Costco has long been known for selling bulk quantities of high quality foods and other consumables at discount prices. And those discounts are even sweeter when they are packaged with the Costco store brand – Kirkland Signature.
As a decade-plus Costco customer and occasional beer, wine, and spirits consumer (responsibly and in moderation, of course), I had always found the Costco liquor selection to be somewhat under-developed over the years. Fortunately, for frugal drinkers, that is no longer the case.
I have been pleasantly surprised to see that Costco has built out its Kirkland Signature liquor selection. In fact, it is now one of the benefits that makes Costco membership worth the cost for me.
What kind of alcohol does Costco sell? Unfortunately, there is (was) really no easy way to find out online what alcohol Costco sells and how much it costs. If you Google search for “Costco alcohol”, “Costco liquor”, “Costco spirits”, “Costco beer”, “Costco wine”, or the Kirkland Signature word variation of each, the first result is either this page or this page – both being dead blank pages with zero product info.
Your guess is as good as mine as to why Costco doesn’t want people to know what alcohol they sell or how much it costs, but given that it is such a mammoth company and their prices are favorable to similar brand-name marketed products, I can’t imagine it is an oversight. There could be a few possible factors at play, but I’ll leave the punditry to your imagination. Whatever the case, I decided to fill the void and create an “ultimate guide” to Costco’s alcohol selection. I sought out the answers to the following questions:
Can you buy alcohol at Costco without a membership?- What types of Kirkland Signature house brand beer, wine, and spirits does Costco sell?
- What are the volume quantities for Costco Kirkland alcohol?
- How much does Costco Kirkland alcohol cost?
- Who makes Kirkland Signature beer, wine, and spirits?
Before we continue, I think it’s important to note that, in my view, alcohol is purely a luxury item – nowhere near being a necessity. If you have a negative or tiny personal savings rate, high-interest debt, or any sort of a drinking problem – you’d best avoid the stuff altogether.
Can you Buy Alcohol at Costco Without a Membership?
Let’s address this first. Legal drinking age is not the only factor at play in buying alcohol at Costco. As I highlighted in my how to shop at Costco without a membership post, it appears that buying alcohol at Costco is one of the few exceptions where you may not need a membership to purchase. At a minimum, the following states have had laws in place that require shopping membership clubs to sell alcohol to the general public without membership:
- Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas, Vermont
There are varying reports on whether Costco has adopted the same policy in other states. Your mileage may vary.
On to the aisle…
Note that cost and selection may vary by location and by date.
Costco Kirkland Signature American Vodka
- Price: $16.99
- Volume: 1.75L
- Proof: 40% alc./vol. (80 Proof)
- Country of Origin: USA
- Importer: n/a
- Maker: Fairmont Ltd. Mira Loma, CA
- Notes & Description: I’ve purchased – and it’s a solid, smooth vodka. Distilled 6 times and “offers an extraordinarily smooth mildly sweet finish”.
Costco Kirkland Signature French Vodka
- Price: $24.99
- Volume: 1.75L
- Proof: alc./vol. ( Proof)
- Country of Origin: France
- Importer: Misa Imports Inc. Dallas, TX
- Maker: Distilleria de Gayant bottles in same region as Grey Goose. But rumor is they are not made by the same manufacturer.
- Notes & Description: distilled 5 times. “Aromatically clean and elegant, finishes smoothly with appealing balance and style”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky
- Price: $27.39
- Volume: 1.75L
- Proof: 40$ alc./vol. (80 proof)
- Country of Origin: Canada
- Importer: Wide World Importers. Louisville, KY
- Maker: Crown Royal (according to popular internet opinion)
- Notes & Description: I’ve purchased and really enjoy the Kirkland Canadian Whisky. Aged 6 years in white oak. “This whisky is velvety smooth with an enourmous boquet of complex vanilla, honey, spice, and toasted oak aromas. The initial sweet nutty character is followed by a rich creamy taste with a slightly spicy finish”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky
- Price: $22.99
- Volume: 1.75L
- Proof: 40% alc./vol. (80 Proof)
- Country of Origin: Scotland
- Importer: Misa Imports, Inc. Dallas, TX
- Maker: Alexander Murray & Co.
