Kirkland Lowlands Sherry Finished Review
In-Depth Review
Over the years, Costco’s Kirkland brand hasn’t been known for putting out great Scotch. While many have applauded their excellent price points, many of their expressions have struggled to deliver on interesting flavors or much depth. Recently though, it seems that their partnership with the independent bottler Alexander Murray has proven more fruitful, with exceptional age stated value sherry cask offerings hitting stores in the 17-22 year range – all for under $100. And while some of these have been fantastic, there have still been a few misses. So, I still tend to be a bit wary when I see them.
But when I saw a chance to try a Lowland expression finished in sherry for under $30, I was intrigued. It still featured the typical Kirkland signature and was bottled by Alexander Murray, but it featured a good 46% ABV, finishing in sherry, and was sourced from the Lowlands – an unsung region in Scotland which has sadly been overlooked by many enthusiasts who have become enamored with Islay, the Highlands, and Campbeltown. And while this expression doesn’t disclose which distillery it came from, we can likely guess it came from either: Auchentoshan, Bladnoch or Glenkinchie distillery. But for under $30 I was hooked, so let’s dive in and see if this latest Kirkland expression worth seeking out.
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 46%
Cask: Finished in sherry casks
MSRP: $28
Distillery Name: Undisclosed Lowland distillery but bottled by Alexander Murray
Review Date: 5/31/24
Color: Golden Straw
Nose: The nose is full of bright fruits like ripe peaches, crisp apples, and raisins. As it settles, more honey, toffee, vanilla sugar frosting, and a lemon zest pops out of the glass. While there is a hint of sherry influence on the nose, it’s not overpowering and lets the distillate stand on its own. I must admit - my mouth started watering after going back to nose it a few times.
Palate: The refreshing character of the nose continues on the palate with waves of vanilla, fresh honey, dried apricots, and stewed apples. Close your eyes and this is pure apple pie and honey oats with just a splash of raisins and gingersnap – showing off the subtle sherry character imparted by the finishing process. This is dangerously easy to drink with a light and zesty medium body and very little heat.
Finish: It features a short finish that cranks up the sherry notes and brings a sweeter profile, with more dates, spiced fruits, and powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts: I’ll flatly admit, this Kirkland Lowland single malt is one of the best value bottles I’ve had all year. It’s light, refreshing, gentle drinking character provides a more enjoyable experience than any single malt under $30 has a right to be. Since I’ve opened it, I’ve found that I keep coming back to it as my background sipper – a pour that won’t force you to think too hard about it - but at the same time - isn’t forgettable. It’s perfect with a cube of ice and sitting outside on a summer day. The distillate features a great nose and body with the extra finishing in sherry casks adds just enough of a thick sweetness on the finish to round out a very enjoyable pour. If you see this for under $30 at your local Costco, run – don’t walk – to grab a bottle and have the perfect summer conversation sipper.
