Costco has quietly added a new bourbon to its warehouse shelves, and sharp-eyed shoppers are already buzzing about it. The Kirkland Signature Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey started showing up in stores recently, with a Reddit user in Minnesota being among the first to spot it and post a photo online. At just $27.69 for a 1.75-liter bottle, it's already turning heads.
The retailer didn't make any formal announcement about the release, which left a lot of customers with questions — mainly about where it comes from and how it stacks up against what Costco already offers in the bourbon aisle.
Who's Behind the Bottle
The new 92-proof spirit is distilled, barreled, and aged in Bardstown, Kentucky, by DC Flynt MW Domaines & Estates, an American wine and spirits distribution firm that handles a number of other Kirkland Signature products. Bardstown is no stranger to bourbon — it's widely known as a destination for whiskey enthusiasts and is home to several notable distilleries, so the location alone carries some weight.
According to the bottle itself, the bourbon delivers a "bold yet elegant" expression. Tasters can expect rich notes of oak, vanilla, and warm spices, along with aromas of caramelized cherries, toasted coconut, and nuts. As a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it's required by law to be aged for a minimum of two years, which puts it in the medium-to-full bodied category with what's described as a long finish.
That kind of profile makes it a natural fit for classic cocktails like an old-fashioned or a Manhattan, though it sounds equally capable of holding its own when poured straight.
How It Compares to Costco's Other House Bourbon
Costco already carries the Kirkland Signature Small Batch Bourbon, which is distilled by Barton 1792 — also based in Bardstown. The shared location sparked some chatter among customers wondering whether the two products have any real connection. But the new Kentucky Straight carries no Barton 1792 label, and the flavor profile tells a different story.
Where the Small Batch Bourbon is known for its sweeter finish, the new Kirkland Signature Kentucky Straight leans in a different direction. It's described as complex and almost peppery, which makes it a stronger candidate for serious sipping or for mixing into bolder, spirit-forward cocktails. The two products are clearly aimed at different palates, even if they share a zip code.
What Shoppers Are Saying
Reaction among Costco regulars has been mostly enthusiastic. One Reddit commenter summed up the mood pretty well: "Just yesterday I told my wife that they have the fanciest stuff under the Kirkland label, but not Bourbon. Today I see this. Can't wait to try it."
That kind of excitement makes sense given what Kirkland Signature has built over the years. The house brand has developed a strong reputation for punching well above its price point across a range of spirits, and bourbon fans have been waiting for Costco to bring something new to that category.
The Value Factor
Part of what makes this release worth paying attention to is the bottle size. A 1.75-liter handle for under $28 is a genuinely strong deal for a 92-proof Kentucky Straight, especially one with this kind of flavor description. For anyone who regularly stocks a home bar or likes to keep something quality on hand without spending a lot, that math is hard to ignore.
Availability appears to vary by location for now. Not every Costco warehouse has received stock yet, which explains why some shoppers are just now hearing about it while others have already had a chance to grab a bottle. Those who can't find it locally still have options — Costco's existing Kirkland whiskey lineup includes other well-regarded Kentucky bourbons worth considering while this new release makes its way to more shelves.
For bourbon drinkers who take their whiskey seriously but don't want to spend serious money, this one is worth keeping an eye out for on the next warehouse run.