- Notes & Description: “the aged malt and grain whiskies in this Kirkland Signature Scotch Whisky are carefully blended to evoke aromas of dried fruit, with a slightly sweet, malty taste, which gives way to a long, gently warming finish”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky – Aged 12 Years
- Price: $52.99
- Volume: 1.75L
- Proof: 40% alc./vol. (80 Proof)
- Country of Origin: Scotland
- Importer: Misa Imports Inc. Dallas, TX
- Maker: Alexander Murray & Co.
- Notes & Description: “this Kirkland Signature 12-year old blended scotch whisky is a distinctive marriage of single malt and grain whiskies that have been matured in oak casks for a minimum of 12 years. Notes of caramel, spice, and smoky peat prevail on the nose and palate before a long, smooth finish”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Añejo Tequila
- Price: $27.99
- Volume: 1L
- Proof: 40% alc./vol. (80 Proof)
- Country of Origin: Mexico
- Importer: Misa Imports Inc. Dallas, TX
- Maker: Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, S.A. de C.V.
- Notes & Description: “made from 100% blue agave. It is double-distilled and aged to perfection in American Oak barrels in the traditional, old-world methods. This Kirkland Signature spirit provides an exceptional taste taste with an ultra-smooth finish”.
Costco Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin
- Price: $25.49
- Volume: 1.75L
- Proof: 44% alc./vol. (88 Proof)
- Country of Origin: USA
- Importer: n/a
- Maker: DC Flynt MW Domaines & Estates. Fairfield, CA
- Notes & Description: I’ve purchased – this is a good gin – with a little bite to it. “Our master distillers take the small batch approach in crafting this classic London dry gin. They use copper pot stills and distill five times using aromatic botanicals that are clean and pure, with notes of juniper and zesty, lemon-orange citrus”.
Costco Kirkland Signature XO Cognac
- Price: $67.99
- Volume: 750ML
- Proof: 40% alc./vol. (80 Proof)
- Country of Origin: France
- Importer: Misa Imports Inc.
- Maker: Peyrat-Associés & CIE
- Notes & Description: “aged 12 to 21 years in French oak barrels. Full-bdied with aromas of oak, vanilla and dried fruit. Flavors of honey, chocolate, and almond on the palate lead to a smooth finished”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum
- Price: $19.69
- Volume: 1.75L
- Proof: 46% alc./vol. (92 Proof)
- Country of Origin: St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
- Importer: Fairmont, Ltd. Mira Loma, CA
- Maker: Jim Beam
- Notes & Description: “patiently crafted and distilled 5 times on the Island of St. Croix from the first pressing of virgin sugar cane grown in rich soil and tropical sunlight”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
- Price: $9.99
- Volume: 750ML
- Proof: 13.6% alc./vol.
- Country of Origin: USA (Sonoma, CA)
- Importer: n/a
- Maker: varies
- Notes & Description: “the complex aromas of plum and raspberry are enhanced by notes of espresso. The ripe, juicy palate displays bright cherry fruit, licorice, and mocha, while the rich fruit notes skillfully combine with firm oak tannins”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
- Price: $8.99
- Volume: 750 ML
- Proof: 14.9% alc./vol.
- Country of Origin: USA, (Columbia Valley, WA)
- Importer: n/a
- Maker: varies
- Notes & Description: “gentle fermentation extracted soft, round tannins, while emphasizing the black cherry notes of Merlot, and the ripe black currant characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut
- Price: $19.99
- Volume: 1.5L
- Proof: 12% alc./vol.
- Country of Origin: France
- Importer: n/a
- Maker: varies
- Notes & Description: “a classic champagne. Bright, elegant, and intense. Made from a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier and 15% Chardonnay”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Chardonnay
- Price: $7.99
- Volume: 1.5L
- Proof: 13% alc./vol.
- Country of Origin: USA (CA)
- Importer: n/a
- Maker: varies
- Notes & Description: “vibrant tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and mango surrounded by fresh notes of peach, brisk green apple and sweet citrus, which is polished to a toasty oak finish of honey and butterscotch”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Chardonnay (Sonoma)
- Price: $6.99
- Volume: 750 ML
- Proof: 13.5% alc./vol.
