Sam's Club, Costco Focus on Corporate Brand Spirits

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam’s Club here has launched its first store-brand spirit. Member’s Mark ultra-premium French Distilled Vodka will be sold under the label Rue 33.

“Rue 33 is made with only select premium wheat and spring water from France’s prestigious underground sources to yield small proprietary batches for Sam’s Club,” states the retailer in promotional material. A 1.75 liter bottle of the vodka that's distilled six times and filtered three times retails for $28.

The wholesale club's vodka will compete with Kirkland Signature vodka, Costco’s first private-label spirit. Made in France from 100% wheat and Gensac Springs water, it is five-times distilled, according to Costco. Costco plans to introduce Kirkland Signature Anejo Tequila this fall.

“The hand-selected and hand-picked 100% blue agave tequila is aged for an average 36 months in bourbon barrels,” according to Costco. “This double-distilled gem is ultra-smooth, with a smoky wood character and sweet spice and pepper flavors.”

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