Who Makes Kirkland Tequila

Okay, picture this: I'm at a party, casually sipping a margarita, and someone says, "Hey, is that Kirkland tequila? That stuff's surprisingly good!" And I'm like, "Yeah, it's... fine. But who actually makes it?" Because, let's be honest, Kirkland covers everything from batteries to dog food. They can't actually distill tequila, right? Thus began my deep dive into the mysterious world of Costco's house brand liquor.

So, the burning question: Who is the puppet master behind the Kirkland tequila curtain? The answer, my friends, isn't as straightforward as you might think. (Spoiler alert: it involves a distillery with a pretty impressive reputation.)

The NOM Number Holds the Key

Here's where things get interesting. Every bottle of tequila, if it's legit, has a NOM number printed on the label. NOM stands for Norma Oficial Mexicana, and it's essentially the distillery's ID number. Think of it as the tequila equivalent of a social security number. You can't hide from the NOM!

For Kirkland tequila, specifically the añejo, reposado, and blanco varieties, the NOM number is 1173. Now, plug that number into the internet (because, duh, that's what we do these days), and guess what pops up?

Fabrica de Tequilas Finos!

Boom! Mystery (partially) solved. But, you're probably asking "Who exactly are those guys?" Don't worry, I got you.

Fabrica de Tequilas Finos: The Real MVP?

Fabrica de Tequilas Finos is a distillery in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. They’re known for producing tequila for several brands, not just Kirkland. So, while Costco slaps their label on it, the actual distilling is done by experts. Which is good, because I certainly don't want Costco experimenting with distilling in the back of one of their warehouses (imagine the chaos!).

They are reportedly also responsible for distilling spirits for other well-known brands. Their portfolio is quite extensive which has increased speculation over who they work with.

Why Does This Matter?

Okay, so a distillery makes tequila for Costco. Big deal, right? Well, knowing who's behind the juice actually does matter.

First, it gives you an idea of the quality. Fabrica de Tequilas Finos isn't exactly a tiny, fly-by-night operation. They have experience and, presumably, standards. This suggests that Kirkland tequila, while budget-friendly, isn't necessarily bottom-of-the-barrel stuff. Second, it helps you understand the price. Kirkland can offer tequila at a lower price point because they're buying in bulk and slapping their own label on it. They're cutting out the middleman, in a way.

The Great Taste Test Debate

Now, taste is subjective. Some people swear by Kirkland tequila, saying it's a fantastic value for the price. Others... well, let's just say they're not quite as enthusiastic. Personally, I think it's perfectly acceptable for margaritas and mixed drinks. It's not going to win any awards for sipping neat, but it does the job. It's the everyman's tequila. (No offense to any tequila connoisseurs out there!).

Ultimately, the best way to know if you like Kirkland tequila is to try it yourself. Just remember to drink responsibly and maybe invite me over for a margarita while you're at it!

The Takeaway

So, the next time you see a bottle of Kirkland tequila, you can confidently say, "Ah, yes, that's made by Fabrica de Tequilas Finos." You'll sound incredibly knowledgeable and impress all your friends. (Or at least, mildly impress them). And remember, knowing where your tequila comes from is half the battle. The other half is enjoying it responsibly!

Cheers to that!