Shoppers appreciate Costco for its remarkable deals, particularly in its spirits section, highlighted by an impressive selection of whiskies. Whether you’re a fan of Scotch and Japanese whisky or the "e" varieties from America and Ireland, Costco offers an extensive array of bottles catering to diverse palates.

As a long-time bartender and whisky enthusiast, I found myself pondering whether Costco is indeed the ideal destination for purchasing whisky. The retailer certainly stocks a well-curated selection, including larger bottles that are often difficult to find in regular liquor stores. This led me to investigate whether the prices merit a special trip and identify which brands are worth purchasing.

Using my Costco membership and experience in alcohol sales, I set out to determine which whiskies are the best buys. Below, I list six brands to consider and six to pass on during your next Costco visit.

Best Values

1. Kirkland Signature: Costco’s own brand, Kirkland, provides excellent value, offering whiskies that are often compared to iconic brands like Crown Royal and Jameson. Its Scotch selections are particularly notable, giving whisky lovers a wallet-friendly way to explore various styles.

2. Johnnie Walker: As one of the most recognized Scotch brands globally, Johnnie Walker offers a variety of blends that are well-priced at Costco, making it an excellent stop for fans of this iconic whisky.

3. Glengoyne: This single malt Scotch is not only competitively priced but also well-regarded for its flavor profile. The 10-year-aged version is particularly appealing for those new to single malts.

4. Four Roses: Renowned for its exceptional bourbon quality, Four Roses is competitively priced at Costco, outperforming many competitors for value and taste.

5. Buffalo Trace: Known for its high-quality bourbon, Buffalo Trace’s pricing at Costco is lower compared to many other retailers, reinforcing its place as a top choice.

6. Sazerac: This rye whiskey is celebrated for its flavor and complexity. At Costco, it’s frequently available at prices lower than other stores, making it a prime choice for both sipping and mixing.

Worst Values

1. Jameson: While popular, this Irish whiskey is easily found elsewhere at similar or even lower prices. There’s little incentive to make a special trip to Costco for it.

2. Mars Iwai: Although unique, its pricing at Costco does not offer a significant advantage over other retailers where better-quality options may be found.

3. Crown Royal: Like Jameson, this Canadian whisky is a common fixture in liquor stores, often offered at comparable prices. Kirkland’s own Canadian blend is a better value alternative.

4. Jack Daniel’s: As a household name, this Tennessee whiskey’s price at Costco is not particularly competitive compared to the multitude of outlets where it can be found at a similar rate.

5. Jim Beam: While it can be a decent choice for cocktails, its price at Costco is comparable to other retailers, diminishing the need to purchase it from Costco specifically.

6. Bulleit: Although solid, Bulleit’s bourbons and ryes can frequently be found at better values from other brands available at Costco.

Methodology

To compile this list, I assessed the whisky offerings at Costco against those at other retailers. My first-hand experience, along with professional and customer reviews, guided my evaluations of both price and quality. The "worst value" labels denote brands that can be easily sourced elsewhere, while "best value" designations highlight those worth seeking out at Costco.

Keep in mind that alcohol availability and prices can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check your local store for the most current offerings.

Traveller Whiskey, recognized as the first official whiskey of Major League Baseball (MLB), has launched a national campaign titled “Welcome to the Show” just in time for the postseason. This cinematic advertisement, narrated by Chris Stapleton, a co-founder of the whiskey brand and an 11-time Grammy Award-winning country artist, made its debut during the National League Championship Series opener featuring the Dodgers and Brewers, and was also showcased before Game Two of the American League Championship Series between the Mariners and Blue Jays.

The campaign represents a significant milestone in the collaboration between Traveller Whiskey and MLB, featuring notable baseball highlights displayed on clubhouse and dugout screens. Stapleton’s narration captures the essence of an athlete’s arduous journey to the major leagues, stating, “Some moments take years to earn… Perfecting the craft… Seasons of dedication…” The advertisement culminates with an illuminated bottle of Traveller Whiskey beneath stadium lights, sealing the sentiment with Stapleton’s impactful closing words: “Welcome to The Show.”

Traveller Whiskey is a blended whiskey co-created by Master Distiller Harlan Wheatley from Buffalo Trace Distillery and Chris Stapleton himself. The partnership with MLB was established prior to the 2024 season, marking Traveller as the inaugural whiskey brand to receive such an official designation. The collaboration aims to merge baseball’s deep-rooted tradition of craftsmanship with the whiskey experience, inviting fans aged 21 and older to enjoy a toast to the game.

Stapleton has expressed his heartfelt connection to baseball culture, sharing that attending games on tour has morphed into a cherished tradition for him and his wife. They even celebrated their anniversary at Game Six of the World Series, reinforcing his excitement for Traveller Whiskey’s role as MLB’s Official Whiskey.

As this postseason unfolds, it marks the first fully integrated campaign for Traveller with the league, with plans to enhance its presence in various league events, including stadium experiences and broadcast integrations. "Welcome to the Show" serves as a poignant reminder to fans that baseball embodies a journey just as significant as the ultimate destination, much like the whiskey we savor.

