If you’re a whisky enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled by the variety available at Costco. This retail behemoth is as renowned for its comprehensive liquor range as it is for its succulent rotisserie chickens and monstrous cakes, with whisky being a distinguished feature of its shelves. Costco merchandises a large number of whiskies, promoting many high-profile brands as well as its exclusive Kirkland brand which boasts an impressive range of whiskies. Names like Maker’s Mark, Jack Daniel’s, Jameson, and Crown Royal could be seen in the expansive stores, along with their very own Scotch, bourbon, and Irish whiskies.

Despite these eminent brands may be available at appealing prices, they may not account for some of the best deals among Costco’s other whisky products. Additionally, Costco offers some unusual whiskies you may not have expected to find, such as the elusive Pappy Van Winkle which purchasing demands specific information about its release and procurement. If you’ve been curious about the secrets behind Costco whisky, we’re here to provide you with the relevant facts. So fill up your glass and let’s take a closer look.

Find out more: All The Benefits Of A Costco Membership

Costco is not known to do things by halves, and that indeed extends to its collection of whiskies. The store offers a large selection under its Kirkland Signature brand, indicating a strong demand. As per the information in December 2023, seven distinct Kirkland Signature Scotch whisky formats are consistently available in the store. The blended Scotch whiskies are a constant offering, with an array of Speyside, Islay, and regular Single Malt scotches also frequently up for grabs.

Costco provides three distinct Kirkland Signature bourbon varieties, typically available and stocked during the summer season. The selection also includes Irish and Canadian whiskies, with the wholesaler occasionally offering limited-edition Kirkland whiskey products. Not included in this selection are whiskey-based beverages and liqueurs, such as Irish cream, which Costco also offers under its Kirkland label.

It’s important to note that like any large retailer, Costco may alter its product range unexpectedly. The items have changed over the years, which suggests that returning customers may experience changes in whiskey selection or flavor profiles. However, considering the indispensable popularity of the beverage, it’s likely that Costco will continue to stock whiskey for the foreseeable future.

Unsurprisingly, a large portion of Costco’s revenue stems from its whiskey sales. According to Forbes, the retailer sold approximately $6.5 to $7 billion worth of alcoholic beverages in 2023. These figures place Costco not only as the leading alcohol retailer in the United States but also worldwide. Around a quarter of these alcohol sales are attributed to spirit beverages. Given that a large portion of the Kirkland alcohol range consists of various whiskies, the sales figures imply a high volume of bottles being sold.

So, what does Costco owe to its successful alcohol sales? The answer is a mix of competitive pricing, high-quality products, larger bottle sizes (providing a sense of value), and the retailer’s influential subscription model. Costco’s membership model fosters customer loyalty by creating an impression of exclusivity and value-for-money, prompting customers to maximize their memberships. As a result, customers are inclined to bulk-buy whiskey and other alcoholic beverages, filling their carts with large, non-perishable items that appear to offer excellent value.

Costco’s subscription model creates a sense of exclusivity, leaving non-members feeling they might be missing something. However, in some places, you don’t need to be a member to purchase your favorite whiskey. There are standalone Costco liquor stores in a few places where you can go without having a full Costco membership and buy whiskey, vodka, among other spirits.

But for you to locate these outstanding stores, you need to be somewhere specific. Namely, Costco Liquor is situated only in Alberta, Canada, a province where alcohol is only sold in designated liquor outlets. Therefore, these stores are positioned right next to regular Costco locations, but they have a separate entrance. This means to buy your Canadian whisky, you have to just go next door. If you’re in the United States, you probably still need to obtain a Costco membership to buy its range of whiskies. Although some states, like Florida, separate the alcohol collection from the general product selection, you still need to show your membership card to get in.

Costco’s Kirkland alcohol products often generate rumors about their source. For instance, a question has been raised for years whether Kirkland Signature vodka is actually Grey Goose due to similarities in their flavors. Despite both Costco and Grey Goose denying such claims, the retailer seems not as enthusiastic in squashing the rumor that its Blended Canadian Whisky, which many suspect is produced by prominent Canadian whisky brand Crown Royal.

The comparison between the two is understandable due to their striking similarities. The Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky’s taste and smell are very similar to those of Crown Royal, although with minor differences and an extra hint of spice. As both whiskies are blended, it’s quite possible the Kirkland version has a slightly different recipe compared to other Crown Royal expressions, as there’s no exact comparison. The difference in taste could also be because of its six-year aging process, considering Crown Royal usually does not provide aging information on its whisky bottles.

