Costco Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin - Everything You Need To Know
Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin at Costco
I’ve been tasting my way through Costco’s Kirkland Signature Liquor selection, and so far haven’t been disappointed. Now I’m looking at the Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin, and as someone who doesn’t necessarily love or hate gin, I’m pretty excited to give this one a shot.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin is sold in a huge 1.75L bottle, making it perfect for serving at parties or for keeping your home bar well stocked.
Crafted through a meticulous process of five distillations, the gin boasts a respectable 44% alc/vol content (88 Proof).
Have You Tried Costco's London Dry Gin?
Let the rest of the Costco Food Database community know what you thought of this product. Results and reviews are at the bottom of this page.
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What is London Dry Gin?
The biggest misconception about London Dry Gin is that it has to be produced in London, similar to how Champagne must come from the Champagne region in France.
In reality, the term “London Dry Gin” refers to a specific style of gin production rather than its geographical origin.
London Dry Gin can be produced anywhere in the world as long as it adheres to traditional production methods and meets the regulatory bodies’ criteria for gin production.
These criteria typically include using a neutral base spirit of agricultural origin, re-distilling the spirit with botanicals, and not adding any artificial flavors or sweeteners after distillation.
Costco London Dry Gin
Costco’s London Dry Gin, while made in the USA (Silverton, Ohio), follows the traditional production methods associated with the London Dry Gin Style.
And according to the label, The Kirkland Signature Gin (88 Proof) is five times distilled and crafted using pot stills and a small batch approach. It has classic botanical notes of Juniper, Zesty Citrus Peel, and Coriander.
Who Makes Costco London Dry Gin?
Like many other Kirkland Signature Liquor options, the producer behind the Costco London Dry Gin remains a mystery. The bottle states it’s produced & bottled by DC Flynt MW Domaines & Estates, but who exactly is that?
Bombay Sapphire
At first glance, it’s easy to assume that the Costco London Dry Gin is rebranded Bombay Sapphire. The bottle shape and labeling style are nearly identical, giving them a similar visual appearance.
However, there is no official confirmation or connection between the Kirkland Signature Gin and Bombay Sapphire, and many gin enthusiasts have noted the difference in taste profile between the two.
Diageo
Another popular theory is that the owner of Tanqueray and Gordon’s, Diageo, makes Costco London Dry Gin. There isn’t any direct evidence to support this claim, but some gin enthusiasts speculate that the juniper notes and dryness of the gin, coupled with the extensive production capabilities of Diageo, make it a logical and possible connection.
However, it’s important to note that this theory remains purely speculative without official confirmation from either Diageo or Costco. Just like with Costco’s Kirkland Signature Vodka, the producer of Costco London Dry Gin remains unknown.
Costco Cost Comparison
Costco sells its large 1.75L Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin bottle for $16.99. This is a very solid price that offers some great value compared to some of the other major gin brands. Costco sells a few other popular gin brands at their warehouses, including Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, and Hendrick’s Gin, which of course, all retail for quite a bit higher than Costco’s Kirkland Signature Gin.
At $16.99 per bottle, Costco’s London Dry Gin offers the best value on the market. Check out our guide for the rest of Costco’s Liquor Pricing.
Costco London Dry Gin Taste Test
I’m not a gin expert by any means, but as I took my first sip of Costco’s London Dry Gin, I was pleasantly surprised by the delightful aroma that greeted my senses.
The scent of juniper berries, which is the hallmark of a traditional London Dry Gin, was immediately evident, offering a crisp and refreshing fragrance.
On the palate, I thought the Kirkland Signature Gin had a smooth and balanced flavor profile. The juniper took center stage, providing that distinct pine like taste, and was accompanied by the presence of rose notes adding a sophisticated character to the gin and overall experience.
The finish was smooth, with a hint of warmth that gently lingered, making the gin a very enjoyable experience.
User Review And Tasting Notes
Everybody’s taste buds are going to differ, so I think it’s helpful to get tasting notes/reviews from multiple sources. I’ve compiled the thoughts from Reddit users in this thread, and here is a rundown of their opinions on Costco’s London dry gin.
Reddit's Opinion
- Overall, the general consensus is that it’s a great value gin.
- Some users mentioned that it has prominent floral/rose notes, which could be positive or negative depending on personal taste preferences.
- One user mentioned that the rose flavor has mellowed in recent batches, suggesting that Costco changed the source for the gin.
- The orange peel citrus flavor is said to be strong, making it suitable for gin and tonics.
- It has a good juniper smell.
- Some users compared it to other gins like Bombay and Hendrick’s, stating that it’s different and not the same product.
- While it may not be the best gin on the market, it’s considered a good option in terms of price and quality intersection.
User Ratings and Reviews
Costco Gin Serving ideas
There are many ways to London dry gin, including sipping straight or neat, but one of the best qualities of gin is its versatility in serving options. Here are five classic ways to enjoy the Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin.
- Classic Gin and Tonic: The strong orange peel citrus flavor of Costco’s London Dry Gin makes it a perfect choice for a refreshing and classic gin and tonic. Mix it with your favorite tonic water and garnish with a slice of lime or orange for a simple yet delicious drink.
- Martini: While some may prefer more premium gins for their martinis, the Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin can still create a tasty martini. Combine the gin with dry vermouth and stir or shake with ice until well chilled. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a twist of lemon or an olive for a classic cocktail.
- Tom Collins: This gin cocktail is a great way to showcase the citrus notes of the Costco London Dry Gin. Mix the gin with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water over ice for a refreshing and bubbly drink. Garnish with a lemon slice or a cherry for an extra touch.
- Negroni: If you enjoy bittersweet and herbal flavors, try making a Negroni with the London Dry Gin. Combine equal parts of the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth over ice in a mixing glass. Stir well and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist for a sophisticated cocktail.
- Gin Punch: For a larger gathering or party, consider making a gin punch using the 1.75L Costco Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin as the base spirit. Combine the gin with fruit juices such as orange, pineapple, and cranberry, along with some simple syrup and soda water. Add fresh fruits and herbs for extra flavor and visual appeal. Serve in a punch bowl with ice, and let your guests help themselves.
