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Like Costco's other Scotches, the Kirkland Signature Islay Single Malt is bottled for Alexander Murray and imported by MISA Imports after being distilled and aged in Scotland (TTB.gov plant registry TX-I-1277). The isle of Islay is one of the southern most islands in Scotland and is one of the five whisky regions ensconced in law. There are only nine active distilleries on the island, and the Islay style is typified by strong peat or smoky flavors. As a single malt, we know that the juice in this bottle comes entirely from one of those nine! All of the distilleries are significantly smaller than Glenlivet and many of the mainland producers. Taste testing has people split between Caol Illa, Bruichladdich (Port Charlotte), and Bunnahabhain as being the source. Caol Illa and Laphroig both have done deals for private brand scotch without rights to name the source distillery, but Laphroig does not match the flavor profile for this bottle. Realistically, Caol Illa is the most likely candidate for this scotch as it has largest production by far and previous collaborations with Alexander Murray. Around 95% of their production is used in blends such as Johnnie Walker and they are now a part of Diageo. Some mention Ardbeg but I could easily see a young Caol Illa tasting very similar and very much doubt they have the free capacity for extensive private bottlings. The only real counterpoints I can find to assuming Caol Illa are unconfirmed rumors that Diageo cut off independent bottlers from access in early 2023 due to supply constraints and has only started to open the taps again recently (late 2024). If that is the case, then Alexander Murray may have had to source single malt from a different distillery. At the end of the day, not revealing a producer leaves Murray and Costco free to source spirits from different places each year as necessary with no promises broken. I plan on tracking this bottle over time and perhaps we'll be able to validate the hypothesis of changing sources by taste. As Alexander Murray and Co say, "Don't get too caught up on where a whisky comes from." It's what is in the bottle that matters.
🛒Sourced: $37.99 Costco, GA 750ml. Peated malt is increasingly expensive due to labor and ecological pressures. The fact that a peated single malt is on the market for less than $40 is impressive.
🧪Proof: 100 proof, 50% ABV - So much of Scotch is at the 80 proof minimum due to historical wartime regulation and tax structures. In the current world, it is not very common or profitable for a distillery to put out higher proof Scotch in spite of strong consumer demand. We see barrel proof and hazmat offerings growing in the bourbon world, so maybe there is hope for a similar recovery in the Scotch market, likely in the premium or super premium price segments. While proof does not necessarily equal flavor, I was immediately optimistic when I saw the 100.
🎨Color: Y6 - Haystack or dark green tea, some legs
🥔Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley in a pot still. No age statement - single malt minimum age is three years. Kirkland's youngest age dated scotch since 2020 is an 8-year blend while most others are significantly older. This tells me that we're likely looking at a much younger scotch here, likely 6-8 years; we'll see how the flavor is.
👃Nose: Mild overall with scents of Fresh Peat, Iodine, and burnt rubber. Teases you to take a larger whiff at which point there is plenty of young whisky ethanol. There is some orchard greens and pear buried in there upon second pass, nice.
😜Palate: Peat forward, somewhat viscous. Medicinal in the mid palate where some of the age comes through as rough edges and alcohol bite. Ends with a nice green tea and honey note that was quite unexpected.
💦Finish: The honey flash is lightning fast but some of the heat lingers for while longer, more of a low belly heat than in the throat. Not my favorite feeling. Peat is largely absent at this part.
🏆 Overall Rating: 5.75/10 - Good - Mix of Flaws and Flavor - Drinkable Neat - There is more complexity here than I had expected and it delivers on the Islay smoke expectation. It is definitely relatively young scotch , and that youth reflects throughout the experience. That being said, the price is attractive and the little bit of sweetness grabs my attention. Worth trying at least once in my opinion, though it definitely won't blow you away if you're familiar with peated whisky. Cost is the primary reason to pick up this bottle. As more Scotch distillers shift production to unpeated whisky to better meet global consumer preferences, I hope Kirkland keeps this Islay Scotch edition going.
⚖️Rating Scale:
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume it by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws | Struggle to get through the bottle
4 | Serviceable | Mixing or ice recommended.
5 | Good | Drinkable Neat | An agreeable dram indeed.
6 | Very Good | Any flaws offset by interesting flavors | A cut above.
7 | Great | You find yourself reaching for this one often | Well above average.
8 | Excellent | Serve to Impress Guests | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite | You guard this bottle jealously.
10 | Perfect | You didn't think anything could be this good | A clear champion.