Costco is a beloved wholesale giant known for its bulk sales, unbeatable prices, and a wide range of products. Among its vast offerings, Costco also carries an impressive selection of beer. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a serious connoisseur, you may wonder: What kind of beer does Costco sell? The answer is multifaceted, as Costco caters to a broad array of beer preferences, offering everything from well-known national brands to unique craft brews and imported selections. In this article, we will explore the diverse types of beer available at Costco, providing insights into both popular and lesser-known choices.
The Variety of Beer at Costco
Costco’s beer section is diverse, appealing to a broad range of tastes, budgets, and occasions. The variety is not just about quantity; it’s about quality, too. Whether you are searching for a familiar lager, a hoppy IPA, or an exotic Belgian ale, Costco has something for everyone. Let’s break down the categories of beer that you are most likely to find in Costco’s aisles.
Domestic and International Beer Brands
Costco’s beer selection includes both domestic and international brands, ensuring that customers have access to a broad spectrum of styles. Domestic beers from some of the biggest names in the industry are easily available, as well as imported beers that bring flavors from around the world.
Domestic Brands: The Classics
Costco is well known for stocking popular American beer brands, catering to consumers who prefer the tried-and-true classics. Some of the most common domestic beers you can find at Costco include:
- Budweiser – As one of the most recognizable American beer brands, Budweiser offers its signature lager with a crisp and refreshing taste. It is often available in multipacks, perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Miller Lite – Another staple in American brewing, Miller Lite is known for its light and easy-drinking lager. Its lower calorie count compared to many other beers makes it a popular choice for those watching their intake.
- Coors Light – A refreshing and crisp lager from the Coors Brewing Company, this beer is widely available in Costco’s beer selection. Coors Light is often chosen for its light flavor profile and clean finish.
- Corona Extra – While a Mexican beer, Corona Extra is one of the best-selling beers in the United States and is a popular choice at Costco. Known for its light, easy-to-drink taste, it pairs well with lime and is perfect for outdoor gatherings.
International Imports
Costco also imports a variety of beers from countries known for their rich brewing traditions. These imports often appeal to those looking for new or different beer styles. Some of the international brands commonly found at Costco include:
- Heineken (Netherlands) – A widely recognized lager that offers a balanced taste with a mild hop flavor and a slightly bitter finish. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a light yet flavorful beer.
- Stella Artois (Belgium) – A well-known Belgian pilsner that is slightly more malt-forward with a crisp finish. It’s often preferred for its refreshing taste, ideal for hot summer days.
- Guinness (Ireland) – Famous for its dark and creamy stout, Guinness is a choice for those who appreciate rich, roasted malt flavors. It’s widely recognized and available in both cans and bottles at Costco.
These international beers provide a broader range of choices and expose customers to the global beer scene. If you are looking to expand your beer horizons, Costco has you covered with imports from Belgium, Germany, the UK, and beyond.
Craft Beer at Costco: An Expanding Selection
Over the past decade, the craft beer revolution has swept across the United States. Many consumers now prefer small-batch, artisanal beers over mainstream options, and Costco has responded to this trend by expanding its craft beer offerings. The selection may vary by region, but certain craft brews are often available across Costco locations.
Regional Craft Selections
Costco often collaborates with regional breweries to offer exclusive or popular craft beers from smaller breweries. Whether you are in the Pacific Northwest or the Midwest, you might find some locally brewed gems that showcase the flavor profile of your region. Some examples include:
- Lagunitas IPA (California) – A well-known and widely appreciated IPA, Lagunitas offers bold hop flavors with a punch of citrus and pine. Its popularity makes it a common selection at Costco.
- Deschutes Black Butte Porter (Oregon) – A rich, dark porter with flavors of chocolate and coffee, ideal for those who enjoy a more robust beer.
- Stone Brewing (California) – Known for bold, hop-heavy beers like Stone IPA and Stone Arrogant Bastard, Stone Brewing is a favorite among fans of American craft beer.
Nationwide Craft Offerings
If you’re not interested in regional beers, Costco also provides a selection of nationwide craft beers. These beers often come from breweries that have national recognition and distribution, but their flavors remain distinct from the larger mainstream breweries. Some examples include:
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (California) – Known for its balanced bitterness and malty sweetness, this pale ale is a favorite for those who want a full-flavored beer with a moderate ABV.
- Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA (Delaware) – A balanced IPA that is not overly bitter, offering a mix of citrus and herbal hop flavors. It’s a go-to for IPA lovers who want something with a bit more complexity.
Costco’s Craft Beer Packs
Many Costco locations offer curated craft beer packs, which feature a variety of brews in a single box. These packs may include a mix of styles, such as IPAs, stouts, porters, and pale ales, giving customers the chance to sample multiple beers from a single brand or a selection of different breweries. It’s a fantastic way to try new beers without committing to a large quantity of one style.
Seasonal and Limited Edition Beers
One of the most exciting aspects of Costco’s beer selection is its seasonal offerings. These beers tend to rotate throughout the year, reflecting the changing seasons and holidays. Whether it’s a summer lager, a winter stout, or a pumpkin-flavored brew in the fall, Costco is home to some unique limited-edition selections.
Summer Beers
During the warmer months, Costco tends to stock beers that are light, refreshing, and easy to drink. Some popular summer beers found at Costco include:
- Shiner Bock (Texas) – A light amber lager with mild malt sweetness and a smooth finish. It’s ideal for BBQs and summer picnics.
- Sam Adams Summer Ale (Massachusetts) – A wheat ale with a hint of lemon peel and orange zest, perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Fall and Winter Beers
As the weather turns colder, Costco brings in seasonal ales and stouts that are perfect for cozy nights by the fire. Some popular fall and winter beers include:
- Samuel Adams Oktoberfest (Massachusetts) – A malty, slightly sweet lager with notes of caramel and toffee, perfect for the autumn season.
- Founders Breakfast Stout (Michigan) – A rich stout with coffee and chocolate flavors, making it a great choice for winter indulgence.
Holiday Beers
Around the holiday season, Costco tends to stock a variety of holiday-themed beers, including spiced ales and rich stouts that pair well with festive meals. Some holiday favorites include:
- Anchor Steam Christmas Ale (California) – A spiced ale that is a tradition for many beer drinkers during the holidays.
- Great Lakes Christmas Ale (Ohio) – A strong, malty ale with a hint of honey and spices, ideal for sipping on a cold winter evening.
Costco’s Private Label Beer: Kirkland Signature
In addition to stocking popular brands, Costco also offers its own private-label beer line under the Kirkland Signature brand. These beers are produced in collaboration with renowned breweries and offer Costco shoppers high-quality options at an affordable price.
Kirkland Signature Light Beer
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Light Beer is a popular choice for those who want a light, easy-drinking lager. Often compared to other mass-market light beers, it is known for its crisp, refreshing flavor at a fraction of the price.
Kirkland Signature IPA
For craft beer enthusiasts, the Kirkland Signature IPA is a great option. It’s brewed to have a hoppy, citrus-forward flavor profile with a balanced bitterness. It’s available in larger packs, making it a great value for IPA lovers.
Kirkland Signature Belgian Ale
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Belgian Ale provides a nice alternative for fans of Belgian-style beers. Brewed in the traditional Belgian style, it has fruity and spicy flavors, with a slightly higher ABV, making it a great option for beer aficionados who want something unique.
How to Buy Beer at Costco
Buying beer at Costco is a relatively straightforward process. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your beer shopping experience goes smoothly.
Membership Requirement
You must have a Costco membership to purchase beer at Costco. This is a standard requirement for any purchases made at Costco warehouses, including alcoholic beverages.
Regional Availability
Keep in mind that the beer selection may vary by region due to state laws and local demand. For example, some states have stricter alcohol laws that may limit the selection available at Costco locations in those areas. It’s always a good idea to check your local warehouse to see what beers are available in your region.
Bulk Purchases
Since Costco is known for bulk sales, many beer selections come in multi-packs or cases. This makes it easy to stock up on your favorites at a great price, though it may not be ideal if you’re looking to sample different options in small quantities.
Conclusion
Costco offers a surprisingly wide range of beers, from classic domestic lagers to unique craft brews and international imports. Whether you’re looking for the simplicity of a light lager, the hoppy kick of an IPA, or the depth of a stout, Costco’s beer selection has something to satisfy your tastes. And with the added benefit of Costco’s Kirkland Signature beers and seasonal offerings, there is always something new to try.
With its focus on value and quality, Costco makes it easy for beer lovers to find great deals and enjoy a diverse selection of beers. So, next time you head to Costco for groceries, don’t forget to stop by the beer aisle—you might just discover your next favorite brew.
You Might Be Interested In:
