Even if you’re a whiskey drinker on a budget, you don’t have to settle for Jack Daniel’s or Crown Royal. They’re widely available, cheap, and popular, but you can do a lot better without spending hundreds of dollars on a dram of top-shelf rye. The trick is taking advantage of Costco’s cheap, high-quality liquors, many of which are sold under its in-house Kirkland Signature label. Whiskey enthusiasts on Reddit recently shared a roundup of the best Costco whiskeys under $100, the top eight of which we’ve listed below.
1. Kirkland Signature Single Barrel Bourbon
- Price: $48
- Region: Kentucky
- Tasting Notes: Honey, caramel, and dried fruit
- Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 60%
Because Redditors focused on brand-name whiskeys in the $100 and under price range, Costco’s Kirkland whiskey was short-shrifted in the thread. And yet, the retailer’s single barrel bourbon received one shout-out for being the best bang-for-your-buck whiskey available at Costco. The Whisky Study called this Kentucky straight whiskey, produced by a subsidiary of the renowned Sazerac company, the “holy grail of affordable bourbons,” especially for drinkers who appreciate oak and wood notes.
2. Glendronach 12-Year Single Malt Scotch
- Price: $47
- Region: Highland, Scotland
- Tasting Notes: Oak, sherry, raisins, and soft fruits
- ABV: 40%
Glendronach 12 is the 200-year-old distillery’s entry-level scotch, aged in a combination of Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. The Whisky Study praises this bottle for its price-to-quality ratio. For $50 (or less), you get a complex scotch that comes close to matching Glendronach 15, which costs almost twice as much.
3. Nikka Whisky From The Barrel
- Price: $59
- Region: Japan
- Tasting Notes: Malt, peat, and spice
- ABV: 51.4%
This Japanese blend earned Whisky Advocate’s top spot in its ranking of most exciting whiskeys of 2018. Its flavor, which the publication called “balanced and elegant,” is thanks to a mixture of over 100 different whiskeys and several different casks, from bourbon barrels to sherry butts. However, whiskey enthusiasts should know that its “from the barrel” title is a misnomer: The blend is bottled at 51.4% ABV, shy of a true barrel-proof designation.
4. Macallan 12-Year Single Malt Sherry Oak Scotch
- Price: $70
- Region: Highland, Scotland
- Tasting Notes: Dried fruits, ginger, oak spice
- ABV: 63.5%
You can’t go wrong with Macallan 12. As one Redditor puts it, this single-malt Scotch whisky is a “respected, mild scotch” that comes in an appealing package. It’s the sort of scotch that makes a great gift, whether it’s for a seasoned drinker or a novice. The 12-year-old spirit liquor gets its flavor from the dozen years it’s spent in a sherry-seasoned oak cask.
5. Elijah Craig Barrel-Proof Bourbon
- Price: $75
- Region: Kentucky
- Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch
- ABV: 63.5%
Elijah Craig bottles each batch of barrel-proof whiskey with an uncut selection of 12-year-old bourbon. Whiskey nerds will know that the bourbon’s quality will vary by release — C922 is a “VERY heavy hitter,” according to one Redditor — and that Elijah Craig is continually producing new batches. Still, this award-winning bourbon is likely to be excellent no matter which bottle you pick up.
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6. Woodford Reserve Double-Oaked Bourbon
Price: $75
Region: Kentucky
Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch
ABV: 45.2%
Costco shoppers claim that this small-batch bourbon is the best whiskey they’ve tasted under $100. Each batch is aged in two charred oak barrels, giving it notes of vanilla and a smooth, sweet finish that some liken to “candy.” Even reluctant whiskey fans say they find something to enjoy in this award-winning domestic spirit.
Related: The Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Liquor Lineup: What to Buy and What to Skip
7. Lagavulin 16-Year Single Malt Scotch
- Price: $80
- Region: Islay, Scotland
- Tasting Notes: Smoke, peat
- ABV: 43%
Reviewers write about Lagavulin 16 with equal parts reverence and fear. Reverence because the award-winning distillery has been around for more than 200 years, and fear because this Islay single-malt Scotch whisky has an intense, smokey flavor. While fans sing its praises, those who haven’t acquired a taste might find its burnt taste overwhelming. “I love whisky, but Lagavulin tastes like I am sucking on some smoked moss,” one commenter writes.
Related: Here’s How Kirkland Hard Seltzer Stacks Up Against White Claw
8. Suntory Hibiki Harmony Blended Whisky
- Price: $80
- Region: Japan
- Tasting Notes: Honey, candied orange peel, white chocolate
- ABV: 75.5%
While Suntory’s Hibiki Harmony is blended (and therefore scorned by some snobs), one whiskey fan says that it’s a good “go-to” for introducing newbies to the world of whiskey. According to The Whisky Study’s review, a bottle of Hibiki can include up to 100 different grain and malt whiskeys from its Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries.
Related: Top 21 Most Expensive Bottles of Alcohol Ever Sold
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Other Top-Rated Costco Whiskeys
Given this thread’s focus on Costco whiskeys that make great gifts, it’s no surprise that the Kirkland Signature Brand only appeared a handful of times. Unless you’re dealing with a true cheapskate, an off-brand gift might come across as a tad tacky. But if you’re buying whiskey for your home bar, you should consider the following Costco Scotch and other whiskeys, which receive praise from reviewers and consumers.
Kirkland Signature Canadian Whisky
Kirkland Signature Speyside Single Malt Scotch
Kirkland Premium Small Batch Bourbon
Related: Costco Superfans Reveal Their Favorite Kirkland Brand Liquor
How To Pick a Whiskey
1. Determine Your Budget
Setting a budget is crucial when selecting a whiskey. Prices can range from affordable options at stores like Costco and Trader Joe’s to premium age statement whiskeys from independent bottlers. A clear budget helps you narrow down choices.
2. Figure Out How You Like Your Whiskey
Do you enjoy a whiskey with a hint of orange zest and bitters? Neat? On the rocks? The best whiskey for mixed drinks is going to be a lot different than the best ones to drink straight.
3. Pick a Style, Proof, and Profile
Whiskey comes in various styles, proofs, and profiles. Whether you prefer a light, floral whiskey or a robust, high-proof spirit, there’s something for everyone.
4. Ask a Professional
If you’re still unsure about your choice, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. Staff at liquor stores, especially those at specialty whiskey shops, are usually well-versed in their inventory and can offer invaluable advice.
