Of all the big box store house brands, Kirkland might be the most legendary. All I mean by that is that Costco has a lot of famously loyal fans, and many gin drinkers have told me they swear by the quality of their house brand gin.
Bottled at 88% proof, Kirkland London Dry Gin already comes in at a higher alcohol percentage among many bargain brands (it’s not a mere 40%!). The label says “five times distilled,” which is an interesting designation for gin— presumably meaning that base NGS is. It’s produced by Tennessee Distilling Group and while the label doesn’t disclose the full botanicals list, the box in the stores do.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Lots of juniper here. Green, somewhat terprey and a hint of ethanol as well.
The aroma isn’t as floral as I had been expecting. There is a good amount of citrus here, largely bitter orange zest on the edges.
Kirkland Signature Gin is quite classic, at least on the nose.
Flavor: The first thing that strikes me is the texture. There’s a soft, unctuousness to this gin, that the hint of ethanol on the nose had me not quite expecting.
The palate, up front is pleasantly complex and hits a lot of London Dry and classic notes. Orange peel and green juniper. Then floral, hints of rose hips. It’s quite mild and it quickly turns towards dry, peppery coriander seeds.
Lots of coriander here. The flavor begins to trail off, leading to some pure ethanol.
Finish: Only moderately warm, but it will leave your palate with some raw ethanol notes and dusty coriander and rose. These notes are far less pronounced here than they are on the mid-palate.
Cocktails and suggested serves
Despite having some slight floral notes, I find that they are quiet and the overall presentation leans quite classic, with a strong bitter citrus component. I was surprised how well Kirkland London Dry Gin worked in a Martini with Dolin Vermouth. Even at a 5:1 ratio, the cocktail was balanced.
I liked how the higher ABV helped it come through in a Negroni as well. Strong, with a good juniper and bitter orange component. The spices mingle on the finish adding coriander and warmth to the cocktail.
If you’re buying this, you’re likely looking to mix with it. Kirkland London Dry Gin is a great mixing gin from gin and lemonade to Martini I didn’t expect to say that, but it definitely works well in spirit-forward cocktails.
Overall, Kirkland London Dry Gin
Kirkland London Dry Gin easily ranks as a “best buy” for the combination of traditional flavor, contemporary nuance, ABV, and mix-ability.
With that price point though, there are some rough edges. For example the ethanol on the nose and palate, as well as the way the botanicals drop off towards the finish.
All things being said, this gin is a great price— it’s better than many other gins at this price point with a distinct perspective, and mostly good mouthfeel.
If you’re looking for a good priced gin for mixing at home or at parties, Kirkland London Dry Gin is a good buy. Sometimes it’s good enough to be a “good buy” but come up a bit short as a “great gin.”
Recommended at its price point.