Vodka is such a versatile spirit that many keep it in the house for entertaining or to make an occasional cocktail at home. Distilled from any agricultural product, most commonly grains or potatoes. “And hopefully, in turn, for the additional expense that you put in, the consumer will have a better experience at the end,” Abou-Ganim said. Kirkland American Vodka is made by the LeVecke Company in California. Costco partnered with New Zealand-based Reynolds of aluminum foil fame to produce its Kirkland Signature Foodservice Foil. That certificate states the brand is produced by the LeVecke Corp. in Mira Loma, California. I usually drink my vodka straight, but mixing it with orange juice is the way I go when I mix it. They always ask what brand of vodka I use! The Kirkland bottle has a CRT NOM number of 1472, the same number that appears on the bottle of Cielo. Kirkland Signature Vodka has trounced the expensive name brand in multiple blind taste tests despite being a fraction of the price. abv. Brand-Name Liquor Blind Taste Test, Cornell Legal Institute, Labeling and Advertising of Distilled Spirits, Food & Wine, Vodka Can Finally Have a ‘Distinctive Character’ Thanks to U.S. And while some feel you need to buy higher-end Vodka if you're going to make a quality drink, Kirkland's Signature Vodka continually astounds taste testers with … Bottle … It’s smooth and mixes well with my cocktails. In my humble opinion it’s a very ordinary vodka. I love making cocktails and having friends over. Even Smirnoff is just a few bucks more, is high quality, and is available everywhere. It is a French Vodka which was developed in the US specifically for Costco and produced and bottled in Cognac. The certificates issued for Grey Goose’s various American products all state the products originate in France, confirming Grey Goose statements to USA TODAY. There has long been a rumor that a Costco Kirkland-brand vodka imported from France is produced by the high-end brand Grey Goose. Kirkland's French vodka, according to Vice's Munchies column, is made from water that comes from the same Gensac Springs in France's cognac region where Grey Goose gets their own water — although the pricier brand does, of course, claim to use an "exclusive" well, as well as using wheat milled via a proprietary method. Kirkland Signature Vodka has trounced the expensive name brand in multiple blind taste tests despite being a fraction of the price. In fact, spirits expert Fred Minnick told Business Insider that, in his opinion, "Vodka is purely marketing — there is nothing special about it [since] it is meant to be thrown in with something else and take on the character of whatever it is mixed with. In the case of Kirkland's French vodka, Levecke may only serve as the bottler and distributor, as the spirit itself is evidently distilled in Europe. Yes, it’s inexpensive but so are some super high quality vodkas, like Stalinskaya or Sobieski. This Vodka is a step up, at least in price, from the Kirkland Signature Premium Domestic Vodka USA 1.75L.It comes in a nicer looking bottle and is a product of France. “No, Grey Goose Vodka does not produce nor privately label Kirkland vodka,” Joe McCanta, Grey Goose’s Global Head of Education, told USA TODAY. As to the origin of Costco’s Irish whiskey, your guess is as good as mine. While the brands may have some similar ingredients and distillation practices, these are not coordinated efforts. It is only the French vodka that is really comparable to Grey Goose, and what's more, Grey Goose categorically denies the rumors, as does the Bacardi brand that owns Grey Goose, according to Thrillist. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which regulates the sale and importation of alcohol, has approved only one Certificate of Label Approval for Kirkland Signature vodka. Jake Thompson says: February 5, 2018 at 6:34 am. Thanks. I heard from a person who works at a winery that Grey Goose and Costco's Kirkland brand vodka are made at the same plant. The move recognizes that flavored vodkas and other styles of vodka popular elsewhere in the world exist and opens the possibility for more styles of vodka to be produced in the United States. We guess and hope that, since it's American, it is made from a base of corn grain (as opposed to the French version, which is wheat). Costco does not disclose its ingredients' origins, though a 2016 VICE report found that Kirkland Signature’s French Vodka also taps a well in the Gensac Springs region. Dave C. Lv 7. Kirkland tequila is produced in the same distillery as Cielo tequila. Grey Goose told USA TODAY its vodka is distilled only once “in an effort to preserve the quality natural ingredients and profiles of its ingredients.” Kirkland Signature French Vodka states on its bottle that it is distilled five times. “Everyone has some type of perspective on Grey Goose; it signifies something. It’s won over spirits aficionados both behind the bar and the byline, as they rave about its clean, silky flavor, and speculate about its origins. Munchies also makes mention of the fact that Grey Goose and Kirkland are distilled some 800 kilometers apart, which translates to just under 500 miles. These questions are central to a viral claim that’s circulated online for years. That doesn’t mean that Grey Goose isn’t high quality, but that “you have to go and