- Country of Origin: USA (Sonoma, CA)
- Importer: n/a
- Maker: varies
- Notes & Description: “rich and ripe fruit flavors of apple, pear, and citrus notes with hints of vanilla and spice. Balanced and easy to drink. Remarkably consistent taste profile across every vintage”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Malbec
- Price: $6.99
- Volume: 750ML
- Proof: 13.5% alc./vol. ( Proof)
- Country of Origin: Argentina (Mendoza)
- Importer: n/a
- Maker: varies
- Notes & Description: ripe exotic fruit floral aromas with silky and bright flavors of red and black berries. An elegant finish with a charming balance of fruit and oak.
Costco Kirkland Signature Sauvignon Blanc
- Price: $6.99
- Volume: 750ML
- Proof: 12.5% alc./vol.
- Country of Origin: New Zealand (Marlborough)
- Importer: n/a
- Maker: varies
- Notes & Description: “bright citrus notes are coupled with hints of mineral, ripe pear and green apple. Crisp acidity on the finish with a palate structure of sweet lemon and orange zest”.
Costco Kirkland Signature Beer, Variety Pack
- Price: $19.99
- Volume: 24 pack, 12 oz./ea.
- Proof: alc./vol. varies
- Country of Origin: USA
- Importer: n/a
- Maker: varies
- Notes & Description: includes a Session IPA, Kölsch German-Style Ale, Pale Ale, and India Pale Ale
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My wife and I have a bet: Is this a sponsored post, or not?
Absolutely not. I don’t do sponsored posts. I do enjoy inexpensive/quality spirits though.
That’s good to know. To answer a question you pose, it would be impossible to compare store-to-store, as every state has different laws regarding distribution. This is interesting: In TN, which just legalized wine at grocery stores (including Costco) in July of 2016, a “store-exclusive” brands are verboten, meaning that other retailers would be free to purchase Kirkland wines from their TN distributor. Bulk discounts are legal, which obviously advantage Costco, as a smaller store would pay more – and have to charge much more – for the same product.
This is a solid posting G.E. But it doesn’t say much about whether Costco is cheaper than other locations – like your local liquor store.
Some other bloggers have looked at this and found that Costco has cheaper beer, but the comparison for liquor I don’t think has been done.
It’s really tough to do a comparison. Every retailer is going to have slightly different prices. And every brand is going to have different prices. And there are dozens in each type of spirit! That’s why I thought it would be best to lay out the prices/offerings and people can do their own comparisons.
As a general guideline, my experience has been that prices per volume are typically 25-50% lower than quality brand-name equivalents.
No listing of bourbon?
I listed everything they had at my store (whiskeys included). Are there others?
they make a small batch bourbon. usually around $22-$27 for a 1 liter bottle.
I love Costco’s Kirkland alcohol! Call me crazy but I think the American vodka is almost on par with Grey Goose at a fraction of the cost. I have to confess that I bought quite a few cases of Kirkland Light (beer) back in my college days but have now moved on to something a little more “nice”. Thanks for sharing!
Hello! Love the article, but I just wanted to let you know that the prices at my costco are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than the prices that you listed. I live in Southern California, so prices may be different here, but I regularly purchase the Costco Kirkland Signature French Vodka for $19.99 (yours is listed at $24.99), and today I purchased the Costco Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum for $14.99 (yours is listed at $19.69), and I saw the Costco Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky for $18.99 (yours is listed as $27.39). Just thought that this might be helpful for your readers 🙂
Thank you for sharing. Who would have thought that prices in So-Cal would be cheaper than mid-Michigan at the same store for the same product? I do know that a lot of their product is made/imported in to California, so that could have something to do with it.
Most of it depends on sales tax and tax on liquors. Liquor tax depend on state you live in.
Our Costco also has the lower prices in Greenwood, Indiana!
Literally never comment on anything. Ever. But just have to say,.. Bravo good sir. Bravo. I’m planning a wedding and this is exactly what I was looking for when Googling “Kirkland Liquors.” Regardless of what prices are in anyone’s local region, you’re giving everyone a baseline they couldn’t otherwise get without physically traveling to places. The Cosco site has none of that listed. Well done and thanks for the info
Haha, thanks, that’s why I put this together. Congrats on getting married! Kirkland liquors is a solid foundation for any marriage.
