Two Brothers beer at Costco - $22.99 mixed case

Looks like they just got the limited supply of Two Brother's beer in yesterday. At $22.99 a case it is a great deal (especially since Cane & Ebel is normally $11+ a 4-pack) and includes a six pack each of:

Domaine DuPage:
Bronze Medal winner 2007 GABF
Domaine DuPage is a rural, northern France, amber colored
ale. This well balanced beer is full and sweet up front with
caramel, toasty, and fruity characters. The finish has a
gentle floral and spicy hop balance that cleanses the palate.

The Bitter End:
The Bitter End is a classic American pale ale that has a subtle
malt character and noticeable hop flavor and aroma. We
use three American hop varieties to add a citrus and floral
hop complexity making this an incredibly drinkable beer.

Prarie Path:
Prairie Path Ale is brewed with Belgian malts that lend a
golden hue and toasty malt character. It is balanced with
Saaz and Goldings hops for a slight hop flavor and finish.
This is a clean, crisp, beer that is light in color but not in flavor.

Cane and Ebel:
This unique red rye beer is full of hop flavor and aroma. We add 70 pounds of Thai palm sugar to each batch.
The sugar does not add much sweetness to the beer, but rather a fruity and vanilla-like flavor. A new hop variety call Summit is really showcased here. This 18% alpha hop is also very aromatic which gives a pungent citrus aroma. Then we heavily dryhopped the beer with Simcoe.
Original, yes and that is no sin.

Jamie

I went to the new brewery earlier this month for their tour and they said that they're hoping to keep sending out variety packs to Costco through the spring and into summer, even. They're also looking to get into Jewel soon, too, but didn't have specifics.


dan

danimalarkey wrote:I went to the new brewery earlier this month for their tour and they said that they're hoping to keep sending out variety packs to Costco through the spring and into summer, even. They're also looking to get into Jewel soon, too, but didn't have specifics.


dan

That would be great if they could keep it going till summer. Last year I was upset when I went to grab a few more cases and they were all gone, so I will continue to grab a few every time I am at CostCo.

FYI, there is a coupon in each case for a free pint glass if you visit the new brewpub.

Jamie

I keep meaning to post about my trip to the brewpub -- I picked up the same coupon in a 4-pack I bought recently and wanted to use it. Suffice it to say, as far as the beer goes, the selection was limited. They had 4 of their year-round beers (they were out of the Ebelweiss), their Northwind Stout and Hop Huice, a cask-conditioned Cane & Ebel, as well as guest drafts from Allagash and SKA. There was a good amount of bottles, available, too.

Aside from the cask-conditioned ale, though, there wasn't anything at the brewpub that I couldn't get somewhere else. I know the new brewery is a recent upgrade, and that they're pouring (heh) their attention into meeting demand for Costco and Jewel, but part of the fun I get in visiting Three Floyds or Goose Island is finding a beer that they have never before carried, and may never serve again. I know that they intend on barrel-aging some of their beer, so it seems they intend on increasing the variety of what they serve in the brewpub.

On the other hand, most drafts were $4 for imperial pints, which is a good value.

Just an FYI, but seems they replaced Cane & Ebel with Monarch (Belgian Witbier) in the mixed packs at CostCo. Just grabbed two more and the one I opened had this switch. The cases still picture Cane & Ebel on the outside, so no real way to tell. I imagine they just moved to their current seasonal.
Jamie

Just to update my own thread:

Based on my visit to the brewpub on Saturday, I came to learn that Monarch is not a permanent switch for Costco, they simply ran out for one run.

Also, the Two Brothers mixed case at CostCo will be there "until CostCo says to stop sending them"

Jamie

Two Brothers released the list of Jewels that will be selling their beer as of March 21st. From their website:
2501 SCHAUMBURG RD, SCHAUMBURG IL 60194
1177 SOUTH MAIN ST, LOMBARD IL 60148
800 N MAIN STREET, ELBURN, IL 60119
1227 NAPER BLVD, NAPERVILLE IL 60540
127 E OGDEN AVE, LISLE IL 60532
30 DANADA SQUARE WEST, WHEATON IL 60187
652 KIRK ROAD, SAINT CHARLES IL 60174
2940 N ASHLAND AVE, CHICAGO IL 60657
3531 N BROADWAY ST, CHICAGO IL 60657
3630 N SOUTHPORT AVE, CHICAGO IL 60613
2855 W 95TH ST, NAPERVILLE IL 60564
16 S WAUKEGAN RD, DEERFIELD IL 60015
1600 WEST DEERFIELD ROAD, HIGHLAND PARK IL 60035
485 ELA RD, LAKE ZURICH IL 60047
1759 W OGDEN AVE, NAPERVILLE IL 60540
**NEW** GRAND OPENING TBD 370 N. DESPLAINES, CHICAGO
1224 S WABASH, CHICAGO, IL

Sadly (for me), the Jewel across the street from me is not on the list. They hope to be available throughout the chain by September.

