Costco, in its role as a major warehouse retail chain, draws upon many different sources to provide goods for the various items under its Kirkland private label. In those states where liquor sales are allowed in such stores, this also includes products like American bourbon.
It was revealed some months back through a series of TTB federally approved bottle labels that a seemingly new supplier for Costco’s Kirkland bourbons would be the Barton 1792 distillery in Kentucky that’s owned by Sazerac. These include Kirkland Small Batch, Kirkland Bottled-in-Bond and Kirkland Single Barrel.
It has now been showcased by Costco that these whiskeys are working their way into rotation at Costco stores, being part of a new program launching in June that will initially see Small Batch appear in select locations and in limited quantities.
As for what’s known on each, here’s what has appeared on the individual labels in question:
- Kirkland Signature Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is enjoyably smooth with its notes of oak and rye spice accented by vanilla and caramel. These notes grow and meld together, ending in a sweet, lingering finish.
- Kirkland Signature Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is wonderfully balanced. Its subtle notes of candied fruit and honey give way to a pleasant spice, bringing out the true character of the rye. It is rounded out with an oaky, lasting finish that is reminiscent of the aroma of the Kentucky barrel warehouses from which it came.
- Kirkland Signature Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is characterized by strong notes of oak interlaced with honey, caramel and dried fruit notes. It finishes with a long, lasting spicy rye finish. This Single Barrel expression is non-chill filtered and showcases the unique character of every barrel.