OMG. THIS IS LITERALLY WHAT THE INTERNET NEEDS. BLESS YOUR SOUL G.E. MILLER.
Yes, all caps was needed for this.
In what states can I buy Kirkland liquors?
That is why i am on this page this is what I know.
Lets fill out the list :
YES:
District of Columbia
Deleware
NO
Maryland
Ohio
Virginia
Is there a location and Georgia that sells alcohol at Costco
The location at Perimeter Mall sells it..
Alpharetta also? Georgia allows 2 “corporate” locations according to the internet for liquor stores
Thanks for the article. Very useful information. After reading several articles online, including this one, I decided to give Costco liquor a try. Wow. One of those situations where as soon as I tried it I immediately wished I’d done it alot sooner. The Kirkland London Dry Gin was $17.99 (in CA) – one third the price I usually paid for a name brand. And it was excellent. I’m never going back to the other stores and brands.
Do you sell box Wine Wine, VILLA??????????????????
What is the price
Illinois , Just attempted to purchase a case of wine Kirkland Cab ,but arrived at register and they REFUSED to sell the case of wine to me at the age of 64 unless
I had a membership. All them peoples leaving a case of wine at $100 at the register and on the belt is just fine with me. They lost the revenue the state loss the taxes
and I just told ten people that they wasting their time at the big box {brick and mortar place named COSTCO. Down the block is {B…..} or {A…’s} and they had the better stock and at 13% to 18% less in cost.
Note* no box wine either *!
I’ll be sure to get mad the next time I get told I can’t have a senior discount at the age of 36. This right here is proof that entitlement isn’t just a flaw of millennials. Everyone is entitled, including 64 year olds.
Is there a list of stores that sell liquor? I live in Toronto and I dont imagine any Canadian stores selling, but I’m close to the border.
I notice that your listing of Costco liquor fails to include Costco’s Kirkland Irish Whisky. I found the house brand Irish Whisky to be very, very drinkable. The Kirkland is different in flavor from Jamison. In fact I prefer it and, compared to Jamison’s, it comes at a 30% savings.
Hell Yup!
So smooth!! It’s a steal!
what ever happened to the Kirkland Silver Tequila . It was a great value for mixed drinks. No longer at the Perimeter store in Georgia.
Same in Michigan. Really bummed about this one. Their tequila options are not great.
Thanks for this list. Believe it or not, Korea, which is normally an expensive place for booze, has prices better than yours. The Spiced Rum is KRW18,000 (about $16), gin is $25, blended scotch is $20, American vodka is $11. Normally booze prices are at least double in Korea for your favorite whiskey or other hard liquor (e.g. $45 for a liter of Jameson’s).
Korea is Costco’s best market in terms of sales per square foot of retail space. They do very, very well here.
why do Costco not tell us there price for beer
I had a membership. All them peoples leaving a case of wine at $100 at the register and on the belt is just fine with me. They lost the revenue the state loss the taxes
and I just told ten people that they wasting their time at the big box {brick and mortar place named COSTCO. Down the block is {B…..} or {A…’s} and they had the better stock and at 13% to 18% less in cost.
french kirkland vodka is grey goose according to Peter and Cathy who sold Grey Goose (for billions) and opened Tippet Rise performing arts center in Montana. Do your taste test. The American vodka is not as good!
Thank you for both your excellent post and for sharing the great comments of your readers. I am not a ‘drinker’… what I mean is, I do not like the taste of alcohol. I do, however frequently (3-4 times a week) drink a bit of vodka (usually about 2-3 oz mixed with 20 oz of sugar free fruity carbonated water over ice) as I suffer from severe low back pain, and this helps better than narcotics. So, smooth vodka that disappears into the mixer is important for me. I currently drink members mark American vodka from Sam’s, but thanks to the comments… I think I will be trying the Kirkland signature French vodka from Costco. The price difference is minimal and the quality seems it may be significantly better. Thanks again for the work you do in sharing your great posts with us.
There are two stores in NJ that sell these brands of liquor (one in Wayne). I have found that the 3yr scotch is $20 and the 12 year is $40. They also have a 105 proof Borubon (1 liter) for $28.
They HAD a 3L box of Merlot that was good, but it disappeared ($14?).
