Liquor-articles 1905

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.

Acclaimed whiskey brand, The Dalmore, is headed to Sotheby’s with a one-of-a-kind release that marries the worlds of spirits, art, and design.

More from Variety

This 70-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky Is Going Up for Auction to Pay Tribute to the Queen

“The Rare” is a 49-year-old Highland Single Malt Whiskey preserved in a unique amber glass sculpture, designed by Melodie Leung, a director at Zaha Hadid Architects. Initially unveiled in March as a part of The Dalmore’s Luminary Series, the “Luminary No.2 The Rare” is predicted to fetch six figures at auction, with The Dalmore donating all proceeds to V&A Dundee.

This collaboration is a collector’s piece for both whiskey lovers and art enthusiasts alike. It presents one of The Dalmore’s finest spirits — a 49-year-old single malt matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks, then finished in an assemblage, which includes a unique Port Colheita Pipe 1963, a 30-year-old Apostoles Sherry Cask, and hand-selected bourbon barrels. The liquor is finished in a 1951 virgin oak cask and further “bespoke toasted” by The Dalmore’s master maker Gregg Glass himself.

Bottled at 40.6% ABV, anticipate the taste notes of vanilla, dark berries, and roasted chestnuts with elements of sugared almonds, plums, and wood cacao.

The accompanying sculpture is composed of a seamless piece of glass that swirls and loops around the bottle without a clear start or finish point. As Leung clarified in a launch event to celebrate the alliance in Los Angeles last month, the sculpture draws inspiration from the interaction of flavor and form, and the sense of unity and gathering that stems from the ritual of sharing a drink.

“The sculpture we created for The Rare was inspired by our fascinating discussions around the interaction and flow of flavor notes in the whisky-making process, including the unique silhouettes of the copper stills,” Leung says, in a release. “It mirrors the multiple layers of aging and blending that went into creating this whisky, which is the exquisite product of nature channelled over time.”

Indeed, Leung’s piece took more than three months to produce, with handmade moulds created for the glass to shape its unique curves and sloping silhouette. The glass was heated in a specially-sourced kiln and then cooled — one degree at a time — over a 12-week period. The resulting piece weighs a whopping 80 kg.

The Sotheby’s auction runs from May 14-31 in London, presented as part of the auction house’s “Luxury Edit.” Only three decanter bottles and two sculptures were created. After the first set is auctioned off, a second set will be displayed at The Dalmore distillery in the Highlands, with a third bottle held for release at a later date.

While “The Rare” is a strictly one-off release (for now), fans of The Dalmore can spring for a bottle of “The Collectible,” a 16-year-old single malt that draws inspiration from both “The Rare” whiskey and sculpture. Limited to just 20,000 bottles worldwide, “The Collectible” is part of The Dalmore Luminary Series 2024 and .

Best of Variety

New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week

What’s Coming to Netflix in May 2024

What’s Coming to Disney+ in May 2024

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Food and Dining Reporter

Happy Raptor

A New Orleans distillery that opened just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic will close its doors for good this week after four years in business and is hoping to help their employees find new jobs.

Happy Raptor Distilling is leaving the Crescent City Friday with a farewell toast and party to celebrate the end of their chapter.

Happy Raptor launched in February 2020, producing 504Rum and 504Syrups using Louisiana molasses.

The distillery is also committed to contributing back to society. It has given over $100,000 in direct funds, goods, services back to the New Orleans community, partnering with over 100 local nonprofits.

“Saying goodbye to this amazing company and incredible team is heartbreaking,” stated co-founder Meagen Moreland-Taliancich. “We built a support corner during some of the most challenging years our community has ever faced, and we had the resources to help and act for others when everything seemed grim.”

Any established plans involving their brand will be respected by the distillery after its closure. Furthermore, the owners are eager to assist nonprofit leaders in need of office supplies, plastic cups, toiletries, or other resources the distillery can offer.

The company said on its website that it couldn’t finacially stay open any longer. All workers have been compensated, and management is making an effort to help them find new employment.

“From the our first day in business, we’ve been barely avoiding losses. It seemed like we were always just this close to achieving success, but then another catastrophe would hit. We’ve come to understand that no one is coming to rescue us,” said co-founder Mark Taliancich.

The company is inviting their supporters to drop by in the next few days to purchase their favorite spirits and syrups before they’re all gone.

