What Is Kirkland Gin Comparable To? Top Matches and Best Uses

When you pick up a bottle of Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin at Costco for $16.99, you’re not just buying cheap liquor-you’re getting something that punches well above its weight. At 88 proof and packed with real botanical flavor, this gin doesn’t just compete with mid-tier brands-it often beats them in blind tastings. But what does it actually taste like? And more importantly, which gins is it most similar to? If you’ve ever wondered whether Kirkland gin is just a budget knockoff or a legit alternative to pricier bottles, here’s the straight-up breakdown.

How Kirkland Gin Stacks Up Against Beefeater

Beefeater is the gold standard for many gin drinkers: bold juniper, citrus peel, and a clean, crisp finish. It’s the gin you reach for when you want something reliable in a Martini or G&T. So how does Kirkland compare? In multiple blind tastings, reviewers consistently say Kirkland comes within striking distance. Distiller.com’s Matthieu-Spriet put it plainly: “This is just a solid budget gin. It’s approaching Beefeater level quality for about half the price.”

Both gins use juniper as the dominant botanical-around 35-40% of the flavor profile-and both feature bitter orange zest and coriander. But Beefeater has more depth, with subtle notes of angelica root and licorice that linger. Kirkland’s flavor is cleaner, smoother, and less complex. That’s not a flaw-it’s a design choice. Kirkland is built for mixing, not sipping neat. If you’re pouring gin into a cocktail where the botanicals get blended with tonic, vermouth, or citrus, you won’t miss the extra layers Beefeater offers. And at $35 for a 1L bottle versus Kirkland’s $9.71 per liter, the math is hard to ignore.

Kirkland vs Gordon’s: A Night-and-Day Difference

Many people start with Gordon’s because it’s cheap and everywhere. But if you’ve ever taken a sip of Gordon’s neat, you know why it’s not called “premium.” It’s sharp, thin, and leans heavily on alcohol burn. Kirkland, on the other hand, is soft, round, and surprisingly full-bodied for a gin under $20. TUGBBS forum user bobpark56 summed it up back in 2008: “Kirkland gin is noticeably better.” That’s still true today.

The difference isn’t just in price-it’s in distillation. Kirkland is five-times distilled (though experts clarify this likely refers to the base spirit, not the gin itself), which removes impurities and creates a smoother mouthfeel. Gordon’s is mass-produced and lacks the same level of botanical integration. In a Gin & Tonic, Kirkland lets the juniper and citrus shine without the metallic aftertaste you get with Gordon’s. If you’ve been drinking Gordon’s because you think “all gin tastes the same,” try Kirkland next time. You’ll wonder why you ever settled.

How It Compares to Bombay Sapphire and Hendrick’s

Bombay Sapphire is known for its clear, herbal profile. It’s popular in cocktails because it’s neutral enough to let other ingredients stand out. But in a side-by-side tasting, Kirkland actually outperforms it in flavor complexity. Costcuisine’s family test found Kirkland had “lots of tasting notes! Very herbal. It almost reminds me of herbal tea in some ways,” while Bombay came across as “the simplest of the gins.”

Hendrick’s is a whole different animal. It’s defined by cucumber and rose petals-a floral, cool, almost spa-like gin. Kirkland doesn’t try to be Hendrick’s. It’s a classic London Dry. If you love Hendrick’s for its unique twist, you’ll still prefer it on its own. But for cocktails where you want gin to be the backbone-not the novelty-Kirkland wins. One reviewer noted their dad liked both equally, but they personally preferred Hendrick’s for sipping. That’s fine. But if you’re making 10 G&Ts for a party? Kirkland gives you better flavor, more volume, and saves you $100.

Why Kirkland Outshines G&J Greenall and Other Budget Brands

There are plenty of cheap gins out there-Seagram’s, G&J Greenall, Sainsbury’s own label. But none of them hold up to Kirkland. Brian-S from Distiller.com called it “certainly a better choice than G & J Greenall. It’s both less expensive and better integrated.” Greenall’s flavor is flat, with one-note juniper and no real citrus or spice to balance it. Kirkland has layers: rose hips add a subtle floral sweetness, coriander brings warmth, and the orange zest gives it brightness. It’s not just better than budget gins-it’s better than many mid-tier gins you’d pay twice as much for.

Best Ways to Use Kirkland Gin

Kirkland isn’t meant to be sipped neat like a single-malt whisky. The finish can be a bit hot-some reviewers note a brief ethanol burn after the flavor fades. That’s why it shines in cocktails.

• Gin & Tonic: Use a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of gin to tonic. Add a lime wedge. The citrus in the gin complements the lime, and the high proof cuts through the sweetness of most tonics.
• Classic Martini: 50/50 gin and dry vermouth, stirred with ice, garnished with an olive. Kirkland holds its own here-clean, crisp, no harsh edges.
• Negroni: Equal parts gin, Campari, sweet vermouth. Kirkland’s herbal notes balance the bitterness perfectly.
• Batch Cocktails: Perfect for parties. Mix up a pitcher of Gin Fizz or a batch of Tom Collins. You’ll get professional-level results without the price tag.

One of the biggest advantages? The 1.75L bottle. That’s nearly 40% more than a standard 750ml bottle. If you entertain often, this is the only gin you need to keep stocked. It lasts longer, costs less per ounce, and never leaves you scrambling mid-party.

Who Should Buy Kirkland Gin?

You should buy Kirkland gin if:

• You make cocktails regularly and want quality without the premium price.
• You’re tired of the burn from cheap gins but can’t justify $35 for Beefeater.
• You host gatherings and need a reliable, high-volume option.
• You’re new to gin and want to explore London Dry styles without overspending.

You might skip it if:

• You only drink gin neat or on the rocks and expect complex, layered flavors.
• You’re a collector who values rare botanicals or small-batch distillation.
• You live in a state where Costco doesn’t sell liquor (like Pennsylvania, where users have been known to stock up during trips).

Final Verdict: Is Kirkland Gin Worth It?

Yes. Not just “worth it”-a steal. At $16.99 for 1.75 liters, you’re paying less than $1 per drink if you use 1.5 oz per serving. And the flavor? It’s not just passable. It’s exceptional. Tastings.com gave it a 91/100-“Exceptional” on their scale. That’s the same rating as gins that cost twice as much.

Kirkland gin isn’t trying to be Hendrick’s. It’s not trying to outdo Beefeater. It’s trying to be the best version of itself: a no-nonsense, high-proof, botanically balanced London Dry that delivers real flavor at a price that makes sense. For most people, that’s all you need.

If you’ve been waiting to try it, don’t wait anymore. Grab a bottle, mix a G&T, and see why it’s one of the most talked-about spirits at Costco.