First up is Kirkland Vodka. Costco produces two house-brand vodkas. One is a French Vodka, while another is an American Vodka, and the two are notably different.
Kirkland’s French Vodka has had a cult-like following for a while. And for a good reason — it is delicious. In a blind taste test conducted by Kitchn, Kirkland French Vodka came out as the top vodka. Because of this high quality, rumors have circulated for years that Kirkland French Vodka is actually just rebranded Grey Goose, another French vodka. However, according to USA Today, Joe McCanta, Grey Goose’s Global Head of Education has denied these claims saying, “No, Grey Goose Vodka does not produce nor privately label Kirkland vodka. This is a viral claim that has circled Grey Goose for many years and it’s completely false.”
That being said, it is hard to deny the similarities between the two vodkas. They both hail from the same region in France and even use the same water source (per Vice). However, Kirkland French Vodka is now reportedly made by the Gayant Distillery in France (via Drink Stack).
Kirkland American Vodka is a little easier to track down. While not as beloved as its French counterpart, Kirkland American Vodka still brings vodka flavor at an even lower price. Rumors have circulated about Kirkland American Vodka being made by brands such as Tito’s, which Costco also carries. However, according to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Costco American vodka is bottled and distributed by the LeVecke company in California, a company that also makes liquor for stores like Kroger and Safeway (via Liquor Laboratory).