I’ve always appreciated generic versions of brand-name goods. For example, any of Walgreen’s “Wal-” clones, especially medicine, are the same as the original but less expensive.
Costco has its line of Kirkland products, which include alcohol. I have to admit I’m pretty impressed with the replicas. Here’s a comparison (and thanks to my friends who helped me taste test).
Original Spiced Rum ($14.99 for 1.75 L vs. $23.99 for Captain Morgan’s): If you mixed this with cola, you probably couldn’t tell the difference. However, drinking it straight up, you could tell the Kirkland version had more bite. But since no one drinks the Captain without mixing it, the Kirkland version is worth buying.
Blended Canadian Whisky ($19.79 for 1.75 L vs. $39.99 for Crown Royal): Out of all the spirits, this one was most similar to its counterpart. I would say the Kirkland version matched 90 percent of the smoothness of Crown. I’ll definitely stock up on this, especially since it’s half the price of Crown.
Five-Times Distilled Vodka ($22.99 for 1.75 L vs. $54.99 for Grey Goose): First, this bottle is huge and unwieldy. What shelf or liquor cabinet can hold this bottle? Despite being five-times distilled, the Kirkland vodka was a bit harsh compared to Grey Goose, which had a slightly sweet taste. Again, you probably wouldn’t notice if you mixed the Kirkland version with, say, tonic, and the $30 savings is hard to ignore, but there are other good, cheaper vodkas out there that I would buy before getting this again.
Tequila Anejo ($19.99 for 1 L). I’m a big fan of anejo tequilas, and this one could certainly be worked into my rotation. It’s easy to sip, and it doesn’t have a pungeant tequila smell that cheap tequilas have. Also in the product line are Tequila Silver ($18.99 for 1.75 L) and Tequila Reposado ($14.99 for 1 L); compare the former to Silver Patron ($36.39 for 750 mL).
Costco also sells an American Vodka ($13.89 for 1.75 L) and a Premium Small-Batch Bourbon ($21.99 for 1 L), though I didn’t purchase the latter. Similar to the Five-Times Distilled Vodka, the American Vodka is a reasonably priced replacement for your everyday vodka. I’ve never learned what the vodka is supposed to be compared to, but I will say that it’s smoother/more neutral in flavor than Absolut, Svedka and SKYY.
Tags: Captain Morgan's, Crown Royal, Grey Goose, Patron
