Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Navigating through Costco’s extensive bourbon selection can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to bourbon whiskey.
To make your choice easier, I’ve done the legwork by visiting multiple Costco locations to find the best bourbon brands.
Say goodbye to the confusion of scanning countless liquor shelves as our comprehensive guide directs you straight to the best bourbon brands at Costco.
Table of Contents
10 Best Bourbon At Costco Today
10. Kentucky Owl Batch #11
Average Price: Roughly $26.99 (Caskers)
ABV: 63.8%
Why You Should Try It:
Kentucky Owl Batch #11 is a highly sought-after craft bourbon in Costco because of its unique taste profile and rich taste.
Moreso, Kentucky Owl Batch #11 is a well-aged and bold bourbon. It is a blend of 10 to 14-year-old bourbons and is matured for 6 to 9 years for a unique flavor profile.
“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” – Mark Twain, American Writer
Having personally tasted it, I can vouch for its exceptional quality. With rich and complex flavors, this bourbon offers a delightful journey for the palate. Notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak intertwine harmoniously, creating a balanced and memorable experience.
9. Jim Beam White
Average Price: Roughly $14.99 (Caskers)
ABV: 40%
Why You Should Try It:
Jim Beam White holds a special place in my heart, and it’s no wonder it’s a popular choice at Costco.
Jim Beam White is a cheap yet full of flavor bourbon. Every sip is refined, smooth, and elegant.
It has beautiful notes of nutty honey, vanilla, toasted grains, roasted oak, dried grass, and cinnamon.
It has a fairly light flavor, but the fruit, spice, oak, and earthy flavor start to open up with a splash of water.
8. John J Bowman Single Barrel
Average Price: Roughly $49.99 (Total Wine)
ABV: 50%
Why You Should Try It:
John J Bowman Single Barrel is a bourbon that stands out from the crowd, and since I tried it multiple times, I can attest to its uniqueness. This bourbon boasts a distinct character with a rich and nuanced flavor profile.
It has an amazing flavor profile, a persistent finish, and a bold aroma. The bourbon commemorates Abram S. Bowman, who founded the A. Smith Bowman Distillery.
7. Blade and Bow
Average Price: Roughly $52.99 (Total Wine)
ABV: 45.5%
Why You Should Try It:
Blade and Bow is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that uses the unique Solera System [1] in the maturation process to preserve its oldest whiskey stocks.
It has a subtle aroma of fruits, and on the palate, it has rich sweet roasted grain, dried apricot, and ripe pear taste.
6. Rabbit Hole “Cavehill”
Average Price: Roughly $56.99 (Total Wine)
ABV: 47.5%
Why You Should Try It:
Cavehill Rabbit Hole is setting a new standard on American whiskey as it contains four grains on its mash bill, which is different from a standard bourbon.
Its mash bill comprises of 70% corn, 10% malted wheat, 10% honey malted barley, and 10% malted barley.
Rabbit Hole “Cavehill” has a rich honey, spice, and fresh apple aroma. You can easily recognize the creamy flavors of orange, mint, honey, and toasted grain on the palate.
5. Smooth Ambler Contradiction
Average Price: Roughly $40.99 (Caskers)
ABV: 50%
Why You Should Try It:
Smooth Ambler Contradiction is a blended whiskey with a mash bill combination of corn, rye, malted barley, and wheat.
It is a four-grain whiskey full of flavors like dried fruit notes and butter rum.
Smooth Ambler Contradiction is non-chill filtered, allowing you to savor and enjoy every single sip of two different efforts of merchant bottles.
Read: Our Favorite Bourbons For A Wedding
4. Woodford Reserve
Average Price: Roughly $48.49 (Total Wine)
ABV: 45.2%
Why You Should Try It:
Regarding the best bourbon in Costco, you can never go wrong with the Woodford Reserve.
Woodford Reserve has a perfectly balanced taste and contains more than 200 flavor notes, not to mention its affordability.
Woodford Reserve offers great value and a smooth taste. It is best to enjoy straight, but since it is versatile, it can work well with many bourbon cocktails.
3. Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $23 (Costco)
ABV: 50%
Why You Should Try It:
Your trip to Costco will not be completed if you will not bring home their very own bourbon-Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond.
The Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond bourbon is made by a single distiller in one distilling season and aged for at least four years in a bonded warehouse [2].
On the nose, the persistent candied and dried fruit notes linger with some clove spice and cinnamon.
