As someone who enjoys exploring affordable bourbons, I was intrigued by Kirkland Single Barrel Bourbon from Costco. Distilled at Barton 1792, a distillery with a solid reputation, I was hopeful this bottle might deliver the quality I associate with Barton’s products like 1792 Small Batch or Full Proof. After trying it, I can see why it has a dedicated following, but I also found some clear limitations that are hard to ignore.
First Impressions
The bottle itself is straightforward—no frills, just a clean label that tells you what you need to know. At around $30–$40 for a single-barrel bourbon bottled at cask strength, the price alone made it an easy buy. The deep amber color was inviting, but I noticed that the initial pour carried a strong ethanol aroma, which gave me pause.
The Nose
Right off the bat, I got the classic bourbon notes you’d expect: caramel, vanilla, and oak. There was a slightly fruity layer underneath, with hints of cherry and a touch of apple, but the ethanol heat was hard to ignore. It lacked the complexity I’ve experienced in other single-barrel bourbons, feeling more aggressive and less refined. I couldn’t help but compare it to Barton’s lower end offerings, which tend to struggle to balance their intensity with more nuanced aromas.
The Palate
The first sip hit hard. The proof (usually around 120) is unmistakable, and it doesn’t shy away from letting you know it’s a cask-strength bourbon. The flavors leaned heavily toward toffee, brown sugar, and cinnamon spice, but they felt somewhat muddled. The rye spice was prominent, which I usually enjoy, but here it seemed to overshadow everything else, making the palate feel a bit unbalanced.
As the sip progressed, I picked up on oak and dark chocolate, but there was also a bitterness that crept in, especially toward the back of the palate. It reminded me of over-steeped tea—something I’ve noticed in younger, less refined bourbons. I couldn’t help but think that this could have benefited from a little more age or barrel selection care.
The Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel was decent—not thin, but not as rich as I’d hoped for from a cask-strength bourbon. It had a slightly oily texture, which I appreciated, but the heat from the proof dominated the experience. Even after adding a splash of water to mellow things out, the bourbon still felt a little too sharp for my liking.
The Finish
The finish was long, which is usually a good thing, but here it was a mixed bag. The spice lingered, along with notes of oak and cocoa, but the bitterness I noticed earlier stuck around as well. It left a dry, almost astringent aftertaste that detracted from the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
To be fair, Kirkland Single Barrel Bourbon delivers a lot of value for its price. It’s rare to find a single-barrel, cask-strength bourbon in this price range, and for that alone, it’s worth trying—especially if you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors and don’t mind some rough edges. That said, I couldn’t help but feel that it lacks the refinement and balance I’ve come to expect from Barton.
This is a bourbon that caters more to budget-conscious drinkers or those looking to experiment with higher-proof pours. If you’re new to bourbon or prefer smoother, more complex profiles, this may not be the bottle for you. For me, it’s not something I’d rush to repurchase, but I can see how it might appeal to others.
Would I Buy It Again? Probably not for sipping, but it could work well in cocktails where the bold flavors and high proof shine.
Score: 4.5/10
Final Verdict: A solid budget pick with some standout moments, but ultimately too unrefined for my personal tastes.
As always, enjoy and drink safely!
Comentarios