Highland 16 Kirkland Signature (blind)

Review by: Raygun

A group of us put together a little homemade Advent calendar. Been a while since Christmas, but life happens. I’m now in the midst of posting a few reviews from that collection. Nearly July 4th, and what’s more American than Costco? I suppose a Costco bourbon would be extra American, but I’ve got the next best thing, Kirkland’s finest Highland Scotch finished in a sherry cask and bottled at a very respectable 46%. There have been a number of Costco-exclusive releases, from most regions other than Campbeltown as far as I know. First time I’ve tried any. Reviewed fully blind from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes.

Distillery: Unknown    

Bottler: Alexander Murray for Costco  

Region/style: Highland single malt Scotch

ABV: 46%.  

Age: Sixteen years

Cask type: Presumably bourbon, then finished in sherry casks

Color: 1.3 russet

Nose: Smells like scotch, and a very woody one. Lots of oak on this one. Vanilla, old furniture, butterscotch.   

Palate: Rich and drenched in caramel. Lots of oak here as well. Black tea, some clove, tobacco, and curry leaves. Very nice depth.    

Finish: Drying and tannic. Some root beer, clove, black tea. Tastes old.    

Conclusion: It reminds me of Clynelish, though that’s highly unlikely now. Drinks older than it is, with a nice weight to it. The sherry influence is pretty mild, and I could readily believe it was first-fill bourbon. Which would explain the oak. A nice surprise that punches above its weight. I could easily take it for a much more expensive bottle.

Score: 81

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
  • 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)

Published by Raygun

Unknown's avatar

I drank Scotch occasionally (mostly at family gatherings) for years, but started getting more interested after an introduction and tasting from a Scottish acquaintance. That led to buying my first bottle (Highland Park 12). Now 600+ spirits later, Scotch is still my first love, but I drink other whisky and dabble in brandy as well.

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