Who Bottles Kirkland Tequila? Unmasking the Mystery
Kirkland Signature Tequila is bottled by Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, a distillery located in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, under Distilled Solution’s NOM 1472. While Costco keeps the exact relationship private, NOM 1472 has been strongly linked to the brand’s production.
The Allure of Kirkland Tequila: Quality and Value
Kirkland Signature Tequila, sold exclusively at Costco Wholesale warehouses, has cultivated a loyal following due to its attractive price point and surprisingly high quality. In the competitive world of tequila, where price can be a significant barrier to entry, Kirkland offers an accessible option without sacrificing the essential characteristics of a good tequila. It’s a balancing act that has made it a popular choice for both casual consumers and tequila enthusiasts.
Understanding NOM: The Key to Tequila Authenticity
NOM stands for Norma Oficial Mexicana, and it is the official standard for tequila production in Mexico. Every bottle of authentic tequila displays a NOM number, which identifies the distillery where it was produced. This number is crucial because it allows consumers to trace the origin of their tequila and verify its authenticity. It is the key to unraveling the mystery behind who truly crafts Kirkland’s offerings.
Distilled Solutions: The Importer’s Role
Distilled Solutions acts as the importer for Kirkland Signature Tequila. The importer plays a crucial role in bringing the tequila from Mexico into the United States and ensuring it meets all necessary regulations. While they don’t distill the tequila, their role is vital in the supply chain and distribution network. Knowing the importer is one step closer to discovering the distillery responsible for the tequila.
Decoding NOM 1472: Fabrica de Tequilas Finos
The NOM number associated with Kirkland Tequila is NOM 1472. This number corresponds to Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, a distillery located in Tequila, Jalisco. Although Costco doesn’t publicly confirm the relationship, NOM 1472 consistently appears on Kirkland bottles, making it highly probable that Fabrica de Tequilas Finos is the producer. They are known for producing a range of tequilas for various brands, often under private label agreements.
Types of Kirkland Tequila Available
Kirkland Signature offers a selection of tequila varieties:
- Kirkland Signature Silver Tequila: An unaged tequila, also known as blanco, prized for its pure agave flavor.
- Kirkland Signature Reposado Tequila: Aged in oak barrels for a period of time (typically two months to a year), giving it a light amber color and smooth taste.
- Kirkland Signature Añejo Tequila: Aged in oak barrels for one to three years, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor profile.
How Tequila is Typically Produced: A Simplified Overview
Tequila production involves several key steps:
- Harvesting the Agave: Blue Weber agave plants, at least six years old, are harvested.
- Cooking the Agave: The agave piñas (hearts) are cooked to convert complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. Traditionally, this is done in brick ovens.
- Crushing and Extraction: The cooked agave is crushed to extract the sugary juice (mosto).
- Fermentation: The mosto is fermented with yeast, converting sugars into alcohol.
- Distillation: The fermented liquid is distilled, typically twice, to increase the alcohol content and refine the flavor.
- Aging (for Reposado and Añejo): Tequila destined to be Reposado or Añejo is aged in oak barrels.
- Bottling: The tequila is bottled and labeled, ready for distribution.
Is Kirkland Tequila a Good Value?
Many tequila drinkers find Kirkland Tequila to be a very good value. It offers a respectable quality at a price point significantly lower than many other tequilas on the market. While it might not be considered a top-shelf, ultra-premium tequila, it is generally regarded as being well above average for its price point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kirkland Tequila
Is Kirkland Tequila 100% Agave?
Yes, all Kirkland Signature Tequila bottles are labeled as 100% Blue Weber Agave. This means that the tequila is made exclusively from the Blue Weber agave plant, considered the only variety of agave suitable for proper tequila production. Some cheaper tequilas might be mixed with other sugars (mixtos), but Kirkland tequila prides itself on using only pure agave.
How Does Kirkland Tequila Compare to Other Brands?
Kirkland Tequila is often compared favorably to other mid-range tequilas in terms of quality and value. While it may not possess the same complexity or smoothness as some high-end brands, its affordability makes it a very competitive option for everyday enjoyment. Many reviews suggest that it is comparable to brands that are significantly more expensive.
What is the Alcohol Content of Kirkland Tequila?
Kirkland Signature Tequila typically has an alcohol content of 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), which is the standard for tequila. This equates to 80 proof.
Can You Buy Kirkland Tequila Without a Costco Membership?
Generally, no. Kirkland Signature products are exclusive to Costco members. However, in some states, alcohol sales are regulated differently, and you may be able to purchase alcohol at Costco without a membership. It is best to check the specific laws in your local area.
Is Kirkland Tequila Organic?
Currently, there is no indication that Kirkland Signature Tequila is certified organic. While it is made from 100% Blue Weber agave, organic certification involves specific farming and production practices that are not explicitly stated on Kirkland tequila labels.
How Long is Kirkland Reposado Tequila Aged?
The exact aging time for Kirkland Reposado Tequila is not always publicly disclosed. However, tequila labeled as “Reposado” must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months. It is likely that Kirkland Reposado Tequila falls within this range, perhaps aging slightly longer for a smoother flavor.
Where is Fabrica de Tequilas Finos Located?
Fabrica de Tequilas Finos is located in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, which is the heart of tequila production. The distillery is situated in the region known for its ideal climate and soil conditions for growing Blue Weber agave.
What Other Brands Does Fabrica de Tequilas Finos Produce?
Fabrica de Tequilas Finos produces tequila for a variety of other brands, often under private label agreements. While their specific clients are confidential, it is known that they specialize in producing tequilas for different price points and quality levels.
Is Kirkland Añejo Tequila Worth the Extra Cost Compared to the Reposado?
Whether Kirkland Añejo Tequila is worth the extra cost depends on individual preferences. Añejo tequila has a more complex flavor profile due to its longer aging period, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. If you appreciate these flavors, then the Añejo might be worth the investment. However, if you prefer the brighter, more agave-forward flavor of Reposado, you may find that the Reposado is more to your liking.
Does Kirkland Tequila Ever Go On Sale?
While Costco occasionally has promotions on certain products, discounts on alcohol are less frequent due to regulations and markups. It’s always a good idea to check your local Costco or online for any potential deals, but don’t rely on sales to significantly impact the price.
What Makes Blue Weber Agave Special for Tequila Production?
Blue Weber agave is the only agave variety legally permitted for tequila production. It is prized for its high sugar content and the unique flavors it imparts to the final product. Other agave varieties may be used for other agave spirits like mezcal, but tequila must be made exclusively from Blue Weber agave.
Is It Safe to Assume NOM 1472 Always Means Kirkland Tequila?
No, it is not safe to assume this. NOM 1472 is Fabrica de Tequilas Finos’ NOM, meaning they produce other tequilas for different brands using that same distillery and therefore that same NOM. While extremely likely Kirkland is produced there, NOM 1472 does not guarantee the liquid you are holding is Kirkland tequila.