Costco’s selection of Scotch under its Kirkland brand is impressive, with a diverse array of blended and single-malt options available. These Scotch expressions can age up to 25 years, ensuring a complex flavor profile. However, these products are not made by Costco. It’s widely believed that the company behind Costco’s Kirkland brand Scotch since 2007 is Alexander Murray & Co., a Scottish company operating in the United States.

Alexander Murray & Co. is named after the great uncle of owner Steve Lipp, a whisky aficionado himself. Established in California in 2004, the company supplies Scotch to the American alcohol market. Many liquor stores carry Alexander Murray & Co. products, but purchasing from Costco is an affordable way to enjoy their smooth, peaty whiskies.

Costco also sells bourbon under its Kirkland brand, providing a cost-effective alternative for customers. The supplier of Costco’s Kirkland bourbon is somewhat of an open secret, as Barton 1792 Distillery is named directly on the label.

Barton 1792 Distillery, based in Kentucky, has a deep-rooted history in bourbon making, dating back to 1879. They specialize in small-batch whiskies. Interesting to note, though, is the recent partnership with Costco. Records reveal that in 2011, Jim Beam was behind Costco’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Tennessee-based George Dickel Distillery is believed to have taken over for a period, before Costco settled on Barton 1792 Distillery as their bourbon supplier.

If you’re a fan of Irish whiskey, Costco may be your next stop. The warehouse behemoth’s Kirkland Signature variant offers the nuanced, barley-forward taste and extended maturation typical of this spirit. Furthermore, there are strong indications that its production is under competent management. It is speculated that Costco’s Irish whiskey hails from the stables of Irish Distillers Ltd., a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard. Surprisingly, this well-known firm also produces Jameson, which is also available at Costco, albeit at a significantly higher price than its Kirkland counterpart.

True to its style, Costco has refrained from officially recognizing Irish Distillers Ltd. as its Kirkland brand supplier. Nevertheless, the evidence seems compelling. Irish Distillers Ltd.’s nationwide presence and substantial production capacities make it a plausible supplier for Costco’s large volume requirements. Additionally, the firm’s reputation for quality products offers significant peace of mind. In addition to Jameson, Irish Distillers Ltd. is credited with creating Middleton Very Rare, Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, and Powers Irish Whiskey, among others.

Worth noting is that Costco offers an even wider liquor selection beyond its Kirkland-branded products. In fact, Costco outstrips other outlets in sales of Johnnie Walker Blue and The Macallan, and its liquor aisles teem with a diverse range of whiskey options.

For those with a preference for Irish whiskies, a bottle of Jameson should suffice, either in its Black Label or standard form. However, expect to part with an extra $20 for the branded version. If bourbon is up your alley, Costco’s assortment is dizzying, featuring options like Bulleit, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, and Woodford Reserve. In addition, Glenlivet 14-Year-Old Single Scotch Malt Whiskey is available, besides the aforementioned Johnnie Walker Blue.

Just remember that these whiskeys may not always be a standard feature in Costco stores — and some of them can be extremely hard to find. On occasion, you can find a bottle of ultra-rare Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon on its shelves, at a slightly lower price than it’s sold elsewhere. These “drops” of Pappy Van Winkle only happen sporadically, though, and you’ll either have to be in the right place at the right time or be one of the lucky few that employees hand a ticket out to for a chance to purchase it.

Although you have to pay for a membership to Costco, you’re rewarded with a cavernous warehouse full of low-price items, including whisky. Costco whiskies are consistently cheaper than name-brand versions, and given that they’re made by reputable companies, you shouldn’t worry too much about their cheaper price point.

Take Costco Kirkland Blended Canadian Whisky, for example. A 1.75-liter bottle will generally cost you between $20 and 30, depending on which state you buy it in. A bottle of its closest name-brand competitor, Crown Royal (which may manufacture the Kirkland product), will come in closer to the $50 mark. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky may have a lower price difference, but buying it can still save you valuable dollars. Its 12-Year expression comes in at roughly $46 and is praised for its excellent, layered taste, with hints of cinnamon, prune, smoke, and brown sugar. Johnnie Walker Black Label usually comes in at over $50 per bottle for the same size, and while it will give you a similarly smooth experience, every penny counts.

It can feel like going for Kirkland whiskies over a name-brand version can leave you with an inferior product. If you’re smart, though, you can get a whiskey that tastes pretty similar to a more expensive option, saving you money and the hassle of going to a different store to get your liquor. Scotch pros have noted the similarity between Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky and Dewar’s White Label, although the Kirkland version may be a little darker. As such, if you’re using the Kirkland product in a cocktail instead of Dewar’s, you’re unlikely to tell the difference.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Canadian whisky is often likened to Crown Royal, not just in taste but also in the bottle’s design. The form of the bottle echoes the squat structure of Crown Royal’s. This resemblance might be seen as a nod to the pricier brand, offering customers a similar luxury at a more economical price — and almost identical flavor to boot.