do the work to decide what’s the right taste for you,” Abou-Ganim said. Only Grey Goose uses single origin Picardy wheat and water from our natural limestone well in Gensac-la-Pallue to craft a gluten free spirit of exceptional character,” McCanta told USA TODAY. I plan on doing a blind tasting some day- maybe after I finish the Fris. Even if you opt for the lower-priced American Kirkland vodka, it's still considered one of the best Costco-branded liquors for sale. While no one has done such a thorough investigation of Kirkland's American vodka, it may well be produced as well as bottled in Mira Loma. NAS. © 2021 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. But is this rumor actually true? I absolutely love Kirkland Vodka. To address the first issue regarding the Grey Goose rumor, there are actually two types of Kirkland vodka: a cheaper American version and a pricier French version. Kirkland Scotch are distilled by either Alexander Murray and Macallan Distillery. We rate this claim FALSE. Now there has been a long time rumor that this Vodka is actually just Grey Goose Vodka & that it is just bottled under the Kirkland brand. It's "distilled six times" from an undisclosed base or distillery. The question breathed life back into a years-old belief among many that the big box store's less expensive and reportedly high-quality vodka was actually the prestigious vodka brand in different packaging. Kirkland bourbon and rum is produced by Jim Beam. Other factors, including the production and origin of the vodkas, mean that while the two products may taste similar for some, they are different drinks. Kirkland Signature French Vodka is a popular drink among Costco shoppers, and has regularly topped Grey Goose in blind taste tests. They’re quite surprise when I tell them Kirkland and shocked by the affordable price as well! Unflavored Vodka. “It costs more to produce a vodka with rye or wheat than with sugarcane, for instance. Kirkland Signature is Costco's proprietary trademark for its house brand merchandise. “If all vodkas were the same we’d only have one vodka. The company WX Imports, develops ultra-premium quality spirits and wines. Grey Goose argues its investments and exclusive access to ingredients gives its brand “a richer, deeper taste profile,” according to McCanta. Despite these differences, the Kirkland-made-by-Grey Goose claims raise questions of how different luxury brands really are from their cheaper counterparts. More:Bacardi to buy Patrón tequila in $5.1B premium spirits deal. subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. You can't get anything with that label anywhere else. Regardless, consumers can decide for themselves which is the better vodka. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. While rumors have persisted for years that Kirkland Signature Vodka, aka Costco's house brand, is really the same as Grey Goose, this rumor is not just an oversimplification, but it's evidently just not true. Who makes Kirkland French vodka? Kirkland is Costco's store brand, and it is known for being relatively cheap but also unusually high quality. Answer Save. But Grey Goose expressly denies the claims are true, citing the unique qualities and process of its brand. 1 decade ago. If this is true, does it mean that they are the same formula? Experts say... probably not. 3 Answers. As Business Insider notes, Kirkland vodka frequently beats Grey Goose in blind taste tests in spite of retailing for much less money (1.75 liters of Kirkland costs $19.99, while a similar-sized bottle of Grey Goose goes for around $60). “From harvest to milling to distillation to bottling, every step is done in France. “This is a viral claim that has circled Grey Goose for many years and it’s completely false.”. The proof is on the packaging, with … Vodka enthusiasts contend that high quality ingredients and a more stringent process, like the one used by Grey Goose, justify its high price tag, Abou-Ganim explained. The distillery is Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, S.A., located in the city of Tequila, Mexico.Other known tequila, like Stallion, Agave 99, Tonala, and Tenoch are also produced here. You get a lot of bang for your buck. If this is true, does it mean that they are the same formula? TIL that Costco's Kirkland Signature Vodka is made in the same region, using the same water, as Grey Goose and scores higher in blind taste tests. Kirkland Signature Vodka has trounced the expensive name brand in multiple blind taste tests despite being a fraction of the price. Does it ultimately matter who makes the stuff, though? The differences are subtle,” Tony Abou-Ganim, a mixologist and the author of “Vodka Distilled,” told USA TODAY. Kirkland vodka is made from the same water source and by the same employees that Grey Goose uses. They have issued one and only one Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) for Kirkland-branded vodka of any type, and that certificate states that all Kirkland vodkas from 2005 on (the database only permits a 15-year search parameter) have been produced … an article from the recipe site 12Tomatoes read, That certificate states the brand is produced by the LeVecke Corp. in Mira Loma, California, Bacardi to buy Patrón tequila in $5.1B premium spirits deal, The certificates issued for Grey Goose’s various American