Most recent case of Two Bros from CostCo had Cane and Ebel but replaced the Prarie Path with Ebel Weiss. Good switch in my opinion but probably a temporary one
Jamie

I couldn't find it at the Lincoln Park Costco today... Maybe only in the 'burbs???

Shobadew wrote:I couldn't find it at the Lincoln Park Costco today... Maybe only in the 'burbs???

I was there a few days ago and they had a pallet at the LP Costco. Would suck if it is gone...

Not quite related to their mixed-cases at Costco, but I saw a mention of Two Bros' next release, their ‘07 “Bare Tree” wheat wine beer. No idea if it will be a draft-only release, or if it will appear in bottles, too (or even in upcoming cases at Costco -- though I doubt this, since their Artisan releases are in 22oz. bottles and thus wouldn't exactly fit in the standard case).

I think barely-wines can be real hit or miss, but I'm curious to see how well this one will work using wheat instead of barley. If nothing else, it's good to be reminded that Two Bros. can make a variety of beers, not just their standard line of assorted ales...

Jamieson, was it stocked with the other beer? All I saw was the usual suspects. Unless Costco was hiding it somewhere I didn't look.

It's in with the other beer at Costco. The labeling is not unambiguously Two Brothers at first glance, so it's easy to miss (I did the first time).

I was at the Clybourn Costco around noon last Saturday and there was a pretty decent supply -- maybe 20 or so cases on the floor.

Shobadew wrote:Jamieson, was it stocked with the other beer? All I saw was the usual suspects. Unless Costco was hiding it somewhere I didn't look.

I was at CostCo last night and the Two Brother's was no longer there. It is a sad day.

If anyone sees it please update this thread.

Jamie

when i was there (at the clybourn store) on sunday they still had it... there were probably 20 or so cases, about half of them had been opened and scavenged through, i assume by people who didn't want a certain beer. it was kind of bizarre... where do people grow up that they think they can just open boxes and mix and match a case that's obviously sold mixed for a reason? in the end they probably ended up with a big mess and sent them back to the brewery

I stopped at Costco on Touhy today and picked up a case. I'm a fan of a few of Two Brothers beers and not a fan of some other ones, but at less than a buck a bottle, even the ones I don't like that much are well worth it.

So, I got home and opened my case to find 3 six packs of Domaine DuPage and one of The Bitter End. Domaine DuPage is my least favorite of their beers and now I have 18 of them.

Disappointing.

The obvious answer is to return the case, but I think I'd much rather just drink them than have to deal with Costco again any time soon.

Best,
Michael

PS
There was also no coupon for a free pint at the brewpub.

eatchicago wrote:So, I got home and opened my case to find 3 six packs of Domaine DuPage and one of The Bitter End. Domaine DuPage is my least favorite of their beers and now I have 18 of them.

Disappointing.


PS
There was also no coupon for a free pint at the brewpub.

Did you look at the bottles or just the 6 pack holders? I say this because they use whatever 6 pack holders they have on hand, but it has always been 4 different beers inside each of them.

Jamie

Jamieson22 wrote:

eatchicago wrote:So, I got home and opened my case to find 3 six packs of Domaine DuPage and one of The Bitter End. Domaine DuPage is my least favorite of their beers and now I have 18 of them.

Disappointing.


PS
There was also no coupon for a free pint at the brewpub.

Did you look at the bottles or just the 6 pack holders? I say this because they use whatever 6 pack holders they have on hand, but it has always been 4 different beers inside each of them.

Jamie

I never even looked at the boxes but pulled the bottles right out of the case and into my shelves storing them. Again, 18 bottles of Domaine DuPage.

eatchicago -- I wonder if this was a case of folks doing mix and match, as dddane noticed at the Clybourn store. Was the box sealed? I would be bummed if I got 3 six packs of Domaine DuPage, as it's my least favorite as well.

Also, no cases at the Clybourn Costco as of Saturday (April 26).

Matt wrote:eatchicago -- I wonder if this was a case of folks doing mix and match, as dddane noticed at the Clybourn store. Was the box sealed? I would be bummed if I got 3 six packs of Domaine DuPage, as it's my least favorite as well.

Taped shut, but who knows? It's possible to re-seal pretty easily.

eatchicago wrote:I think I'd much rather just drink them than have to deal with Costco again any time soon.

