Kirkland Blended Scotch

I would liken this scotch to Famous Grouse, Dewars White Label, or Shieldaig Classic. Most bottles I truly enjoy cost over $100. Since I consume scotch neat and quite frequently, it goes quickly, and I can't afford that price point. This offers a good balance. Compared to those more expensive scotches, it lacks the vibrancy, complexity, and subtlety of those whiskies, but it is perfectly functional. Just be sure to adjust your expectations. The rating reflects its value; if this cost $100, my rating would be a full point lower and align with other reviews.

Nose: moderately sweet malt, some sharp tannins that appear initially, an herbal vegetal quality, a hint of ginger-like character, some fruit notes do emerge slightly if allowed to rest, a whisper of honey, brown sugar, and perhaps some vanilla. Taste: very similar to the nose but with a bit more fruit sweetness. There's a slight bitterness in the finish. Peppery notes with a hint of a fiery oak wood character, almost smoky but not quite. Overall, it's just okay. If you enjoy mixers with your Scotch, this could work. I've had less enjoyable experiences.

This appears to be my new go-to budget Scotch, taking the place of my previous favorite, Dewar's White Label. Reviews for Costco's blend have been positive, considering its price, and I concur. While the aroma might not wow you, the mouthfeel is substantial, featuring mellow fruit flavors. Ultimately, I can purchase this for less than Dewar's White Label whenever I choose.

This is a decent blend to have on hand; you could definitely end up with something worse. It doesn't offer much complexity or richness, but that's not typically expected from a budget blend. At $20 pre-tax, or $30 after Washington's state tax, it's a good choice to pour over ice when you're relaxing. I'm considering using it to top off the last bit of my more expensive single malts to add a more vibrant and full flavor.

It's present, but nothing remarkable. A faint sweet fruit flavor emerges initially, then gives way to basic smoke and oak. Not very engaging throughout the experience. For an inexpensive drink, it has minimal alcohol burn, which is somewhat pleasant. It's certainly not the pour I'd choose for sipping neat, but it's excellent for cocktails and whiskey infusions.

A good value, though not the best dram. As someone who usually drinks bourbon and is exploring scotch, this tastes like a spirit in search of an identity. It has a slight woodiness, minimal aroma, and perhaps a hint of smoke that doesn't dominate. For my palate, it's a reasonably priced option for mixing, and I'm unlikely to repurchase.