One might imagine Kirkland products to be unvarying and uniform owing to the emphasis on delivering basic goods at lower prices. However, that doesn’t mean Costco shies away from experimenting. The company sometimes releases limited-edition versions of its whiskies, celebrating a new flavor or marking an occasion.

In early 2024, Costco introduced a blended Scotch whisky, matured for eight years, in celebration of the Lunar New Year. The bottle’s design incorporated the Year of the Dragon, featuring a formidable serpent, and came in a special edition box. The whisky had familiar taste notes, suggestive of it originating from the same producer as Costco’s other Scotches. It had a pronounced spiciness and a woody, peaty finish. The year prior, Costco had introduced a limited-edition 15-year-old single malt Scotch, and in 2022, it outdid itself with a 20-year-old Speyside Scotch. It is certainly worth keeping an eye on what Costco’s offering.

Read the original article on Daily Meal

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Australian four-piece indie rock band, Rum Jungle admits to being victims of hangxiety in their latest single: “Did The Morning Let You Down.” We’ve all been there before, waking up in the morning with an awful lurking feeling of dread for the actions of our past self, but Rum Jungle is here to help us feel a little less guilty and a little more understood with their new chilled-out anthem.

Lead singer Benny McIntyre shares, “You’d be lying to yourself if there hasn’t been a morning in your life that you’ve not been stoked with the events of the night before or something’s weighing you down and that morning it hits you hard. Mistakes get made, shit goes wrong, everything’s tough for everyone in their own relative state. What this one is about though is pickin’ up and rollin’ on and understanding the world is the way it is, and finding that thing or person or reason to charge on with some sonic stability.”

“Did The Morning Let You Down” is the ultimate laid-back summer anthem, shimmering with jangly indie guitars, upbeat drums, a super catchy chorus, and an overall feel-good vibe.

The song comes right as Rum Jungle kick off their UK/EU tour, so be sure to check out their dates if they’re in a city near you, as their live shows are tipped to be something out of the ordinary.

HOLD ME IN THE WATER UK/EU TOUR

9th May – FOCUS – Wrexham, Wales

10th May – The Louisiana – Bristol, UK | SOLD OUT

11th May – The Cavern – Exeter, UK

13th May – Oporto – Leeds, UK

14th May – Sidney and Matilda – Sheffield, UK

15th May – Omeara – London, UK | SOLD OUT

16th May – The Great Escape – Brighton, UK

20th May – Badehaus – Berlin, DE

21st May – Molotow – Hamburg, DE

22nd May – Wohnemeinschaft – Cologne, DE

23rd May – Supersonic – Paris, FR

25th May – A Stones Throw – Newcastle, UK

26th May – Broadcast – Glasgow, UK

Connect with Rum Jungle : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

One of the easiest wholesome side dishes you can make to fill up your dinner table is glazed carrots: Tender roasted carrots with a sweet, flavorful glaze. With a handful of ingredients and about 15 or so minutes, you get a vibrantly-colored dish that tastes as amazing as it looks. Nonetheless, the flavor and fragrance of your roasted carrots may be enhanced significantly by adding whiskey.

Whiskey is renowned for its smoky and complex flavors beneath the potent hit of alcohol. Some of the primary tasting notes, such as honey and vanilla, complement the natural sweetness of carrots wonderfully. As a result, the whiskey-infused glazed carrots may taste earthy and slightly alcoholic, although most of the actual alcohol will evaporate during cooking.

To incorporate whiskey into your glazed carrot recipe, simply add a bit or two to the pan alongside the other glaze ingredients like honey, butter, and garlic. Following that, as the carrots roast in the oven, the alcohol will evaporate, leaving a pleasing depth of flavor that will have your dinner guests intrigued about your cooking secret.

Read more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

With that in mind, you’re probably mentally sorting through the list of all the whiskies you know for a good fit. Here’s a simple recommendation: For a lighter, smooth twist on the dish, go for Irish whiskeys. If you like something a bit more bold, you won’t go wrong with smoky, classic all-American bourbons.