Keep up with Where NOLA Eats on Instagram at @wherenolaeats, join the Where NOLA Eats community on Facebook at Where NOLA Eats Facebook group, or sign up for the free biweekly Where NOLA Eats newsletter.

Email Chelsea Shannon at cshannon@theadvocate.com.

The daily work of the Made in New Orleans Foundation is about building racial equity in the local hospitality sector. Once again in November, …

Food and Dining Reporter

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

May 14—Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka has found its place in Cooke County.

Round 2 Spirits, LLC is creating the new vodka from the agave plant, typically linked with tequila. The agave is cultivated in Jalisco, Mexico and later distilled in Muenster.

“In our quest to find the perfect distilling location for Weber Ranch, we carried out a detailed search throughout the nation,” shared Lee Applbaum, the President and COO of Round 2 Spirits. “Upon reaching Muenster, we instantaneously felt this was the place we desired to call home.”

A significant factor that led to Weber Ranch establishing in Muenster was the welcoming community.

“Muenster … along with Gainesville and the broader community is amazing, from local officials all the way to other business people and community residents,” expressed Applbaum. “The gratitude I feel towards the people, be it from Gainesville, Muenster or anywhere in the area is immense. The curiosity displayed, the questions asked, the excitement shown, the offers of assistance we received, were not merely trades for potential businesses; they were genuine offers driven by excitement at our bringing something new to the community.”

Round 2 Spirits aspires to be a part of the community and reciprocate the warmth that they have received.

“We understand that we need to earn our place in the community. Having a splendid distillery and doing business there doesn’t entitle us to anything, so we’re keeping that in mind,” conveyed Applbaum. “This isn’t like a big city where you have the option to disappear into the crowd; you need to be transparent, honest and follow through on the promises made.”

With the naming of Weber Ranch Vodka, Round 2 Spirits aimed to evoke a sense of Americana and rural communities.

“Leaving the big city, going out to some of these amazing communities across America where there’s just good, honest, hard-working men and women; as we thought about our brand name, how that brand name would come to life at the the distillery location was important,” said Applbaum. “Texas, more broadly, and then Muenster more specifically has all of that character, that charm, that history, the honesty and sensibility about it that really resonates with the brand.”

The distillery in Muenster also made an ideal location for Weber Ranch due to the quality of water and the physical distillery.

“Trinity aquifer produces beautiful water that had the right balance for creating Weber Ranch,” said Applbaum. “The building is very large, which allows us to be able to scale and grow, and the copper stills that are there are amazing and make a beautiful Weber Ranch vodka.”

Agave

The group behind Round 2 Spirits previously worked together to create and build Patrón Tequila, equipping them with great experience in agave and the distillery industry. This familiarity inspired the making of Weber Ranch Vodka, an exciting deviation that introduces the classically tequila-associated ingredient to the vodka distilling process.

“Blue Weber Agave is a truly unique plant that results in a remarkable spirit, not relegated to just tequila,” says Antonio Rodriguez in a press release. Rodriguez, Weber Ranch’s master distiller and former production director at Patrón Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico continues stating, “While Weber Ranch Vodka is indeed a vodka, our use of agave allows us to formulate subtle, smooth flavor notes of tropical fruit and citrus. This unique blend not only enhances classic vodka cocktails but lends itself perfectly to traditional agave-based drinks such as a ranch water or paloma. The immense versatility of this spirit is what makes it extraordinary.’

“We were fully aware of what Blue Weber Agave could produce in tequila. If you apply a different process to it, the result can be a truly exceptional vodka that’s fresh, bright, and clean,” relayed Applbaum. “Although difficult to craft due to the nearly seven-year growth period of agave … it requires a lot of patience, time, and commitment, it’s more costly, but you definitely reap the benefits of your investment.. It’s a completely unique experience.”

Weber Ranch Vodka is gluten-free, carb-free and additive-free. It’s distilled with just agave and water. For more information about the vodka. visit weberranch.com, and for more information about the company behind the vodka, visit round2spirits.com.

Noted Irish dancer Michael Flatley has introduced Flatley Whiskey: The Dreamer – his inaugural signature Irish whiskey from a series of unique blends.

The Irish whiskey is developed in collaboration with master blender Noel Sweeney and distilled at the Great Northern Distillery.

