Who Actually Makes Kirkland XO Cognac?
If you haven't heard, bartenders love Costco booze, according to Vice — and it isn't unwarranted. The beloved bulk store turns out some great products that are high quality, which is why it's loved by so many and has become a cult favorite. From the food court and snack aisle to the cases of wine and shelves of hard liquor, there's plenty of value to choose from. This is largely thanks to Costco's own brand, Kirkland Signature, which is made by some of your favorite brand-name producers (via Hip2Save).
When it comes to cognac, however, there are a couple of tips to know when you consider buying Costco's bottle. If you're wondering what 'XO' stands for, it means "extra old" (via Cognac). This Kirkland XO Cognac is aged 12 to 21 years, which explains why it also comes with one of the higher price tags among Costco spirits (via 20SomethingFinance). The award-winning cognac has surprised many around the world, according to Cognac Expert. Costco even saw double-digit growth in its cognac sales in 2018. That's an impressive testament considering the bottles are only sold on a seasonal basis (via Market Watch).
Kirkland XO Cognac is the real deal
Of course, Kirkland XO Cognac is made in France in French oak barrels. It's also made exclusively from Ugni Blanc grapes, according to Cognac Expert. While little is known about who exactly makes this product, 20SomethingFinance does claim that Peyrat-Associés et CIE is behind the production. All of this adds up to the bottle being one of the best liquors you can buy at Costco.
Since the early 1900s, the Peyrat family has been making cognac. The small production is something quite unique too. Many cognac producers must buy the best grapes from a handful of regions that produce them in order to make the brandy. The Peyrat-Associés firm is one of few producers that actually grow their own grapes, which means they can create single-vineyard cognacs (via Berry Brothers & Rudd).
The next time you see bottles of Kirkland XO Cognac, don't hesitate to pick up a bottle or two and appreciate the quality behind the full-bodied brandy.