Key facts
- Costco's collaboration with Deschutes Brewery on Kirkland Signature craft beers is ending.
- The production contract for the Kirkland Signature Lager and Vintage Ale has been fulfilled.
- The Helles-style lager received awards at the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival.
- Deschutes Brewery reported a 16% increase in volume sales in the 13 weeks ending June 28.
Costco's popular Kirkland Signature craft beers, a collaboration with Oregon's Deschutes Brewery, are coming to an end after a two-year period. Deschutes Brewery confirmed that the production contract for the Kirkland Signature Lager and Kirkland Signature Vintage Ale has been fulfilled, and the warehouse club is currently selling through its remaining stock. The Helles-style lager, in particular, had garnered a significant following and critical acclaim, winning awards at the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival for its smooth, balanced taste and exceptional value. Fans have expressed disappointment on social media platforms like Reddit regarding the discontinuation. Deschutes Brewery noted the overwhelming support from Costco members and stated that the beer built a fan base both domestically and internationally. This beer was more successful than Costco's previous attempt, Kirkland Signature Light, which was discontinued in 2018. Sales of the lager at a Costco location near Madison, Wisconsin, were described as moderately strong, comparable to mid-priced lagers. While some Costco staples like its rotisserie chicken and hot dogs are permanent fixtures, other products have limited availability. Both Costco and Deschutes have seen growth, with Costco continuing to post strong monthly sales and Deschutes reporting a 16% increase in volume sales in the 13 weeks leading up to June 28.