Flatley expressed, “Irish whiskey, similar to Irish dance, encapsulates the core of Ireland— its past, its spirit, and its potential to unite people in festivity.

“With ‘The Dreamer’, we’re capturing the essence of Irish custom, the dreams that energize us and the individuals that inspire us.”

Flatley Whiskey has signed a distribution deal in Ireland with premium spirits distributor Dalcassian Wines & Spirits who are stocking bars, hotels, and independent stores across Ireland.

Irish grocery retailer SuperValu is also offering the whiskey in over 175 stores across the country.

Conor O’Flynn, SuperValu whiskey buyer, stated, “We champion all Irish producers and we’re proud to stock some of Ireland’s newest and most exclusive Irish whiskey brands. This is a truly appealing whiskey blended in conjunction with one of the best master-blenders, Noel Sweeney.

“It offers exquisite taste and premium quality, and excellent value. We are confident that our customers will really value this addition to our spirits selection.”

The whiskey is expected to hit the international market soon, starting with a premiere release in the United States during the upcoming summer.

Committed to perfection, Michael Flatley involved himself in every step, from blending to designing the bottle that houses Flatley Irish Whiskey.

Flatley, a noted collector of the Irish Whiskey, conceptualized the idea of this drink during the renovation of his residence, Castlehyde, located in Cork.

The owned Sweeney made a comment stating, “This exquisite five-year-old triple-cask blend is a fusion of grain whiskey and a twice-distilled malt, matured in former casks of bourbon, port, and Pedro Ximenez sherry. The result is a perfect representation of the traditional Irish Whiskey, having smooth complexity.”

Each whiskey bottle adorns the Flatley family crest, honouring his father, who continues to be his greatest hero.

“Irish Whiskey was a favourite of my father’s. It was through his passion that I came to appreciate its complex flavours. So, it’s a very proud moment to launch Flatley Irish Whiskey, as I know he will be smiling down on me,” Flatley added.

Processing your request…

Thanks! Please check your email to confirm your subscription.

By Diebold Nixdorf

By KNAPP

By Lobster Council of Canada

KALAHEO KAUAI, Hawaii, May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Known as “The Spirit of Aloha” and The Ultra Premium Rum of the Las Vegas Raiders, Koloa Rum Company is delighted to announce the launch of its new Rum Rusher Hawaiian Rum Cocktail in collaboration with the Las Vegas Raiders. This exciting partnership marks the continuation of a thrilling union between the two iconic brands, allowing fans to experience the fusion of Hawaii culture and Raiders spirit.

Packaged in a convenient four-pack, Raider Nation can purchase the Rum Rusher at multiple liquor stores throughout Nevada and Utah. In addition, individual Rum Rusher cans will be available for purchase at the Koloa Rum Company Store in Lihue, HI.

The Rum Rusher Cocktail is a result of a dynamic ongoing partnership between Koloa Rum and world-renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. As one of the leading bar professionals and industry pioneers, Abou-Ganim’s expertise has been instrumental in crafting this unique and flavorful cocktail.

Boasting 15% ALC/VOL, the Rum Rusher is a harmonious blend of Koloa White Hawaiian Rum, natural flavors such as orange, pineapple, and lime juice, as well as organic agave syrup. It will be available in sets of four 12 fl. oz. cans (355 ml).

“The Rum Rusher Cocktail is a testament to our commitment to creativity and innovation, and embodies the essence of Koloa Rum and the Raiders,” said Bob Gunter, president and CEO of Koloa Rum Company.

Koloa Rum invites fans to taste the bartender version of the Rum Rusher at the Twitch Lounge and concourse bars inside Allegiant Stadium.

Koloa Rum encourages fans to drink responsibly. To find the Rum Rusher near you, visit KoloaRum.com.

See HERE for high-res image. Courtesy of Koloa Rum Company.

