The Brands Behind Costco's Kirkland Signature Craft Beer

The Kirkland Signature label is familiar to anyone who's ever set foot inside a Costco. Kirkland Signature is the name on this retailer's private-label products, which are usually made by an outside vendor. That vendor's name is often (but not always) kept under tight wraps, to the point where only those with a detective's mind can determine the supplier.

Many people have tried to determine the origin of lots of Kirkland-labeled products such as vodka, coffee, and K-cups. They have also sought to find the source of the craft beer sold at the members-only store which, like so many other Kirkland Signature products, is made by an outside producer.

This time around, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau may shed some light on this mystery. As of this writing, the bureau has recorded two companies contracted to provide beer to Costco under the Kirkland Signature name: Gordon Biersch and Matt Brewing. Gordon Biersch owns six brewpubs in the U.S. and another six in Taiwanese airports. Matt Brewing is based in Utica, New York and brews Utica Club and Saranac beers.

Just because Costco's Kirkland Signature beer is inexpensive doesn't mean it's a low-quality brew. Except for its light beer, which hasn't exactly gotten high ratings by consumers, the other beers made for Costco are generally well-regarded. Users on BeerAdvocate gave Citra Hop Session IPA a more than respectable score of 82, while one user wrote about the stout, "I didn't expect it to be this good!"

There's a reason manufacturers aren't transparent about being suppliers to Costco, namely that revealing these producers could make an in-house brand seem less interesting or unique to customers. However, many other companies, such as Kimberly-Clark and Duracell, have no problem admitting to the Kirkland Signature label on their products.

If you're looking for a tasty brew to celebrate Octoberfest (perhaps with a verse or two of drinking song Ein Prosit), head to Costco to check out the selection. Unfortunately, your local store may not carry it. Due to local liquor laws, alcohol isn't necessarily sold at every Costco location.