If it’s the former that piques your interest, consider popular bottlings of Irish whiskey such as Jameson or Bushmills. Irish whiskeys tend to have a lighter, fruitier flavor profile due to their triple distillation process, which can add that fresh twist to your glazed carrots. The subtle notes of vanilla and citrus in these whiskeys can brighten up the dish and give it a more complex taste. Meanwhile, the smoky and oaky taste of American bourbons will pair well with the sweeteners in the dish, be it caramelized brown sugar or honey.

For those who prefer a bolder, spicier flavor, a rye whiskey like Bulleit Rye or Templeton Rye is worth a shot. Rye whiskeys have a distinct peppery and strong taste that can add a nice kick to your glazed carrots. Just be sure to use a light hand when adding rye whiskey to your glaze, as its strong flavor can easily overpower the delicate taste of the veggie.

And if this has got you in the mood for adding whiskey to more dishes, have a look at our 12 ways to cook with whiskey for inspiration.

Read the original article on Tasting Table

Australian four-piece indie rock band, Rum Jungle admits to being victims of hangxiety in their latest single: “Did The Morning Let You Down.” We’ve all been there before, waking up in the morning with an awful lurking feeling of dread for the actions of our past self, but Rum Jungle is here to help us feel a little less guilty and a little more understood with their new chilled-out anthem.

Lead singer Benny McIntyre shares, “You’d be lying to yourself if there hasn’t been a morning in your life that you’ve not been stoked with the events of the night before or something’s weighing you down and that morning it hits you hard. Mistakes get made, shit goes wrong, everything’s tough for everyone in their own relative state. What this one is about though is pickin’ up and rollin’ on and understanding the world is the way it is, and finding that thing or person or reason to charge on with some sonic stability.”

“Did The Morning Let You Down” is the ultimate laid-back summer anthem, shimmering with jangly indie guitars, upbeat drums, a super catchy chorus, and an overall feel-good vibe.

The song comes right as Rum Jungle kick off their UK/EU tour, so be sure to check out their dates if they’re in a city near you, as their live shows are tipped to be something out of the ordinary.

HOLD ME IN THE WATER UK/EU TOUR

9th May – FOCUS – Wrexham, Wales

10th May – The Louisiana – Bristol, UK | SOLD OUT

11th May – The Cavern – Exeter, UK

13th May – Oporto – Leeds, UK

14th May – Sidney and Matilda – Sheffield, UK

15th May – Omeara – London, UK | SOLD OUT

16th May – The Great Escape – Brighton, UK

20h May – Badehaus – Berlin, DE

21st May – Molotow – Hamburg, DE

22nd May – Wohnemeinschaft – Cologne, DE

23rd May – Supersonic – Paris, FR

25th May – A Stones Throw – Newcastle, UK

26th May – Broadcast – Glasgow, UK

Connect with Rum Jungle :

Facebook |

Twitter |

Instagram |

TikTok

The Original Peanut Butter Whiskey’s Unique Personality is Brought to Life by the Brand’s Biggest Campaign Drop Since Pernod Ricard Acquisition

NEW YORK, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Skrewball Whiskey, the leading peanut butter whiskey, is proud to unveil its new campaign and rallying cry, “Skrew the Usual,” the brand’s most ambitious launch to date. As the world’s first super-premium peanut butter flavored American whiskey, Skrewball wants people to break away from the ‘same old, same old’ and revel in the surprisingly delicious flavors of life – enter “Skrew the Usual.”

“Skrew the Usual” is more than just a call to action, it embodies the essence of adventure and innovation in each bottle of Skrewball Whiskey. The campaign encourages consumers to break away from monotony and forgo the usuals in life that keep delicious discoveries at bay – in other words, to live by the ‘you only live once’ motto.

“Skrewball wants to inspire consumers to take detours and seek out the weird and wonderful,” said Kuppy Sampale, Brand Director of Skrewball Whiskey at Pernod Ricard. “With the introduction of ‘Skrew the Usual,’ we’re inviting our audience to choose exploration over routine and celebrate trying something new, like the unexpectedly delicious flavor of peanut butter whiskey.”

Visit Skrewball Whiskey’s Offical Website

The campaign signifies a major achievement for Skrewball and is the biggest launch since Pernod Ricard acquired it in 2023. Accompanying the launch is a 30-second creative spot titled “House of High Spirits” along with 15-second and 6-second short films. Central to the campaign is a new fictional spokesperson, Skrew, who brilliantly encapsulates the fun and mischief of Skrewball’s spirit. In the spot, Skrew invites viewers to give into their curiosity and savor the unique peanut butter flavor of Skrewball Whiskey.

