Good bourbon or rye from COSTCO for not too much money?

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DWSmith

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Saw Jameson, which I really like, this afternoon and some Kirkland stuff. Also Bulleit and maybe some others where I recognize the names but haven't tasted them.

I wish they had some Wild Turkey bourbon and rye choices but nothing at my location.

What do you guys recommend from COSTCO?
 
One of their Scotch brands is bottled by the folks who do McCallen. It’s got a very good reputation. I’ve never tried it cause they can’t sell hard stuff in my state. They’re supposed to have a very high end Vodka as well…related to Grey Goose or some such. You could likely get good details by doing a well directed Google search.
 
Yep, looking at reviews on youtube.

I should have bought something yesterday. I thought I had more Jameson left but there was less than a shot left in the bottle last night.
 
My favorites are Bulleit Bourbon and Rye. Not that I do not find fancier stuff very likable. For the price it is hard to beat Bulleit.

Irish, hard to beat John Powers Gold Label. Bushmills White label is right up there.
 
I think they carry Bulleit Rye. I saw a good review or two on that. Also Bulleit Bourbon is well reviewed.

The Kirkland Single Barrel bourbon and Bottled-In-Bond bourbon both look good in reviews.

Back to COSTCO.
 
Bulleit 95 Rye is my "got-to-have" for Old Fashions, Manhattans, or just whiskey and soda. George Dickel is another good one & well-priced. FTRPLT
 
For value bourbon (sipping or mixing) I like Evan Williams BIB or Wild Turkey 101. Around $15 per 750ml. No need for Costco at that price.
 
Went up to COSTCO Friday after work. They had nothing for me so I went to a grocery store that has a very good assortment of everything and fairly decent prices. Got Bulleit 95 rye and Wild Turkey 101 bourbon. I'm set.

COSTCO didn't even have their Kirkland Small Batch, Bottled In Bond, nor Single Barrel bourbons.
 
I most always use Rye for a tasty cocktail and unless I’m mixing with a top shelf brand (Yes, it actually does make a very noticeable difference) I’ve come to depend upon Rittenhouse Rye. It’s a nice 100 proof $27 pick. Just as a comparison, Wild Turkey 101 is $25 via the State Stores…the only outlets for hard liquor in Oregon.
 
George Dickel Rye is another very good rye. Not a lot of people knew about it but has a nice price from $20 to $25. Costco is about 60 miles away and haven't shopping (no liquor stores in this town either)
 
I don't know anything about Wild Turkey. But if you like bourbon, and rye, and value, have you ever had Old Grand Dad? A great combo of all 3, and a great whiskey. Certainly worth a try. Punches WAY above it's price. I love the plain Jane 80 proof or Bond 100. They have a 114 variety, but I haven't had the pleasure.
 
I've heard very good things about Old Grand Dad but I haven't seen any.

COSTCO told me that their 3 Kirkland bourbons probably aren't being carried at my local store because the state of Iowa screws things up. He recommended going to COSTCO in Omaha or Kansas City since they are carrying them.

Other COSTCO employees have told me to go outside of Iowa because Iowa screws up the pricing and severely limits availability. For a long time COSTCO wouldn't sell Kirkland brand liquor to Iowa because Iowa refused to only allow COSTCO stores to buy it from them. Any liquor retailer would have been able to sell Kirkland liquors in Iowa.
 
Sometimes they carry Rittenhouse bottled in bond rye (100 proof), and I don't think you can go wrong with that. Occasionally you might find Whistle Pig rye. I won't consider buying anything from Bulleit because I've no respect for the owner of that label.
BTW, the Kirkland branded bourbon is a killer deal, as is the French vodka. Their cognac XO is decent, but don't compare it to the big name bottles. You get what you pay for with that one.
 
My Costco stocks a few of my favorites. I’m usually able to find Lagavulin for about $60. They have Oban from time to time as well for about the same price.

Otherwise I tend to pick up High West bourbon at Trader Joe’s, and it’s one of my favorite sipping whiskeys. I’m also fortunate to have a good liquor store nearby that stocks about anything you could imagine.
 
I was able to walk into the local Beach Liquors here in Destin and found three of the releases of Calumet Farm. 8yr, blended 15yr & 8yr, and the 15yr. Also, one of Clyde May's small batch rye's.
 
We have a store here, the Park Deli that carries just about anything you can imagine. If they don't have what you want they will special order it for you. I still drink cheap whiskey. $400 for a bottle of rye is just ridiculous.
 
I'm not much on bourbon but I did get a bottle of Angel's Envy from Costco just before Christmas that's pretty good.

For those who mentioned Rittenhouse Rye, try this for the best Manhattan ever:

2 oz Rittenhouse
1 oz Carpano Antica vermouth
a splash of dry curacao
dash of Angostura bitters
garnish w/ Luxardo cherry
 
I'm not much on bourbon but I did get a bottle of Angel's Envy from Costco just before Christmas that's pretty good.

For those who mentioned Rittenhouse Rye, try this for the best Manhattan ever:

2 oz Rittenhouse
1 oz Carpano Antica vermouth
a splash of dry curacao
dash of Angostura bitters
garnish w/ Luxardo cherry
Way too much trouble. A couple of ice cubes, 3 fingers of bourbon, and a splash of spring water does it for me. LOL.
 
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