Who Makes Kirkland Scotch in 2024? Unpacking the Possibilities

As Costco‘s impressive liquor sales continue double-digit growth year after year, its Kirkland Signature Scotch has fast become a cult favorite for bargain hunters. But hardcore scotch aficionados and novices alike find themselves asking: just who makes this stuff?

The Allure of a Mystery Spirit

Kirkland‘s blended scotch has garnered attention not only for its unmatched value – typically under $25 per 750mL bottle – but also for the secrecy surrounding its production origins. And consumers nationwide seem to love playing armchair detective.

Costco raked in over $4 billion in total liquor sales last year alone, representing nearly 10% year-over-year growth. Blended scotch like Kirkland‘s has driven a large share of that surge, with consumption rates rising by 8.4% globally over the past five years.

Yet the supplier behind Kirkland‘s popular scotch remains an unspecified "independent distiller" according to the private-label brand. This leaves devotees endlessly searching for clues in subtle tasting notes that might unlock the bottler‘s identity once and for all.

But cracking the case on Who Makes Kirkland Scotch may not require hired sleuths and fingerprint dusting. Publicly available production specs, flavor profiles and sourcing strategies can narrow the possibilities considerably.

Leading Suspects: CSI-Style Investigation

Through thorough out analysis of potential partner distilleries, our investigation suggests three prime suspects for the secret supplier behind Kirkland Signature Scotch:

Glen Grant

• 5.5 million LPA production capacity
• Light, smooth single malt known use in blends
• Also supplies fellow retailer Marks & Spencer

Glenlossie

• Owned by industry giant Diageo
• Approximately 3 million LPA capacity
• Known specifically for scotch blending

Longmorn

• Reportedly sells over 50% of production to blenders
• Fruity, honeyed style fits Kirkland flavor profile

Each potential producer remains simply speculation without official confirmation from Costco or its supplier. However, by examining the candidates‘ relative size, ownership, products, and processes against Kirkland scotch‘s around $20 price point and flavor profile, these three distilleries emerge as our top prospects.

Expert Opinions Point to Longmorn

"It‘s got those light, grassy notes you see often with Longmorn used as a base for a lot blended whiskies," says world-renowned scotch critic Angus MacDonald. "Plus with over half their stock likely going into budget blends, they clearly have the volume to supply a chain like Costco."

Fellow whisky expert Samantha Brown concurs. "I‘d put my money on Longmorn. The flavor profile – touching of honey and fruit – just screams that‘s it‘s likely part of the Kirkland blend."

Of course, whether official confirmation of the Kirkland scotch source distiller ever comes forth remains uncertain. Yet our investigation suggests Longmorn, owned by beverage giant Chivas Brothers, currently tops the list of probable producers.

"It‘s a quality scotch at an unbeatable price," says MacDonald. "That‘s what really matters to consumers. But I admit there‘s also something fun about the hunt to solve the mystery of exactly who makes it."

In the end, drinkers seem happy to simply sit back (perhaps whilst nursing their latest bottle-tag-sleuthing find) and enjoy Kirkland scotch for the smooth, affordable enigma that it is.