products, though a 2016 VICE report found that Kirkland Signature’s French Vodka also taps a well in the Gensac Springs region, Kirkland Signature French Vodka states on its bottle that it is distilled five times, 4 foods and drinks to avoid before going to sleep, and has regularly topped Grey Goose in blind taste tests, mandated that vodka must be distilled and treated, Fact check: It's true, U.S. government poisoned some alcohol during Prohibition, which is why the TTB recently redefined vodka, Joe McCanta, Grey Goose Global Head of Education, Interview with Tony Abou-Ganim, "The Modern Mixologist", VICE, Why Costco’s Vodka May Be Your Best Bet, Buzzfeed on YouTube, Costco Liquor Vs. 40.0. While differences in the prices of wheat, water and the machinery used for distillation may be individually small among products, those initial costs can compound to produce wide variations in price. “It’s OK to like and use more than one type of vodka!”. age. Kirkland Vodka has a very great taste that even a person who has never taken alcohol will notice it. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which regulates the sale and importation of alcohol, has approved only one Certificate of Label Approval for … Our fact check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. More:4 foods and drinks to avoid before going to sleep. Thank you for supporting our journalism. Had a great time with kirkland vodka! Kirkland's French vodka regularly beats out Grey Goose in blind taste tests. One of the most fun rumors to ever come out of Costco is that its generic Kirkland brand vodka is actually the same exact liquor that ends up in Grey Goose bottles. Click to see full answer Just so, who makes Kirkland silver tequila? Kirkland Vodka is one of the vodka brands that every person needs to taste before they leave planet Earth. Grey Goose, which is owned by Bacardi, has, naturally, denied that it also produces the Kirkland variety. “Really, the only way to learn more is to taste.”. who makes Kirkland Vodka? “Vodka is not about what you put in but what you take out before the final product,” Abou-Ganim said. Kirkland vodka is made from the same water source and by the same employees that Grey Goose uses. But if you put six vodka glasses in front of people and ask them to taste for the best, they’re not always going to pick it,” Abou-Ganim said. It costs less than 1/2 the price. This brand is used only on merchandise sold at Costco stores or through its web sites. Vodka enthusiasts say this is … For years, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Code mandated that vodka must be distilled and treated until it is "without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color. Kirkland American Vodka is made by the LeVecke Company in California. From what I can tell, the bourbon is made by Jim Beam, but isn't necessarily identical to their white label. ". It is not produced by Grey Goose. At its core, vodka is distilled alcohol and water, but the ingredients and process used to make the alcohol vary by brand and country. These are ones that I've heard of but haven't confirmed: Kirkland Vodka is Grey Goose Kirkland beer is Gordon Biersch Kirkland dishwashing detergent is Cascade. Does anyone know more about this. Claims that comparable products are being sold under brands with wildly different price tags is nothing new. Yes, it’s inexpensive but so are some super high quality vodkas, like Stalinskaya or Sobieski. Costco partnered with New Zealand-based Reynolds of aluminum foil fame to produce its Kirkland Signature Foodservice Foil. 1 decade ago. Kirkland tequila is produced in the same distillery as Cielo tequila. ", More:Fact check: It's true, U.S. government poisoned some alcohol during Prohibition, Some argued the regulation flattened the range of tastes that vodkas available in the U.S. could have, which is why the TTB recently redefined vodka as any “neutral spirits” that can include “up to 2 grams per liter of sugar and up to 1 gram per liter of citric acid.”. What makes a good vodka anyway? It was at that moment that I made a supremely life-changing discovery: Kirkland Signature, the Costco store brand, makes incredible vodka. I know that Costco contracts other brand-name items and puts the Kirkland Signature name on it. Cost. Favorite Answer. People who take vodka tend to look at the quality and the taste of the beer as opposed to the price that it … Everyone's heard the rumors about Costco's Kirkland-brand vodka — that it's really actually the same stuff as Grey Goose, just poured into a generic bottle instead of a designer label one. (Image credit: The Kitchn) Costco’s store-brand imported vodka has earned an impressive cult following — especially for such a bargain booze. The internet’s opinion: Goldfarb notes that “it’s believed that Kirkland’s Canadian whisky comes from Crown Royal.” We might never be able to confirm … “Is Costco’s Kirkland Brand of Vodka The Same As Grey Goose?” an article from the recipe site 12Tomatoes reads. Please don't answer unless you are sure of your facts and only answer with the source of the facts. Are subtle, ” Tony Abou-Ganim who makes kirkland vodka a mixologist and the author of “ vodka is one the. N'T answer unless you are sure of your facts and only answer with the of. 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