Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 12:56 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Kirkland Silver (Costco) vs Member’s Mark Silver (Sam’s Club) in this in-depth comparison and decide which is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Kirkland Silver vs Member’s Mark Silver: Head-to-Head
Kirkland Silver Tequila: Offers a warm, peppery taste with a hint of vanilla, ideal for cost-effective cocktails and large events.
Member’s Mark Tequila: Features bold alcohol and black pepper flavors, suited for adding depth to mixed drinks at gatherings.
Verdict: Both Kirkland Silver Tequila and Member’s Mark Tequila present affordable, 100% agave options for cocktail enthusiasts. Kirkland excels with its sweet agave and vanilla notes, while Member’s Mark offers a vegetal twist for diverse mixes. Each provides value for various preferences and occasions, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best 100% Agave Tequilas to mix and make cocktails
Kirkland Silver Tequila: Affordable Agave for Cocktails

- Nose: Agave, vanilla, alcohol
- Palate: Agave, alcohol, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Trader Joe’s Tequila
Looking for a budget-friendly tequila for mixed drinks? Kirkland Silver Tequila offers 100% agave at a great price.
What to expect:
- Aroma: Agave with a touch of vanilla and subtle alcohol.
- Taste: Starts warm with peppery notes, then transitions to sweet roasted agave with earthy undertones.
- Finish: Moderately short, leaving a warm and peppery sensation.
While not the smoothest for sipping neat, Kirkland Silver shines in cocktails. Its affordability and agave content make it suitable for shots and budget-friendly margaritas. At under $20 for a half-gallon, the value is clear.
Though it may not be a top-shelf choice, it’s perfect for cost-effective cocktails and large gatherings like weddings.
Additional facts:
- This is a Blanco tequila, meaning it’s unaged.
- Contrary to rumors, it’s not made by Patron but rather at a different distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
Member’s Mark Tequila: A Budget-Friendly Option for Mixing

- Nose: Alcohol, agave, asparagus, black pepper
- Palate: Alcohol, black pepper, asparagus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver
Looking for a tequila for your next gathering without breaking the bank? Member’s Mark Tequila might be worth considering.
What to expect:
- Aroma: Starts with a strong alcohol scent, but settles to reveal agave, vegetal notes, and black pepper.
- Taste: Light-bodied with a peppery kick, followed by vegetal flavors and a hint of bitterness.
- Finish: Short and warm, with lingering peppery and slightly bitter notes.
While not the smoothest for sipping neat, Member’s Mark Tequila can shine in cocktails. Its bold character can add depth and complexity to margaritas, mixed drinks, and even Tequila shots with Sprite.
Additionally, it’s made from 100% agave, which some believe may help reduce hangover potential.
Made in Jalisco, Mexico, Member’s Mark Tequila is a budget-friendly option for mixing and adding a kick to your favorite cocktails.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price | Bottle Size |
| Kirkland Silver | $20 | 1.75ml |
| Member’s Mark | $20 | 1.75ml |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Kirkland | Member’s Mark |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length in months | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |
