Kirkland vodka is a private label brand produced and sold exclusively by Costco. It is one of Costco’s most popular liquor items and has developed a reputation for being an exceptionally good quality vodka for its low price point. But what exactly is Kirkland vodka made from?
The Distillery Behind Kirkland Vodka
Kirkland vodka is distilled, bottled and sourced through the Grey Goose distillery in France. More specifically, it is produced at Distillerie Francois Thibault in the Cognac region. Thibault is the same distiller that produces Grey Goose vodka. So despite being a store brand, Kirkland vodka shares production in common with top shelf, premium vodka brands.
Ingredients in Kirkland Vodka
As a distilled spirit, the key ingredients in Kirkland vodka are simple:
- Water
- Grain neutral spirit
Let’s take a closer look at each:
Water
Kirkland vodka uses water sourced from the Gensac spring in the Cognac region. The water drawn from this spring is naturally filtered through limestone, giving it a pure, mineral-rich quality that helps enhance the vodka’s taste.
Grain Neutral Spirit
The primary alcohol source for Kirkland vodka is wheat-based spirit. To make this spirit, wheat is first fermented into a beer using yeast. Then the beer is distilled into a high-proof neutral spirit, meaning most of the flavors and impurities are removed through distillation. The result is an extremely pure, clean-tasting vodka.
Distillation and Filtration Process
Distillation and filtration are key to transforming Kirkland’s simple ingredient list into a premium tasting vodka. The process includes:
- Distilling the wheat spirit through column stills over 100 times to remove impurities
- Filtering the distillate through activated charcoal to remove trace compounds and further purify the vodka
- Reducing the vodka to drinking proof of 80 proof (40% ABV) by adding the mineral spring water
This extensive distillation and filtration results in an exceptionally smooth, clean vodka with subtle mineral notes from the Cognac water. While inexpensive, Kirkland’s vodka matches the quality of more expensive luxury brands.
Flavors and Versions
In addition to the standard Kirkland Signature Vodka, Costco also produces several flavored versions and specialty spirits under the Kirkland label, including:
- Citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit)
- Vanilla
- Berry (raspberry, strawberry)
- Kirkland Canadian Whisky
- Kirkland Blended Scotch Whisky
The base of these flavored and specialty spirits remains Kirkland’s wheat-based French vodka. Natural fruit extracts and flavors are added to make the flavored vodkas, while the whiskies blend Kirkland vodka with other grain spirits according to their own unique recipes and aging processes.
Packaging
Kirkland vodka is sold in 1.75 liter bottles, making it stand out from mainstream premium vodkas that typically come in 750 ml or 1 liter sizes. The larger bottle combined with Kirkland’s everyday low prices make this an extremely cost-effective vodka option.
Price
One of the most appealing qualities of Kirkland vodka is its price point. A 1.75 liter bottle generally costs under $20, which is significantly cheaper than a mainstream brand like Grey Goose or Absolut sold at the same volume. In terms of cost per volume, Kirkland vodka retails for under $12 per liter – far less than the $20+ per liter that comparable premium brands sell for.
Taste
Despite the bargain pricing, Kirkland vodka has earned praise for its smooth, well-balanced flavor. It has a clean taste with subtle hints of vanilla and limestone minerality. The spirit goes down easily with a smooth, creamy texture. Overall, it’s considered a top-rate vodka for both sipping and mixing in cocktails.
Quality
Kirkland vodka consistently earns high marks from industry experts and consumers when taste tested blind against premium vodkas – frequently scoring just as well or better than far more expensive brands. It has won several spirits ratings and awards, including:
- Best Vodka Under $30 – The Tasting Panel Magazine
- Double Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Rated A, Extraordinary – Beverage Testing Institute
These accolades showcase the quality and value offered by Costco’s private label vodka.
Popularity
As Costco’s top selling liquor item, Kirkland vodka’s popularity is undeniable. It has found widespread appeal among Costco members who praise it as an affordable way to stock up on an excellent vodka for mixing cocktails or drinking straight. Kirkland vodka has become a cult favorite product and a staple at many home bars.
Comparison to Grey Goose
Given that Kirkland and Grey Goose vodkas are both distilled at the same facility in France, many compare the two brands. While they share production similarities, there are some notable differences:
| Kirkland Vodka | Grey Goose Vodka |
|---|---|
| Made from wheat | Made from wheat and spring water |
| Less expensive | More expensive premium brand |
| Sold exclusively at Costco | Sold at liquor stores globally |
In blind taste tests, many consumers find Kirkland to be on-par with or better than Grey Goose, even though it sells for a fraction of the price. Overall, Kirkland offers comparable quality and excellent value as an alternative to pricier luxury vodkas.
Conclusion
Kirkland vodka continues to disrupt the spirits world by offering consumers top-shelf quality vodka at bulk pricing. It is made from wheat spirit and mineral water sourced in the Cognac region of France, using a extensive distillation and filtration process refined by spirits experts. While inexpensive, Kirkland vodka delivers exceptional smoothness and taste that rivals premium brands. With its large format bottles and everyday low prices at Costco, Kirkland vodka represents an unbeatable value for one of the best vodkas widely available today.
