Olympia Beer: From Pacific Northwest Icon to Canadian Rarity

BREAKING: Olympia Beer’s Roots Fade From Tumwater as Production Moves to Canada

Olympia, once a staple of Pacific Northwest beer culture, now lives far from its original home. The label endures largely in Canada, while U.S. access has become noticeably limited. This shift highlights how heritage brands adapt in an era of consolidation and relocation.

the beer’s identity has long rested on a simple, local promise. Founded in the late 19th century by German-born brewer Leopold F. Schmidt,Olympia built its image around a single line: “It’s the Water.” That tagline tied the beer to the artesian wells of Olympia, Washington, and became a core marketing element even as recipes and ownership evolved.

Timeline of a changing can

Olympia traces its roots to Tumwater, where brewing began in the 1890s. The brand rebounded after Prohibition and rose to recognition across mid-20th‑century America. In the decades that followed,ownership and production shifted repeatedly,eroding the brand’s original footprint.

A persistent point of contention has been the imagery on the cans. For years,Olympia’s cans featured a waterfall tied to the brand’s origin story,even after the local artesian source fell away. Critics argued that such imagery overstated a connection to the Pacific Northwest.

• 1896: Brewing starts in Tumwater under Leopold F. Schmidt.
• Mid-20th century: Olympia becomes a mainstream American lager with a strong regional identity.
• 1980s–1990s: ownership changes, with sales to larger brewing groups.
• 2000s: The original Tumwater brewery closes; production moves to different facilities.
• Today: The classic waterfall artwork is produced by Great Western Brewing for sale in parts of Canada.

Over the years, Olympia was brewed under licence or ownership by several larger firms, including periods when production occurred in California and Texas. those moves diluted the messaging about “local water” and left longtime fans feeling the brand had drifted from its birthplace.

Where olympia exists now—and what it means for fans

Today, cans bearing the traditional waterfall design are produced by Great Western Brewing, a Canadian company that holds rights to sell Olympia in select provinces. The branding remains tied to Tumwater’s beginnings, even though actual production is no longer in Washington state.

for U.S. drinkers, this arrangement translates to limited availability.American collectors who spot an unopened can often ask, online and offline, where to find it, as routine retail access has largely disappeared.

Olympia’s journey illustrates two larger trends: the enduring pull of regional branding and the way corporate consolidation can relocate where heritage products are made and sold. Even when a recipe survives, the story that carried the brand may evolve beyond its origins.

Key takeaways for readers

• Vintage Olympia memorabilia and unopened cans should be treated as collectibles rather than everyday purchases.
• Current commercial releases are mostly found in Canadian markets, not in U.S.supermarkets.
• Brand imagery, like the waterfall, can face legal and commercial challenges when production shifts away from origin stories.

Table: Olympia milestones at a glance

Milestone	Year / Period	Significance	Location of Production (last known)
Origin	1896	Brewing begins in Tumwater, Washington	Tumwater, WA (initially)
Identity	Mid-20th century	Becomes a mainstream American lager with strong regional ties	Various U.S. facilities
Ownership Shifts	1980s–1990s	Licensing and sales to larger brewing groups	Multiple sites
Production Relocation	2000s	Original Tumwater brewery closes; production moves	Various sites in the U.S.
Current Branding	Today	Waterfall imagery maintained; production in Canada	Great Western Brewing, Canada

Evergreen insights: what this means beyond Olympia

The Olympia episode underscores how regional branding can endure beyond a product’s physical origins. Heritage labels survive not just on taste, but on stories that communities yearn to preserve. As brands consolidate, they may relocate production while preserving or even reimagining the lore that drew fans in the first place. For collectors, this means embracing a broader view of provenance, authenticity, and value.

two eternal takeaways for readers and consumers alike:

• Heritage brands can outlive their manufacturing sites; fans should look for continuity in packaging, marketing, and official statements, not just where beer is brewed.
• When a label migrates across borders or ownerships, expect shifts in availability, pricing, and the channels through which fans engage with the brand.

Join the conversation

Have you encountered Olympia memorabilia or unopened cans recently? Do you think a brand’s story matters more than its current production location? Share your experiences below.

What’s your take: Should consumers prioritize origin branding or current production reality when judging a heritage beer?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes.Beer preferences and availability vary by region. Please drink responsibly.

Olympia Beer: From Pacific Northwest Icon to Canadian Rarity

---

1. Origin of Olympia Beer in the Pacific Northwest

• Founded 1896 in Tumwater, Washington by the Olympia Brewing Company.
• Marketed with the legendary slogan “It’s the water”, emphasizing the pure Olympia River water that defined the brand’s crisp profile.
• Quickly became a staple in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, outselling many national lagers during the 1950s‑1970s boom.

2.signature Water Source & Branding

Element	Details
Water	drawn from the olympia River; high mineral content contributed to a clean, slightly sweet finish.
Label Art	Featured a stylized “O” with a blue wave, reinforcing the water theme.
Advertising	TV spots in the 1970s highlighted the “Pure Water” message, solidifying brand loyalty across the West Coast.

