16 Feb 26

 

The internets tells us:  The Kirkland 16-Year Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, bottled by Alexander Murray & Co., is a premium spirit sourced from Scotland's Highland region. This whisky is crafted exclusively from barley, distilled at a single Highland distillery, and matured for 16 years before finishing in Oloroso Sherry casks. The result is a rich, complex character with inviting aromas of plums, raisins, light oak, and dried fruit. 

 

There’s an excellent review of this Scotch at The Tasting Table.  “Very smooth and far less smoky or peaty than many Scotch single malts, it's a pleasant Scotch for beginners and a likely crowd-pleaser when used in cocktails. It is still a Scotch, though, so it is smokier than other whiskies like bourbon, for example, and has less vanilla caramel sweetness…This Scotch doesn't have a lot of spice or sea brine, but instead is rich and mellow, layered with dried fruit and prune flavors. The finish has a slight citrus note and a touch of crisp apple.”

 

Alexander and Murray explain their trade on their website:  “As a merchant and independent bottler, our specialization is not to produce whisky from its raw ingredients;
we leave that to the craft of distillers who have been doing so for generations.

Our relationships allow us the capacity to engage with many distillers in Scotland in order to purchase casks of their whisky that have already been matured. These bonds are not easy to come by.  We take these casks and create unique whiskies under the strong principles of the Alexander Murray name.  Whether single malt, single cask or blended, you will find quality in everything we do, and at every price point.”

 

I happened upon my bottle of Kirkland Highland Single Malt when it fell off the back of a truck!  Amazing that it remained intact, heh heh.  

 

As with other items, Costco scours the earth to find quality items to put under their generic ‘Kirkland’ brand.  They do this for an assortment of liquors.  (Who is the person who gets to select which whisk[e]y gets the ‘Kirkland’ brand name?  I want that job!)  You could easily spend twice as much for this type of quality Scotch.  Costco is popular among whisk[e]y enthusiasts because they’re able to get really great expressions and sell them for exceptionally low prices.  If you’re a Costco member and find yourself at a location that sells liquor, I highly recommend checking out their whisk[e]y selection and stocking up.  They also sell name brands very cheaply as well.  

 

 I’m not telling you you should break the law and buy whisky in Washington, DC, but if your friend happened to be up there and asked if you wanted anything, requesting the Kirkland 16yr Highland Single Malt Scotch would be an excellent idea.   ޗިއަރސް!