About Koloa Rum Company
Established in 2009, Koloa Rum Company produces artisanal, single-batch Hawaiian rum and ready-to-drink cocktails at its distillery in Kalaheo, Kauai and operates the island’s first and only distilled spirits Tasting Room and Company Store. The company’s award-winning portfolio includes its premium Kauai White, Gold, Dark, Spice, Coconut, Cacao and Coffee rums in addition to ready-to-drink cocktails. Products are available for purchase online, at select retailers nationwide, and in Western Canada, Italy, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, France, the UK, Ukraine and Japan. For more information, visit https://koloarum.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jenerate PR
Jennifer Polito
Dianne Mercado
jennifer@jeneratepr.com
dianne@jeneratepr.com
(808) 281-2088

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/koloa-rum-company-unveils-exclusive-rum-rusher-cocktail-to-commemorate-partnership-with-the-las-vegas-raiders-302141936.html

SOURCE Koloa Rum Company

KALAHEO KAUAI, Hawaii, May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Referred to as “The Spirit of Aloha” and the Ultra Premium Rum of the Las Vegas Raiders, Koloa Rum Company is thrilled to publicize the introduction of its new Rum Rusher Hawaiian Rum Cocktail in alliance with the Las Vegas Raiders. This exhilarating association signals the perseverance of a thrilling harmony between the double iconic trademarks, enabling enthusiasts to undergo the merger of Hawaii culture and Raiders spirit.

Enclosed in a handy four-pack, Raider Nation can secure the Rum Rusher at several liquor outlets throughout Nevada and Utah. Furthermore, single Rum Rusher cans will be on hand for acquisition at the Koloa Rum Company Store in Lihue, HI.

The Rum Rusher Cocktail is a by-product of a vibrant ongoing accord between Koloa Rum and globally recognized mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. Being one of the mainline bar pros and field trailblazers, Abou-Ganim’s proficiency has been pivotal in devising this distinctive and tasty cocktail.

Claiming 15% ALC/VOL, the Rum Rusher is a harmonious mix of Koloa White Hawaiian Rum, natural flavorings like orange, pineapple, and lime juice, plus organic agave syrup. It will be obtainable in sets of four 12 fl. oz. cans (355 ml).

“The Rum Rusher Cocktail is a testament to our commitment to creativity and innovation, and embodies the essence of Koloa Rum and the Raiders,” said Bob Gunter, president and CEO of Koloa Rum Company.

Koloa Rum invites fans to taste the bartender version of the Rum Rusher at the Twitch Lounge and concourse bars inside Allegiant Stadium.

Koloa Rum encourages fans to drink responsibly. To find the Rum Rusher near you, visit KoloaRum.com.

See HERE for a high-res image. Courtesy of Koloa Rum Company.

About Koloa Rum Company
Established in 2009, Koloa Rum Company produces artisanal, single-batch Hawaiian rum and ready-to-drink cocktails at its distillery in Kalaheo, Kauai and operates the island’s first and only distilled spirits Tasting Room and Company Store. The company’s award-winning portfolio includes its premium Kauai White, Gold, Dark, Spice, Coconut, Cacao and Coffee rums in addition to ready-to-drink cocktails. Products are available for purchase online, at select retailers nationwide, and in Western Canada, Italy, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, France, the UK, Ukraine and Japan. For more information, visit https://koloarum.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jenerate PR
Jennifer Polito
Dianne Mercado
jennifer@jeneratepr.com
dianne@jeneratepr.com
(808) 281-2088

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/koloa-rum-company-unveils-exclusive-rum-rusher-cocktail-to-commemorate-partnership-with-the-las-vegas-raiders-302141936.html

SOURCE Koloa Rum Company

Former Riverdance and Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley has launched a new Irish whiskey.

The five-year-old spirit, which is called “Flatley Irish whiskey” and is branded “The Dreamer”, has been created in partnership with master blender Noel Sweeney. It is distilled at the Great Northern Distillery in Co Louth, which is owned by the Teeling family.

Mr Flatley is a long-time collector of Irish whiskey, and his family crest adorns each bottle in a nod to his late father.

It is expected the whiskey will be launched in the United States later this summer, with a worldwide launch in 2025.

“Irish whiskey was a favourite of my father’s,” said Mr Flatley. “It was through his passion that I came to appreciate its complex flavours. So, it’s a very proud moment to launch Flatley Irish whiskey, as I know he will be smiling down on me.”

“I brought in the very best team led by CEO Jim Clerkin, renowned in the international drinks industry, master blender Noel Sweeney and Pierrick Bouquet, who was the genius behind some of the most successful wine and spirits brands internationally.”

Mr Sweeney, formerly of Cooley Distillery and Powerscourt Distillery, said: “This five-year-old triple-cask blend combines grain whiskey and double-distilled malt matured in former bourbon, port and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.”

