It’s time for another Costco store brand whisky, this time it’s a 20 year old, Speyside single malt scotch. It’s bottled under the Kirkland brand for Costco and it’s believed to be ex-bourbon cask Mortlach or Longmorn whisky that’s been finished for around 6 months in an ex-sherry barrel that previously held Macallan. It typically sells for around $55-60 and bottled at 46% ABV. Thanks to Virginia liquor laws, I’m unable to buy it locally and I have to rely on a sample from a friend. Thanks @dubz480 for the generous pour. It’s a wonderful sunset copper in the Glencairn. It’s also seriously oily and thick appearing, with fat legs and slow running drops. The nose begins with a delicious grape jam note that segues into buttery, rich sherry. There’s a surprising heavy oak cask bite that acts as a backbone to all of the sweetness. It even gives off a new, virgin oak vibe- sawdust and biting wood that’s peppered and lightly charred. There’s no heat, even at 46%, and I think that’s due to the spirit taking on the properties of one that’s been triple distilled, even though I’m sure this one wasn’t. The palate is also butter smooth, which is no surprise to something that’s been in a quality cask for two decades. Again, the grape must and sherry note leads the way before relinquishing it’s hold on the tongue for the late, back end vanilla and toffee flavors. The transition seems timed and there’s a lingering, vine-ripened fruit and berry note that permeates the finish. It’s a rich, warm finish at that- medium in length with some oak tannins and cask tones that reveal a well-aged whisky. Overall, for $55 this can compete in just about any value for money competition. It would even hold its own in a Speyside sherry-finished whisky contest, regardless of age. The two decades it spent are noticeable, the sherry finishing is apparent, but it doesn’t mask the ex-bourbon properties either. This is a very fine whisky and one Alexander Murray and Costco should be very proud to offer. 4 stars with a bump for the price point. 4.25 stars, quite easily. Cheers.