They also have their own beer sold by the case in a sampler as well as some random cases of name brand stuff and the special big single bottles of beer. As an example, a 1p9oz bottle of Omegang 3 Philosophers goes for $9. I usually see the same going for $12 elsewhere.
The only way you can beat the quality/price ratio on these things is with a stick. The only downside I have had is availability of some of the items.
Njoy!
Why does Costco not have a Kirkland brand brandy?
All of their spirits are excellent and a good brandy would be great.
+1 to that (and silver tequila)
My local Costco has Kirkland brandy made in France for $46 for a 750 ml bottle.
In Washington, the tax is outrageous on booze….i.e. $23 for American Vodka.
Nevada Costco for same bottle….$13.
So, state tax where you purchase is the key to comparison to the liquor store pricing.
Even at that, for a great mixing vodka in that quantity, $23 still makes sense…..if you aren’t visiting Nevada soon. 🙂
Can you tell me which store in Michigan you visited? My local Costco (Livonia) doesn’t sell liquor, and I want to get some of that Cognac 😉
Brighton.
I was in Arizona a couple of Christmas’ ago and had the absolute best Eggnog Kirkland brand. It was premixed perfectly. I am wondering if we can get it in Canada at the liquor store at the costco in Okotoks Alberta Canada?
Just found out that any liquor store can order Kirkland liquor for you. Costco is not needed. I have my local liquor store getting the Cognac in for me this week 🙂
Tell us more. Same price? Why wouldn’t all liquor stores sell it then?
Same exact price. I don’t know that they all don’t. My store had the Rum, Vodka, Tequila, and Canadian Whiskey there. He didn’t have the Cognac and ordered it for me, will be in tomorrow 🙂
Nice article. The most interesting thing here for me is the strange liquor laws throughout many states. I’m in the Bay Area of California and all the liquor here is less expensive then these posted. Also, anywhere in California sells beer, wine, liquor. 7-11, Gas Stations, Targets, Costco’s all stores for all chains, not just one or two per region. Probably another reason for cheaper prices, market saturation. My Costco also has Kirkland Bourbon and Kirkland Beer is brewed here in San Jose, CA by Gordon Biersch or ( Hopfen Und Malz) for the West Coast anyways.
My son is in Denver, there is only one Costco in Denver that has Liquor, the closest to him has beer and wine just no spirits.
I’m in Arizona and my nearest Costco is in Henderson, Nevada. Do they sell Malibu Rum there?
SORRY FOR USING CAPS BUT IT IS DIFFICULT FOR ME TO TYPE. MY WIFE AND I ARE COSTCO MEMBERS LIVING IN THE SARASOTA FL. REGION. WE HAVE BEEN BUYING THE KIRKLAND “BLENDED CANADIAN WHISKEY”FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND HAVE FOUNF IT TO BE SUPERIOR TO ANY OTHER.I WAS A CROWN DRINKER BEFORE BUT AM NOW HOOKED ON THE KIRKLAND BRAND. THE LAST FEW TRIPS TO OUR COSTCO WE HAVE NOT SEEN OUR PRODUCT. WHEN WE INQUIRED YESTERDAY WE WERE INFORMED THAT COSTCO WILL NO LONGER CARRY THIS WHISKEY, BUT DIDN’T KNOW WHY. CAN YOU TELL ME? ALSO CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND? THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. AL
I noticed that my Costco stopped carrying this recently as well, sadly (I was ready for a replacement). I am not sure what the non-Costco brand is (or, if there is one).
Costco Signature Spiced Rum
St. Croix.
This is the best rum I’ve had as compared to the other big labels of spiced rum.
WARNING: Only buy the one labeled “St. Croix”. They sell another in the same bottle and it’s totally crapola. Tastes like the bottom on an ashtray or something.
Can you buy liquor on Sunday’s in Myrtle beach Costco?
Washington state gouges LIQUOR customers including those at COSTCO.
A 1.75L bottle of KIRKLAND Irish Cream that sells for $ 15 at Costco in states such as AZ and even HAWAII may be PRICED low in the stores but..WA adds gouging 20+% sales tax and a scam like “Liter tax” to these items..over $ 10 tax PER bottle.
The WA “out the door ” price is OVER $30..pretty well double that of other states !