“Skrewball continually pushes limits and defies expectations,” stated Steve and Brittany Yeng, the co-founders of Skrewball Whiskey. “We’re excited to extend the ‘Skrew the Usual’ approach to more people through our new campaign and hope that it inspires people to try Skrewball.”

Despite being a relatively new player, having been established in 2018, Skrewball has risen to become the preeminent peanut butter whiskey in the United States, boasting 83% market share. It is also the number two premium brand in the flavored whiskey category ($25+) in terms of value and volume, and the fifth top brand overall—truly remarkable growth.

The campaign, which was conceived by The Martin Agency, will be launched via online video, social and search on Thursday, May 9. Subsequently, notable out-of-home advertisements in key markets such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City are set to roll out in June.

Skrewball Whiskey is available nationwide and at select retailers in Canada, Puerto Rico, and Central America. It is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the star ingredient in a variety of inventive cocktails and shots, like Island of Misfits and Salty Nuts.

For more information about Skrewball Whiskey and to stay updated on the latest news, visit www.skrewballwhiskey.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram (@skrewballwhiskey).

PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. 35% ALC./VOL. ©2024 Skrewball Spirits, LLC, New York, NY

Sources:
¹ Nielsen, latest 52 weeks, week ending 4/19/24

ABOUT SKREWBALL PEANUT BUTTER WHISKEY
Skrewball Whiskey was founded by Steven Yeng, a Cambodian refugee, and his wife Brittany, a former chemist who became a lawyer. Steven discovered his love of peanut butter shortly after arriving in the United States. Later, he began to integrate the quintessential, American nut butter into a top-selling cocktail at a bustling downtown Ocean Beach (San Diego) bar he ran. Seeing the popularity, Brittany would take Steven’s bestselling shot and help turn it into a shelf-stable whiskey with her chemistry background. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey has won several awards, including the Best Flavored Whiskey award at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition. The brand rapidly expanded in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.skrewballwhiskey.com.

ABOUT PERNOD RICARD USA
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world’s second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código 1530, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Mumm Napa.

Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As “creators of conviviality,” we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking.

For more information, visit: www.pernod-ricard-usa.com.

Media contact:
Weber Shandwick, wswskrewkrew@webershandwick.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skrewball-whiskey-encourages-consumers-to-skrew-the-usual-with-new-campaign-302140558.html

SOURCE Skrewball Whiskey

The duo, who have not been named, had reportedly boozed on duty-free vodka on the plane from Tenerife South to London Gatwick at 2am yesterday morning – but were met by police on arrival

Shocking footage has captured the moment two rowdy Brits who had been allegedly boozing on a flight from

Tenerife were thrown off a flight by

police.

The duo, who have not been named, had reportedly boozed on duty-free vodka on the

plane from Tenerife South to

London Gatwick at 2am on Wednesday. The airline has since confirmed officers boarded the plane upon landing back in the UK due to disruption onboard. Shocking video filmed on board shows the couple being escorted off the aircraft by three

Sussex Police officers – sparking cheers from their fellow passengers.

Were you on this flight? Contact us at webnews@mirror.co.uk

Witnesses claim the pair were “rowdy” throughout the flight before the police were called. A passenger who filmed them being ejected from the aircraft said: “A police officer emptied the passenger’s handbag onto the tarmac and a 1 litre vodka bottle that appeared to be almost empty fell out. They were both in a bad way.”

A spokesperson for easyJet said: “easyJet’s cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time. Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate disruptive behaviour onboard. The safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority.” The Mirror has contacted Sussex Police for comment.

It comes after a travel blogger warned against passengers bringing their own alcohol aboard a flight. The reason isn’t that the airline can sell more of their own booze, but for safety reasons. “Please, please, please do not bring personal alcohol and consume it during the flight. We need to know (for your safety and those around you) if you are intoxicated,” Lisa Kulper told the Points Guy.

“By serving you alcohol in flight, we can monitor how much you are drinking. Alcohol affects you differently at higher altitudes, and if you are suddenly passed out or something goes wrong, we won’t know the reason.” As well as potentially causing flight attendants some issues – particularly if you go really overboard with the drink – it could land you in hot water if you’re flying in the wrong country. In the US consuming personal alcohol on a flight can lead to a hefty fine.

Lisa identified that this is a federal violation in the United States, which could result in a fine of thousands of pounds. In the United Kingdom, you’re permitted to carry alcohol on the plane as long as it’s purchased in the airside departure lounge, it’s closed, and its alcohol content is lower than 70% ABV. It should also be stored either in an airport shopping bag or in your cabin bag. Passengers are prohibited from consuming any alcohol while flying unless it was purchased onboard.

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