Flatley Whiskey has signed a distribution deal here with Dalcassian Wines and Spirits, which is stocking bars, hotels and independent stores throughout Ireland.

SuperValu, a grocery retailer, is stocking the whiskey in over 175 stores nationwide. The recommended retail price is €45.

Michael Flatley, the former Riverdance star, has spoken of his distress over a drama with his home, Castlehyde House in Co Cork.

The Chicago-born Irish dancer, 65, who is celebrating 30 years since he shot to fame following his performance at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, has brought proceedings against several parties before the commercial division of the High Court over an alleged €30 million worth of damage to the house. The defendants are fully contesting the case.

“My heart is broken over this whole thing,” he says of the issues with the house, which was damaged by a fire in 2016. “I started to notice once we moved back in that it didn’t feel the same. We handed the keys over to the

The Best of Category Flavored Vodka is Safe House Distilling, Teller Green Chile Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml.

One vodka brand secured Best of Class honors, and two others grabbed Best of Category at the 2024 American Distilling Institute (ADI) International Spirits Competition (ISC) assessment. The victors reflected a diverse range of aroma and taste profiles across flavored vodka, along with neutral character and foundational character vodka.

The yearly competition, a spring event that attracts some of America’s leading spirit judges, is a prestigious platform. It does not just highlight standout craft distillers and their spirits amongst American and international manufacturers but also offers significant recognition for their endeavours. This year, the contest yet again showcased its worth, with numerous emerging distillers earning Double Gold and Gold medals, confirming their dedication and proficiency.

The ISC terms the top spirits in each category as Best of Class, while the leading spirits in every sub-category are referred to as Best of Category. The Best of Class victors are selected from the Best of Category winners.

Historically, the TTB defined vodka as a “neutral” spirit “to be without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color.” It’s long been recognized, however, that the base materials used in the mash often leave trace flavor elements.

The ADI judging was among the first spirit competitions to distinguish between vodkas that were neutral and those that retained some element of flavor derived from the original mash components. These flavor components are different from “flavored vodkas,” which have been flavored with artificial compounds, and botanical vodkas, which have been flavored with naturally occurring substances.

The Best of Class Vodka – Residual Base Character is GlenPharmer Distillery, Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml.

GlenPharmer Distillery is a Massachusetts, grain to glass craft distillery. The ADI Judging Panel described the vodka as exhibiting:

Slightly herbal and vegetative on the nose and a bit spirity. On the palate it’s smooth with a noticeable herbal/vegetative note along with a touch of wet stone minerality. The finish has a sweet note and is slightly peppery.

The Best of Category Vodka Neutral Character is 1879 Distilling Red Barn Premium Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml.

1879 Distilling is a family-owned craft distiller in St. Louis Missouri that draws its grains from its own 2,800-acre farm. The ADI Judging Panel described the vodka as showing:

Very slight vegetative and fruity notes on the nose. On the palate it’s sweet and smooth, although slightly drying. The finish is long and smooth with slight but lingering fruity notes.

The premier category flavored vodka is Safe House Distilling, Teller Green Chile Vodka, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40% and a volume of 750 ml.

The Teller Green Chili Vodka from Safe House Distilling is distinct and tasty, celebrating the deep-rooted food culture of the American Southwest. This vodka incorporates a mix of charred green chili peppers, providing it with a hot and lively personality.

Here’s how the ADI Judging Panel described the flavored vodka:

On the nose, there are herbaceous, earthy, and green chili pepper impressions. When tasted, the vodka is sugary and smooth having a remarkable green chili spiciness that gradually escalates. The aftertaste is extended and a bit sweet with a powerful, persistent green chili pepper trail.

The 2024 ADI winners highlighted an impressive class of up-and-coming craft distillers. Some of the winners are well-known, while others are still relatively new and have limited national distribution.

All of them produce outstanding vodkas, and all are very reasonably priced. They are well worth seeking out and will prove excellent, either straight up or in cocktails. Once again, ADI has done a superb job of identifying the craft distillery industry’s up-and-coming vodka producers.

See the ADI’s website for a complete listing of all the medalists in the American Distilling Institute’s International Spirits Competition.

Cheers

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts.

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site’s Terms of Service. We’ve summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

So, how can you be a power user?

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site’s Terms of Service.

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