Standing at the register at Costco's liquor store recently, I asked the cashier for the best deal in the shop. Since I was buying a bottle of Cab, I thought she'd suggest a nice red wine. Instead, she pointed to the Kirkland Signature 1.5 liter bottle of vodka. "It comes from the same distillery as Grey Goose," she said, "and it's at least $20 cheaper."

Turns out she's wrong, said Joe Gerbino, manager of corporate communications at Grey Goose. "The only vodka distilled at the plants in Picardi, France is Grey Goose, " he said.

Not being a vodka drinker, I didn't buy any to do a taste test but wanted to pass along the tip to anyone considering a vodka purchase soon. Costco's price is $26.99 for 1.75 liters (1,750 ml). Grey Goose for the same amount can be about $49 or so.

Gerbino thinks comparing the two vodkas (Grey Goose and Kirkland) is like comparing apples and oranges, but that's the nature of store brands--some shine and some stink.

If anyone is willing to test it, let me know and I'll share your findings.

I've tried Kirkland's Meritage and Cabernet wine and liked both. The sparkling wine is okay. Generally, I'm a fan of the Kirkland brand but I'm not your guy for evaluating vodka. But if you like vodka and want to try a test, let me know.

John Ewoldt

jewoldt@startribune.com or 612-673-7633