**The Story of Costco's Kirkland Signature Helles‑Style Lager (Brewed by Deschutes Brewery)** **The “Little Beer That Could”** In Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery—founded in 1988 and named for the Deschutes River—had a small‑batch Helles‑style lager called **Prinz Crispy**. Brewed on a 10‑barrel system by brewmaster Robin Johnson, it was never intended for wide‑scale production. But in October 2023, Deschutes entered Prinz Crispy into the **Great American Beer Festival**. Against 172 other entries, it won **gold** in the Munich‑style Helles category, instantly turning heads. **Costco Takes Notice** Costco’s buyers were paying attention. The retailer, which had been searching for a quality beer to redeem its Kirkland beer line after the infamous **Kirkland Light** debacle (pulled from shelves in 2018 after scathing reviews), approached Deschutes about a partnership. By December 2024, the two had agreed to rebrand the award‑winning recipe as **Kirkland Signature Helles‑Style Lager** and release it in Costco warehouses. **A Quiet Launch, Then a Sensation** The lager hit shelves with little fanfare—just a simple red case labeled “Lager” with the familiar Kirkland branding. Shoppers soon discovered the can’s fine print credited Deschutes Brewery. The beer itself poured a brilliant gold with a thick, frothy head, offering a **malt‑forward, lightly bready profile balanced by floral, spicy hops** and a crisp finish. At **4.5% ABV**, it was a classic Helles: refreshing, approachable, and remarkably high‑quality for a store‑brand beer. **Award‑Winning Validation** The partnership got a further boost in 2025 when the Kirkland/Deschutes Helles took **silver at the World Beer Cup**. This cemented the beer’s reputation and prompted Costco to feature the Deschutes logo prominently on cases, along with a gold blurb honoring the original Prinz Crispy name. **From Holiday Special to Year‑Round Staple** Originally planned as a limited holiday release, the Helles proved so popular that Costco made it a **permanent offering**. In 2025, distribution expanded beyond the West Coast to **all 50 states**. Pricing varies by region, but a 12‑pack typically runs about **$15.69**, or roughly **$1 per can**—a steal for an award‑winning craft beer. **A Redemption Arc for Kirkland Beer** The success of the Helles‑Style Lager marks a dramatic turnaround for Costco’s Kirkland beer line. After the Kirkland Light fiasco, the retailer had all but abandoned its own beer brand. Now, with Deschutes’ expertise and a gold‑medal pedigree, Costco has restored credibility to its beer shelves. The company has hinted at future seasonal collaborations with Deschutes, including potential imperial stouts and vintage ales. **Key Details** - **Brewer:** Deschutes Brewery (Bend, Oregon) - **Style:** Munich‑style Helles Lager - **ABV:** 4.5% - **Tasting Notes:** Light, crisp, malt‑forward with floral/spicy hop balance; clean finish - **Price:** ~$15.69 for a 12‑pack ($1.31 per can) - **Availability:** All Costco locations across the U.S. - **Awards:** 2023 Great American Beer Festival Gold; 2025 World Beer Cup Silver **The Takeaway** What began as a small‑batch competition beer has become one of the most talked‑about value buys in American beer. Costco’s partnership with Deschutes Brewery proves that store‑brand beer can be both affordable and award‑winning—and it has breathed new life into Kirkland’s alcoholic beverage lineup.