""Where did you find the Olympia???" commented an Instagram user on a photo with an unopened can. The kitschy lager, described as an "American tradition," has experienced quite the journey. Noted as a light-tasting beer that offers round, sweet flavors and a light presence of hops, the beer is now brewed by Great Western Brewing Company, an authorized distributor for the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba."
"The advertisement referenced Pacific Northwest waters, particularly artesian wells found in Olympia, Washington. By claiming this specific ingredient, Olympia cemented its products. Later, however, the fact that Olympia cans featured falls in a different state from where they were made became an issue that culminated in a lawsuit. Complaints focused on the fact that manufacturers were resting on the brand's laurels and the beer's origin story since the water the beer was initially brewed with was no longer used."
Brewing of Olympia beer began in Tumwater in 1896 and survived Prohibition before facing operational hurdles. The brand originated with German immigrant Leopold F. Schmidt and popularized the slogan "It's the Water" in 1902, referencing Pacific Northwest artesian wells. Ownership changed multiple times, including sales to G. Heileman Brewing in the 1980s and Pabst in 1999, with operations relocated. The lager developed a cult following and is noted for light, sweet flavors and mild hops. Production later shifted to other breweries, and lawsuits and complaints arose over branding, water claims, and the beer's origin.
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