Maker: Costco, Issaquah, Washington, USA
Distilled by: Beam, Clemont, Kentucky, USA (Beam-Suntory)
Age: 7 y/o
Proof: 103 (51.5% ABV)
Batch B-5183
Purchased for around $20/1 liter (Not available in Michigan)
Appearance: Dark copper with thin legs and a lot of necklacing.
Nose: Sweet peanut butter, lavender, alcohol, cut grass.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, alcohol, milk chocolate.
Finish: Dry and herbaceous with a touch of toffee.
Parting words: Costco’s Kirkland brand has appeared on everything from bottled water to dog food and beyond, including booze. There’s Kirkland beer, wine, vodka, rum, tequila, bourbon, Canadian whisky and even a 40 year old single malt Scotch distilled by Glenlivet.
All are good values but the bourbon is a standout. On paper, it’s hard to do better. Where else can one get a liter of 103 proof, 7 y/o bourbon for around $20? Nowhere, unless you have a time machine. It’s almost as good in the glass as it is on paper. The label’s statement that it was distilled and bottled by a company with facilities in Clermont & Frankfort, Kentucky reveals that this is a Jim Beam product.
The Beam product that is closest to this is the 7 y/o, 107 proof Baker’s bourbon, a sleeper bourbon if there ever was one. While this is similar, it’s a bit milder (4 proof points will do that) but the lower price more than makes up for that. Kirkland is a little harsh at first pour, but opens up beautifully the longer it sits, bringing out chocolate-covered toffee.
I’m a sucker for a cheap, high proof bourbon in the 6-10 year range. The 6 y/o Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond is about the only one that tops this in that category. Kirkland Premium Small Batch is highly recommended.
Sipology 
VOB 6YO edges out Kirkland but is now NAS. I still like it but I fear that the profile may drift as time passes.. I had some Baker’s last night and love its rich, creamy mouth feel. Can’t afford to drink it every day. That’s why I currently have three liters of Kirkland’s. It’s a treat that I can indulge in regularly.
I completely agree. I just wish it was available in the mitten!
It’s a great buy if you can get past the smell of Beam’s yeast strain, which I can’t.
Fair enough. I don’t mind, obviously!