Relevant Links:

• Traveller Whiskey
• Chris Stapleton
• MLB
• Welcome To The Show

Everyone may not be into whiskey, but everyone has a zodiac sign. This connection means there’s a whiskey cocktail that corresponds to each personality, many of which you might not have tried yet. Ranging from Prohibition-era classics to modern creations and including a variety of flavors from sweet to smoky, whiskey cocktails appeal to diverse tastes. Whether you’re well-versed in whiskey or just starting out, there’s surely a drink that aligns with your sign.

Using your zodiac sign, you can discover a whiskey cocktail matched to your personality traits. This isn’t the only cocktail you should explore but serves as a gateway for whiskey enthusiasts to both reaffirm their favorites and try something new. You might just uncover a drink that surprises you.

Aries: Old Fashioned

Aries are known for their competitive nature and love for being first. Their cocktail is the classic Old Fashioned—one of the oldest cocktails around—made with whiskey, bitters, and sugar. Its enduring popularity matches Aries’ boldness and ambition.

Taurus: Whiskey and Tonic

Tauruses value stability and routine. Their drink is a simple whiskey and tonic, reliable across any bar. The dryness of tonic pairs well, making it a versatile choice.

Gemini: Whiskey Sour

Geminis are playful and sociable, making the Whiskey Sour—both sweet and sour—fit them perfectly. Its combination of sugar, tart lemon, and a frothy finish reflects their multifaceted personalities.

Cancer: Atholl Brose

Cancers are empathetic but may appear hard to approach. They’d enjoy an Atholl Brose, a creamy and sweet Scottish whiskey cocktail. Its comforting nature aligns with their preference for solace and home.

Leo: Lynchburg Lemonade

Leos have vibrant personalities and love to celebrate life. Their summer cocktail is the Lynchburg Lemonade, a refreshing mix of whiskey and lemon-lime soda, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Virgo: Ward Eight

Virgos, known for their meticulousness, would opt for a Ward Eight—a versatile cocktail made with whiskey and citrus juices. Its adaptable nature allows for multiple interpretations, encouraging Virgos to step out of their comfort zones.

Libra: Whiskey Highball

Libras strive for balance, much like the harmonious blend of whiskey and ginger ale found in a Whiskey Highball. This drink encapsulates their desire for simplicity and elegance.

Scorpio: Irish Coffee

Scorpios are enigmatic, making the dark and mysterious Irish Coffee their perfect match. This cocktail offers a blend of whiskey and coffee, embodying their tendency to dwell in the deeper aspects of life.

Sagittarius: Mint Julep

Sagittarians are adventurers. Their cocktail choice, the Mint Julep, reflects their free spirit with its refreshing combination of bourbon and mint. This drink resonates with their optimistic outlook.

Capricorn: Fancy Whiskey Cocktail

Capricorns are known for their ambition and love for structure. Their drink, a "fancy" whiskey cocktail, consists of whiskey mixed with sweeter components like orange liqueur—balancing their work-focused nature with a touch of indulgence.

Aquarius: Boulevardier

Aquarians value individuality and innovation. The Boulevardier—a whiskey take on the Negroni—challenges the norm, aligning with their desire to break free from convention.

Pisces: Manhattan

Pisces embody intuition and emotional depth. Their cocktail, the classic Manhattan, represents the culmination of wisdom from the signs that precede them. Its versatility allows for countless variations, offering Piscean creativity a chance to shine.

Try the whiskey cocktail that matches your zodiac sign at your local bar or market for a delightful exploration of flavors!

The Glenlivet, a renowned distillery established in 1824, is introducing its latest creation in a new series named "Beyond Speyside." This series will expand its globally recognized 12-Year-Old single malt whisky with unique cask finishes inspired by various international spirits.

The inaugural release, called The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Jamaica Edition, Treasure Beach, is finished in casks that previously held high-ester Jamaican rum. This innovative approach aims to merge the classic Glenlivet profile with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, creating new taste experiences. Kevin Balmforth, the distillery’s cask master, stated that Jamaica was chosen for its vibrancy and originality, which align well with the whisky’s character.

As part of this transformation, the Jamaica Edition begins as a standard 12-year-old Glenlivet before undergoing secondary maturation that allows it to absorb the rum’s tropical flavors. The rum casks utilized, noted for their fruity essences, include notes of pineapple, banana, and toffee, all of which were carefully balanced to enhance the whisky’s profile without losing its Speyside essence.

The Jamaica Edition boasts aromas of fresh mango and pineapple with hints of coconut, while the palate reveals juicy pineapple sweetness paired with rich vanilla and a smooth caramel finish. It is recommended to enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, especially the signature Banana Old Fashioned.

Available at $55 for a limited time, this edition marks the beginning of a journey that will continue with future releases, reflecting a broader exploration of flavors around the globe. Thomas Doherty, a Scottish actor, is collaborating with Glenlivet for a digital campaign to promote this new venture, along with a travel-inspired capsule collection designed by Jamaican-Scottish designer Nicholas Daley, expected to launch in 2026.

For more information, visit The Glenlivet.