remove fusil oils and other compounds.
This combination is ideal for producing vast quantities of vodka at a low cost, while still maintaining purity and taste. The wheat flavor comes through slightly in Kirkland vodka, providing a hint of grain sweetness.
Kirkland’s Vodka Heritage
Although it’s now made from American wheat, Kirkland vodka had different origins when it was first launched in 2005. At that time, the vodka was distilled from French wheat and bottled in the Cognac region.
It was supplied by the Morillon Distillery located in the town of Jarnac. The use of French wheat and Cognac-region bottling allowed Kirkland to establish premium credentials despite the discount price.
But as demand grew, Kirkland sought to lower costs by switching production to America. The wheat source changed, but the commitment to quality remained. Kirkland vodka continues to win awards and earns praise as a reasonably priced spirit.
Kirkland Vodka’s Popularity
Since its introduction, Kirkland Signature Vodka has become one of the top-selling vodkas in the United States. It offers comparable quality to more expensive counterparts but at a fraction of the price.
A 1.75 liter bottle sells for under $20, which is significantly cheaper than a similarly sized bottle from well-known brands. It manages this low cost by controlling the entire supply chain.
Kirkland is able to buy wheat in bulk, distill and bottle the vodka in high volumes, and sell it exclusively through Costco stores. By avoiding middlemen and marketing expenses, Kirkland passes the savings on to consumers.
Notable Awards
Despite the discount pricing, Kirkland vodka continues earning acclaim in various spirit ratings and awards. Some recent honors include:
- Best Vodka under $30 – The Kitchn (2020)
- Gold Medal – SIP Awards (2020)
- Silver Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2018)
- Best Vodka – Consumer Reports (2011)
These awards validate that Kirkland achieves premium quality, even besting some high-end vodkas in blind taste tests. For a wallet-friendly option, consumers can feel assured they are getting a great product.
How Kirkland Vodka Stacks Up
So how does Kirkland’s wheat-based vodka compare when going head-to-head with other major brands?
| Brand | Primary Grain | Price (1.75 L) | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland | Wheat | $19.99 | Smooth and mild |
| Tito’s | Corn | $39.99 | Nutty and sweet |
| Smirnoff | Corn | $22.99 | Grassy and grainy |
| Grey Goose | Wheat | $49.99 | Clean and slightly sweet |
Tito’s relies on corn rather than wheat, producing a characteristic sweet and nutty flavor. Smirnoff also uses corn in an 80/20 blend but comes across more grainy. Grey Goose is another wheat vodka but costs significantly more than Kirkland.
Many vodka experts agree Kirkland holds its own against these premium vodkas in blind taste tests. It offers easy mixing versatility and smooth sipping at an unbeatable value.
Is Kirkland Vodka the Same as Grey Goose?
There is a long-standing rumor that Kirkland’s French vodka was actually produced by Grey Goose and re-bottled for Costco. While never confirmed, if true, this would explain why Kirkland initially tasted similar to the premium Grey Goose.
However, once production switched to the United States in the early 2010s, any direct connection between Kirkland and Grey Goose was severed. The two vodkas use the same main grain (wheat) but have independent supply chains.
In formal spirit ratings, Kirkland and Grey Goose score closely but not identically. While they occupy a similar premium tier, there are slight flavor differences. Kirkland continues holding its own against Grey Goose, but it is no longer the same liquid in different bottles.
Should You Buy Kirkland Vodka?
Kirkland Signature Vodka earns consistent rave reviews for its smooth taste and low price. For Costco members, it represents one of the best vodka values available. Even vodka snobs admit it’s impressive for the price.
Made from wheat and distilled multiple times, Kirkland offers quality on par with more expensive big name brands. While not the most premium vodka, it’s perfect for mixing cocktails or taking shots without breaking the bank.
Before your next party or event, consider stocking up on some Kirkland vodka. Just be sure to have a designated driver, stay safe, and drink responsibly!
Conclusion
Kirkland Signature Vodka relies on wheat as its primary grain, following a tradition set by many premium vodka brands. Its smooth taste profile and affordable price have made it one of the best-selling vodkas in America.
By distilling wheat multiple times, Kirkland is able to achieve a clean, mild flavor that works well in any vodka cocktail. While production has shifted to America, the commitment to quality remains. Kirkland vodka continues impressing consumers and winning awards.
Next time you need vodka for mixing or shots, look no further than the trusty Kirkland brand. Its smooth taste and low cost make it a goto vodka for any occasion.
