8 Rare Bourbons You Might Spot at Costco

Costco’s liquor aisles can surprise even the most seasoned bourbon enthusiasts. While the retailer is best known for its Kirkland Signature lineup, some stores occasionally stock rare bottles that collectors hunt for. These limited finds appear inconsistently depending on region, distributor partnerships, and release timing. Whether you are a casual sipper or a serious collector, finding one of these bourbons at Costco can feel like striking gold. Here are eight rare bourbons that have been spotted on shelves and are worth keeping an eye out for.

1. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

Blanton’s Single Barrel is one of the most sought-after bourbons on the market, and finding it at Costco feels like winning the whiskey lottery. Produced by Buffalo Trace, each bottle is drawn from a single barrel and hand-labeled, offering distinct flavor profiles of caramel, citrus, and vanilla. Costco occasionally receives small allocations, typically selling out within hours. Its collectible horse stopper adds to the appeal, making it a favorite for both drinkers and display. If you spot a bottle, do not hesitate—this one rarely stays on shelves for long.

2. Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon

Also from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Eagle Rare 10 Year is another gem occasionally spotted at select Costco locations. Known for its smooth, oaky flavor with notes of toffee, orange peel, and leather, it offers incredible value for its age statement. Bottles are typically distributed in limited quantities, so timing is key. Many Costco shoppers report finding it during holiday seasons or after major restocks. With a refined finish and balanced complexity, Eagle Rare is a perfect introduction to premium bourbon without breaking the bank.

3. Weller Special Reserve

Weller Special Reserve, often called “the poor man’s Pappy,” is a wheated bourbon that shares lineage with the famed Pappy Van Winkle brand. Costco’s access to this bottle varies widely by state, but it does appear in certain warehouse liquor sections, particularly in Kentucky and California. Its smooth, caramel-forward taste and soft wheat base make it an easy sipper and a collector’s favorite. Because of its rising popularity, bottles are often limited to one per customer. If you see Weller at Costco, consider it a rare treat.

4. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

Heaven Hill’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a powerhouse bourbon that occasionally graces Costco’s shelves. Each batch is bottled uncut and unfiltered, resulting in a high-proof experience packed with spice, brown sugar, and oak complexity. Fans appreciate how it delivers barrel strength without losing balance or smoothness. Though distribution is limited, Costco has been known to receive seasonal allocations. For those who appreciate bold bourbon with depth and intensity, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof stands as one of the most rewarding bottles to discover.

5. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

Old Forester’s Birthday Bourbon is one of the most coveted limited releases in bourbon. Released annually to celebrate founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday, each batch offers a unique flavor profile shaped by the year’s aging conditions. The aroma is rich with caramel, orange peel, and oak, while the palate balances dark fruit and spice with remarkable smoothness. Finding this bottle at Costco is extremely rare, but not impossible. Select stores have been known to receive a few bottles during fall allocations, often selling out within hours. For collectors, it is a true trophy bottle.

6. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Bourbon

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year, crafted by Wild Turkey’s master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, occasionally shows up at Costco for an impressive price. Aged for a full decade, it balances caramel, vanilla, and spice notes that reflect classic Kentucky bourbon tradition. It is not as flashy as some collectible bottles, but it consistently delivers quality and value. Costco shoppers lucky enough to find it often grab a backup bottle, knowing it offers premium taste without a premium markup. It is a perfect choice for sipping neat or mixing in elevated cocktails.

7. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is an elegant bourbon with a loyal following, known for its rich, dessert-like profile. After initial aging, it spends extra time in deeply toasted barrels, creating layers of chocolate, vanilla, and toasted oak. Costco frequently includes it among its high-end bourbon offerings, especially around the holidays. The smooth finish and full-bodied flavor make it ideal for gifting or personal indulgence. It is not impossible to find, but at warehouse pricing, it feels like a rare luxury worth grabbing.

8. Kirkland Signature Single Barrel Bourbon

Costco’s own Kirkland Signature Single Barrel Bourbon, sourced through Barton 1792 Distillery, rounds out the list. While technically not “rare” in the sense of scarcity, it earns a spot here for quality and value that surprise bourbon fans. Bottled at 120 proof and aged for around seven years, it offers deep caramel, spice, and oak character comparable to bottles twice the price. Because Kirkland releases rotate and vary by batch, this bourbon can be fleeting. For collectors, it is proof that Costco’s house label can stand proudly alongside established names.