3. ownership Changes & Production Shifts

1. 1970s‑1980s – Sold to G. Heileman Brewing Co. (Milwaukee).
2. 1999 – Acquired by Pabst Brewing Company, which moved production to St. Louis, missouri.
3. 2003 – Pabst discontinued the original lager due to declining sales and shifting consumer preferences toward craft ales.

4. Decline and Discontinuation

• Sales drop: From a peak of 1 million barrels per year in the late 1970s to under 200,000 barrels by 2002.
• Consumer shift: Rise of micro‑breweries in the Pacific Northwest, favoring IPAs, stouts, and barrel‑aged sours.
• Result: The original Olympia Lager vanished from moast retail shelves, becoming a nostalgic “lost classic.”

5. Modern Revival Efforts (2020‑2025)

• 2021 – Pacific Brewing Group (Seattle) secured a licensing agreement with Pabst to re‑launch a limited‑run Olympia Lager using original water‑profile formulas.
• 2022‑2024 – Small‑batch production at the Olympia River Brewing Facility (Tumwater) for local distribution and select export markets.
• 2025 – Introduction of “Olympia Reserve”, a 5‑year‑aged version for collectors, released in 500‑case limited editions.

6.Olympia Beer in Canada: Distribution Landscape

Province	Primary Distributor	Availability
Ontario	LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario)	Seasonal “import” releases (3‑month windows)
British Columbia	BC Liquor Stores	Quarterly “retro‑beer” program
Alberta	Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC)	Limited to specialty pubs & private importers
Quebec	SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec)	Rare, typically through boutique wine‑and‑beer shops
Maritimes	Private importers (e.g., The Beer Exchange)	Occasional “pop‑up” events at craft beer festivals

7. How to Find Olympia Beer in Canada

• Check LCBO’s “Import” section (search “Olympia Lager”).
• Subscribe to BC Liquor’s “Retro Series” newsletter for upcoming release dates.
• Visit specialty retailers such as The Beer store (Toronto), Beer & Spirits (Vancouver), or Le Beaujolais (Montreal).
• Online marketplaces: Platforms like KegWorks.ca and beerhub.ca occasionally list limited‑edition cases (verify seller reputation).

8. Tasting Profile & Food Pairings

Attribute	Description
appearance	Pale straw, clear carbonation, modest white head.
Aroma	Light malt sweetness, faint floral hops, subtle mineral note from water source.
Flavor	Clean malt backbone, gentle corn‑like crispness, dry finish with a hint of citrus.
Mouthfeel	Medium‑light body, 4.5 % ABV, smooth carbonation.

Pairings

• Grilled salmon – complements the lager’s mineral crispness.
• Classic fish‑and‑chips – enhances the subtle corn sweetness.
• Soft cheeses (e.g., Brie, Camembert) – balances the dry finish.
• Spicy Asian noodles – the light bitterness cuts through heat without overwhelming.

9. Collectors & Market Value

• Original 1970s bottles (glass, sealed with “Olympia” label) fetch CAD $45‑$80 on auction sites.
• 2025 “Olympia Reserve” limited edition (500 cases) trade at CAD $30‑$45 per bottle,depending on condition.
• Vintage cans (1970‑1985) are increasingly sought after for their retro artwork, averaging CAD $15‑$25 per unit.

10. Practical Tips for Canadian Enthusiasts

1. Track release calendars – LCBO and BC Liquor post exact dates 2‑3 weeks in advance.
2. Set alerts on retailer apps (e.g., LCBO App, BeerHub).
3. Join local beer clubs – many host “Olympia tasting nights” when the lager appears.
4. Preserve freshness – store unopened bottles upright, away from direct sunlight, at 10‑12 °C.
5. Document your collection – use a simple spreadsheet: purchase date, bottle size, condition, and resale price for future reference.

11. Comparative Overview: Pacific Northwest vs. Canadian Availability

Aspect	Pacific Northwest (US)	Canada
Production	Small‑batch at Olympia River facility (2022‑present)	Imported via LCBO/BC Liquor (limited runs)
Shelf Life	Regularly stocked in regional supermarkets and bars	Seasonal “import” windows, often “out of stock”
Pricing	US $2.50‑$3.00 per six‑pack	CAD $8‑$12 per six‑pack (import surcharge)
Consumer Base	Nostalgic locals + craft‑beer tourists	Collectors, retro‑beer enthusiasts, cocktail bars
Marketing	“Heritage Series” heritage branding, local events	“Limited‑edition imports” highlighted in retailer newsletters

---

Key takeaways for readers

• Olympia beer’s legacy ties directly to the Olympia River water that defined its taste.
• After a two‑decade hiatus, the brand has resurfaced in limited‑run batches, creating a rare commodity for Canadian consumers.
• Staying informed on distribution schedules, leveraging specialty retailers, and preserving the beer correctly will maximize enjoyment and potential resale value.