For more than a century, Olympia Beer has been an iconic beer of the Pacific Northwest. First brewed in 1896 by the Schmidt family in Tumwater, Washington, Olympia was one of the fist domestic lagers available to American consumers. The beer quickly gained popularity, and by the 1960s it had become a national brand.
However, in 2003, Pabst Brewing Company discontinued production of Olympia Beer, ending its long-standing legacy as one of the region's most beloved beers. The brewery that housed this once flourishing beer was closed shortly after production ended, leaving only the iconic red brick structure standing as a reminder of its history.
Originally founded in 1906 and later renovated in 1934, this impressive building is located uphill from the original brewhouse and can be seen from Interstate 5. It has served as an iconic landmark for local residents and drivers alike for many years.
Though Olympia Beer is no longer being produced in Tumwater, it will continue to live on as an artesian vodka brand. While we say farewell to this iconic lager for now, we can look back fondly on its long history and remember what it meant to those who enjoyed it throughout the years.
Is Olympia Beer Still Being Produced?
No, Olympia Beer is no longer produced as of 2020. The Pabst Brewing Company, which owned the brand since the mid-1990s, has decided to discontinue production of the beer. Olympia was a leading beer brand in the Pacific Northwest for over half a century and even gained nationwide distribution in the 1960s and 1970s. Despite its popularity, Pabst decided to discontinue production after seing decreasing sales and changing consumer preferences in recent years.
Source: brewpublic.com
Discontinuation of Olympia Beer
Olympia Beer was discontinued in June 2003, after the Tumwater brewery was closed by its final operator, Pabst. The brewery had been in operation since 1896, when it was founded by the Schmidt family. Over the years, it had been operated by a series of companies, including Millar and Pabst. After the Schmidts sold the business in the 1980s, production at the Tumwater brewery gradually decreased util it ceased completely in June 2003.
Is Olympia Beer Facing Business Closure?
No, Olympia Beer is not going out of business. Instead, they are transitioning from an iconic lager brand to an artesian vodka brand. Though the lager will no longer be produced, the Olympia brand will remain intact and will continue to thrive in a new form. The company is not closing its doors and customers can stil purchase products with the Olympia name.
The Fate of Olympia Brewing Company
The Olympia Brewing Company was founded in 1896 in Tumwater, Washington, and quickly rose to prominence as a leading producer of beer in the region. The brewery's main building, an imposing redbrick structure, was dedicated in 1906 and served as a local landmark for many years. Unfortunately, prohibition put an end to the company's operations in 1920.
In 1934, a new brewery was built uphill from the original brewhouse and brewing operations resumed. The brewery continued to produce beer at this location util 2003 when it announced that it would be closing its doors for good. Since then, the building has been repurposed as a restaurant and retail space while the grounds have become home to various events and festivals.
The Reasons Behind Olympia Beer's Closure
Olympia Beer went out of business due to reduced sales over the last 125 years. The company was originally founded in 1896 by Leopold Friederich Schmidt, a German immigrant, in Tumwater. Despite its iconic gold cans, straw-yellow pour and light taste, sales for the lager declined over time leading to the discontinuation of production. In addition, Pabst Brewing Company acquired the brand in 2003 and subsequently decided to halt production of Olympia Beer.
Tasting Olympia Beer
Olympia Beer has a light and crisp flavor, with notes of white bread and sweet corn. It has an especilly light mouthfeel, with a slightly wet finish at the end. Its subtle sweetness is balanced by its hop bitterness, making it an easy drinking beer. On the nose, you'll pick up some herbal and floral notes that carry through to the taste. You may also notice a hint of citrus or grassiness in the background. As you enjoy your beer, you'll find that it leaves a nice lacing on your glass!
Conclusion
Olympia beer was a beloved Pacific Northwest icon for more than a century and was enjoyed by generations of beer-lovers. Sadly, after beng sold in the 1980s, it ceased production in 2003 and has been dormant ever since. The iconic redbrick brewery built in 1906—which served as a landmark for many local residents and drivers along Interstate 5—has been closed since Prohibition. Though it is no longer produced, the legacy of Olympia beer will live on through its artesian vodka brand as well as the memories of those who enjoyed it.
