Parabola @ Costco

The health benefits, the 401k plans, great starting pay, and meeting Jim Seagal, the president and owner. As well meeting famous people( this was in Sterling Virginia Costco). Now that I see they carry beer, is more of what I loved about Costco, getting the best deals and best quality to the member! \m/[/quote]

That Costco carries 40-50 SKU of mainline beer at cheap prices is great for the masses, going to a fine beer emporium and seeing several times that selection has a value too. The local craft brewer had their beer in Costco, only three SKU of the 12-15 that they offer. If I can't get what I want or need, only what is selected for me to purchase... It looses value for me.

 

I don't think anyone goes to Costco specifically for beer (unless they are having a big party and buying in bulk), it is just a "while I am here" kind of thing.

 

Costco has been selling craft for a good decade (at least as long as I've been shopping there). Parabola is the first limited release I've ever heard of, but they have definitely been selling craft for a very long time. Thus I'm not sure it's a sign of much other than the fact that Costco tries to sell pretty much everything.

 

Couldnt agree more!! The one in Chino Hills is shit. Where as the SD ones carry a lot of Iron Fist now and FW.

Cheers!

 

I to feel you pain SN pale is the best mine can do ,to the north, Mi. Gets some bells

 

I've bought a 24 pack case of FW (Pale 31, DBA, Union Jack, Velvet Merlin variety pack) in central California for about $24 while visiting there a couple months ago. Could not believe it! Unfortunately, I live in Pennsylvania where Costco does not sell beer or wine.

 

My local Costco in Santa Cruz used to have Saison Dupont for a little while.

 

Got tons of it at Cost-co. You see, I've got an exclusive membership card. And with that card, I get access to the whole place. I can buy large quantities of anything at discount prices.

 

While true, most wineries actually are not fans of the discount method, it bastardizes brands and makes it hard for small stores/restaurants to carry a certain wine when there is little profit to be made.

 

Would a Costco outside the normal distribution area get these beers? My Costco has cases of Jai Alai and bombers of Chimay Blue, and I was impressed by that. But Parabola. Damn

 

All BA's who are Costco members would be wise to use the comment box (found in every location) to voice your desire for more craft beer. I know for a fact that those comments get read and logged regularly, and that the Buying staff pays attention.

 

I was at the Costco in downtown SF yesterday and found cases of Old Rasputin for $33.

They must be spending a lot more effort on bringing in regional craft brews. The SF location has always carried Sam Adams and SN, and more recently added the Lagunitas IPA.

Obviously, it can't ever replace the experience of going to a great bottle shop, but having this kind of access to amazing beers like Rasputin can only be a huge benefit for everyone in craft brewing.

 

That same case in Pennsylvania costs about 50$ after tax.

 

Costco sells beer in MA?

 

While kind of surprising, this isn't that surprising. The Costco here in SF regularly stocks things like cases of Old Rasputin, and had cases upon cases of VE 11. There's also an entire blog devoted to cool wine finds at Costco.

 

Now I'm thinking about hitting up a Costco. You bastards!

 

Yeah. Same deal as all MA grocery store chains - 3 locations can have a license. Avon is definitely one of the three as that's the one I shop at - not sure about the other two. Dedham has a pseudo-store attached to the Costco, but it's not as cheap.

Don't get your hopes up though - their beer selection is minimal, albeit cheap. Typically $24 for a variety of craft cases, the brands vary greatly beyond Harpoon/Sam Adams. Sometimes you find some awesome deals though - last year they had the Chimay 3-packs w/ glass for only $12-$13. I stocked up big time on that one... Phenomenal for wine and liquor though.

I've seen much better beer selections at Costco in other states when traveling.

 

Danvers is one and i believe the other is Waltham.

 

I don't know if that is true.
I don't want COSTCO to determine what my craft beer selection is. I would rather support my locally owned shops, even if it means paying a little more.
I have a prejudice against all big box retailers and try not to shop there.