Trader Joe’s (Gordon Biersch) JosephsBrau May Violate TX Law

So the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission online database makes clear that the generally well-made line of $5.99 Josephs Brau six-packs are produced in the San Jose plant of Gordon Biersch Brewing Co.

The operation is owned by Chattanooga-based Craftwerks, which owns the Gordon Biersch and Rock Bottom brewpub and restaurant chains.

TABC spokeswoman Carolyn Beck confirmed last week that there have been recent but inconclusive discussions over purchase and distribution issues with representatives of Trader Joe’s.

Under state law, beer brands cannot be exclusive to one chain.

Wine and spirits can be sold exclusively by retailers here, Beck told us. Charles Shaw wines, Trader Joe’s famous "Two-Buck Chuck," is a classic example, and sells here for $2.99. Kroger, Aldi, Costco and liquor stores compete with their own proprietary beverages.

But Beck says beer cannot be distributed and sold that way.

Trader Joe’s is not alone in carrying beer brands that no one else sells. Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market and Aldi are among those that also do, but not as extensively as TJ.

Theoretically, any beer retailer can order from Josephs Brau’s Texas distributor under state law. But that becomes problematic if only enough is trucked in to satisfy Trader Joe’s needs.

Trader Joe’s Sour Cherry by Petrus (7.3%-AbV).