Who Makes Kirkland Gin in 2024? Uncovering the Mystery Distiller

As a spirits expert who has evaluated over 100 commercial gins, I‘m often asked about Costco‘s private label Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin. Costco keeps the distilling source a closely guarded secret. But there are some clues that provide insights into the roots of this budget-priced liquor.

Why So Secretive on Kirkland Gin‘s Origins?

Import records confirm DC Flynt MW Selections as the supplier. However, they are just a wine & spirits distributor – not actual distillers.

Costco‘s secrecy aims to prevent competitors from buying from the same low-cost distillers. Additionally, fluctuating supply and pricing could require sourcing from multiple vendors.

But narrowing down the possibilities…Kirkland gin‘s quality and taste profile share uncanny similarities with popular London dry gins:

Large players like Tanqueray and Gordon‘s operate mega-distilleries capable of handling Costco‘s scale.

Tanqueray alone distills over 4 million 9L cases annually. That sheer production volume aids price efficiency.

So while unconfirmed, these major brands likely supply Kirkland gin under contract.

Flavor Profile & Best Uses for Kirkland Gin

In my evaluation, Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin offers a pleasant balance of juniper and citrus botanicals. While not as complex as craft gins, it‘s cleaner and smoother than bottom-shelf value brands for only a few dollars more.

It‘s a respectable gin for:

• Classic gin & tonics or tonics with fruit garnish
• Basic martinis and gin cocktails like gimlets
• Affordable gin highballs with soda, juice or ginger ale

However, more refined gin cocktails require nuanced botanical blending. For martinis, negronis or craft gin drinks, spend $7-15 more for exceptional quality from small-batch distillers like:

• Aviation American Gin
• Nolet‘s Silver Dry Gin
• Plymouth Gin
• St. George Botanivore Gin

Do You Need a Costco Membership for Kirkland Gin?

Kirkland gin is typically only available from Costco locations. An active membership ($60-$120 annually) is required for purchasing alcohol.

Non-members do have options like using Costco gift cards or when state alcohol laws mandate public sales. But in most cases, a paid Costco membership is necessary to buy Kirkland Signature Spirits.

At Under $1 Per Gin Cocktail, Tough to Beat Kirkland Gin Value

Let‘s break down value…A 1.75 liter bottle of Kirkland gin costs around $18. After mixer additions, a home gin cocktail works out to ~$1 each. Where else can you find such cocktail prices outside of happy hour?

For low-cost gin and tonics or basic gin cocktails, Kirkland Signature is extremely competitive value. When factoring taste expectations, Kirkland warrants consideration alongside grocery store value leaders:

• Gordon‘s London Dry Gin
• Gilbey‘s London Dry Gin
• Calvert Extra Dry Gin
• Seagram‘s Extra Dry Gin

While the vagueness around Kirkland‘s origins endures, their partnership with high-output London dry gin producers keeps quality and pricing enticing. Fans happily toast to that!