I have always thought that Costco has the most flexible return policy of any store I know, so I'm not sure what you mean. Maybe just the drive and the lines?

At any rate, I was out in Naperville this weekend and saw about 20 cases of 2 Brothers' still available. No tampering was evident. Of course you also have to get out to Naperville to get them...

wak wrote:Maybe just the drive and the lines?

Yes, and yes.

eatchicago wrote:

Matt wrote:eatchicago -- I wonder if this was a case of folks doing mix and match, as dddane noticed at the Clybourn store. Was the box sealed? I would be bummed if I got 3 six packs of Domaine DuPage, as it's my least favorite as well.

Taped shut, but who knows? It's possible to re-seal pretty easily.

The cases I've bought have been glued shut; no tape. Costco should check these things, but I'm guessing whoever is responsible for resealing the cases is unaware of the mix of beers that should be included. The thing that bothers me is that someone with a pretty decent knowledge of the Two Brothers beers obviously did a mix and match -- I guess I just expect a higher standard of behavior from those who appreciate better beer.

The case I picked up last week at the Naperville Costco was taped shut. I just checked and I received 4 different 6-packs and a coupon for a free pint glass at the pub. I was initially worried because the tape on one end was torn but it didn't look like it had been resealed.

We purchased our case about a month ago and drank it this past weekend with friends and family in town for our daughters baptism. The Cane and Abel was amazing - hoppy, a bit citrusy and not at all bitter. Everyone was disappointed we only had 6 of them. The Domaine Dupage was the least favorite, it was a little sweet and caramely. The Prairie Path is a nice summer beer and the Bitter end is a decent Pale Ale, although I prefer Summit Pale Ale. Overall the case is a great buy. Hubby went to Oakbrook last week to pick up another case, but they were gone.
LO

FYI, I bought a Two Brother Variety Case (~$23) at the Glenview Costco today, the same configuration as posted orignally, one 6 pack each of Cane and Abel, Prairie Path, Bitter End, and Domain DuPage. Enjoying a Cane and Abel at this very moment.

Don't get me wrong, I love full-bodied beer and Two Brothers other offerings as a whole, but "The Bitter End" could easily be utilized as a substitute for the stuff some parents paint on their toddler's thumbs to keep them out of their mouths. It takes the concept of a "bitter" to an unfortunate extreme.

I'd liken it to the past thirty years of super duper over-oaked Californian and Australian chardonnay, where the fruit is totally obscured by vanillin and the sense that there's a quarter-sawn oak swizzle stick lurking in every bottle...

mchodera wrote:Don't get me wrong, I love full-bodied beer and Two Brothers other offerings as a whole, but "The Bitter End" could easily be utilized as a substitute for the stuff some parents paint on their toddler's thumbs to keep them out of their mouths. It takes the concept of a "bitter" to an unfortunate extreme.

I really like the Bitter End. Then again, I enjoy hoppy, bitter beers. In fact, I don't think the Bitter End is nearly as in-your-face as some other beers (Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA, for example). And, for about $1/bottle as part of the case, it's a steal.

I've been really pleased with this sampler, which we enjoyed while celebrating the Steelers' victory on Sunday. I rarely buy beer samplers because they almost always have at least one beer I really don't like. So, I was thrilled to find a sampler with four tasty ales.

I'm just sad we only bought two cases!

Ronna

I agree on Bitter End. I don't find it aggressively hopped at all. Guess this is under same principle of spicy food though; what is mild to some will destroy others...

Lincoln Park CostCo didn't have mixed cases, but now has full cases of Domaine DuPage ($21.59 I think).

Also looks like Goose Island Mild Winter is being replaced by Honker's Ale so stock up while you can! It hurts me knowing Mild Winter is a seasonal beer.

Jamie

mchodera wrote:Don't get me wrong, I love full-bodied beer and Two Brothers other offerings as a whole, but "The Bitter End" could easily be utilized as a substitute for the stuff some parents paint on their toddler's thumbs to keep them out of their mouths. It takes the concept of a "bitter" to an unfortunate extreme.

I'd liken it to the past thirty years of super duper over-oaked Californian and Australian chardonnay, where the fruit is totally obscured by vanillin and the sense that there's a quarter-sawn oak swizzle stick lurking in every bottle...

I would recommend that you never, ever under any circumstances try one of these if you think The Bitter End ("TBE") is too hoppy!

http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/three-floy ... -ipa/8933/

TBE is really an american pale and is far less aggressive in its hop profile than an IPA or or Imperial IPA such as Two Brother's Hop Juice, or Bell's Hopslam (which is really tasty). I find that for some people aggressively dry hopped beers are an acquired taste. I know they were for me but now they make up many of my favorite beers.