Last night after dinner, I cracked this bottle open—not because I was planning a grand tasting session, but because curiosity got the better of me. That’s usually how the good stories start anyway.
The first thing that struck me was the aroma, or rather, the lack of one. In the vodka world, that’s usually a great sign. Good French-style distillation typically aims for neutrality—clean, pure, and seamless. And this one came across like fresh air over cold limestone. No harsh ethanol punch, none of that grainy “cheap vodka” warning shot that reminds you you’re in for a rough morning. Just clean elegance.
On the palate? Smooth—shockingly smooth. Like, “did I miss a decimal on the price tag?” smooth. It slipped across the tongue with a soft, almost creamy texture. No burn. No bite. The finish was light, crisp, and clean with a tiny whisper of sweetness. Honestly, if this were poured blind next to a lineup of imported vodkas priced between $30 and $50, this bottle would be keeping up like a veteran rugby player pacing out a rookie—steady, confident, unbothered.
I tried it a few different ways because that’s the job:
Straight – Clean, soft, no aggression.
Chilled – Even better. This is where the French finesse shows.
Vodka tonic – Bright, refreshing, no fighting with the mixer.
Dirty martini – Perfectly balanced; the olive brine actually shined instead of battling for attention.
And here’s the kicker—this is 1.75 liters. A full handle. For $21.59. That’s less than what some brands charge for a single 750 ml bottle.
I’ve tasted vodka across Europe during my years abroad—France, Portugal, England, even some wild potato vodkas from Eastern Europe during weekend trips that got a little out of hand. I’ve had vodka in Ritz-Carlton bars and vodka poured out of plastic bottles in fishing cabins after a long day chasing salmon on the Pere Marquette.
This Kirkland French bottle?
It earns its place on the shelf.
Is it fancy? Nope.
Does it need to be? Absolutely not.
This is the kind of bottle that doesn’t pretend. It just quietly does its job at a high level.
Would I buy it again?
Without hesitation.
In fact, I’m grabbing another one next time because at this price, this is the kind of spirit you keep around for cocktail nights, impromptu get-togethers, or the kind of “let’s just relax and watch the sunset over Lake Michigan” evenings that sneak up on you.
Bottom line: Not all Kirkland spirits hit the mark—but this one lands like a perfectly placed tennis serve. Clean, controlled, and right on target.