2. Kirkland Small-Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $21.99 (Instacart)
ABV: 46%
Why You Should Try It:
Kirkland Signature, Small Batch bourbon, is a sourced whiskey from Barton 1792 Distillery, and while its mash bill is not disclosed, it is believed to contain high rye mash bill.
It has a nice and rich aroma of oak, rye spice, caramel, clove, and cinnamon.
Kirkland Small Batch has a medium-length finish with lingering notes of cinnamon, vanilla, mild pepperiness, and caramel.
1. Kirkland Single Barrel Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $30.99 (Costco)
ABV: 60%
Why You Should Try It:
Kirkland Single Barrel bourbon is a non-chill filtered bourbon whiskey that shares a common DNA with other bourbon expressions. However, since it is a single barrel expression, it is pure and unblinded, and its taste varies on each barrel.
“Sip, taste, enjoy – Kirkland’s bourbon brings quality to your glass.”- Liquor Laboratory
I’ve tried Kirkland Single Barrel Bourbon on its first release, and it’s a bourbon worth considering. The bourbon whiskey has a rich flavor profile and aroma, and its overproof strength has a nice burn on the palate. But who makes Kirkland bourbon?
Other Bourbons You Can Try
- John J Bowman Single Barrel – 750ml – Roughly $49
- Jeffersons Reserve Single Barrel – 750ml – Roughly $58
- Rabbithole Cavehill – 750ml – Roughly $75
- Uncle Nearest 1884 – 750ml – Roughly $35
- Angels Envy – 750ml – Roughly $42
- Michter’s Small Batch – 750ml – Roughly $42 (1 per membership)
- Kentucky Owl Confiscated – 750ml – Roughly $110
- Four Roses Small Batch Select – 750ml – Roughly $50
- H Deringer – 750ml – Roughly $85
- Blade and Bow – 750ml – Roughly $44
On Shelves
FAQsRelated to Best Bourbon at Costco
What are some of the best bourbon options available at Costco?
Costco is known for offering a diverse selection of bourbons, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. Some popular bourbon options available at Costco include well-known brands like Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, and Elijah Craig.
These brands are celebrated for their exceptional quality, distinctive flavor profiles, and widespread acclaim among whiskey enthusiasts.
Additionally, Costco often carries exclusive or limited edition bourbons that may not be available at other retailers, providing members with unique and exciting options to explore.
Does Costco offer any exclusive or limited edition bourbon selections?
Yes, Costco frequently offers exclusive or limited edition bourbon selections that are not available at other retailers. These special releases may include unique expressions from well-known distilleries or private label brands produced exclusively for Costco members.
Costco’s exclusive bourbon selections often represent exceptional value for their quality and craftsmanship, making them highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts.
Keep an eye out for special promotions, seasonal releases, or limited quantity offerings at your local Costco to discover exclusive bourbon selections that may not be available elsewhere.
Are the prices for bourbon at Costco competitive compared to other retailers?
Costco is known for its competitive pricing across a wide range of products, including bourbon. The prices for bourbon at Costco are often lower than those found at traditional liquor stores or specialty retailers, thanks to Costco’s bulk purchasing power and efficient distribution model.
Additionally, Costco’s private label Kirkland Signature brand offers high-quality bourbon at affordable prices, providing members with excellent value for their money.
While prices may vary depending on factors such as location, brand, and specific promotions, Costco’s commitment to offering competitive pricing ensures that members can enjoy their favorite bourbons without breaking the bank.
Overall, Costco’s bourbon prices are often considered attractive compared to other retailers, making it a popular destination for whiskey enthusiasts looking to stock up on their favorite spirits.
Are there any seasonal or promotional bourbon offerings at Costco?
Costco may feature seasonal or promotional bourbon offerings throughout the year, including limited-time discounts, special bundles, or themed gift sets, providing opportunities to explore new bourbons or stock up on favorites.
Does Costco offer any tasting events or samples for bourbon?
Some Costco locations may host tasting events or offer samples for bourbon, allowing members to try different selections before making a purchase decision.
Final Thoughts
Bourbon selections at Costco can be described in four words: Convenient. Cheaper. Great Selection. Whether you drop by the nearest Costco warehouse or prefer delivery, you can score the best bourbon at Costco- from bottom to top shelf.
However, its reasonable price and quality make Kirkland Single Barrel Bourbon a practical choice for those seeking the best bourbon brand in Costco.
Have you tried to score a bottle of bourbon at Costco? How did you find it? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
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