Olympia Beer pauses production after 125 years amid reduced sales

Now owned by Pabst, the corporate began in Tumwater in 1896 by Leopold Friederich Schmidt, a German immigrant. The reasonably priced lager grew into a preferred regional title through the 20th century.

The beer was brewed in Tumwater till 2003, when manufacturing moved to California below Pabst.

“Whereas we have spent a number of years attempting to convey Olympia Beer again dwelling to be brewed regionally, we have additionally witnessed a rising decline in its demand,” the corporate stated in an Instagram post. “Sadly, we now have not been capable of finding an answer to the challenges posed by lowered beer gross sales and have needed to make the troublesome resolution of briefly pausing manufacturing of Olympia Beer.”

The corporate bought its well-known slogan “it is the water” from its use of artesian water within the brewing course of from Tumwater’s aquifers — a apply which has been discontinued.

Whereas beer gross sales have declined, Olympia famous that their vodka manufacturing has been rising. The distillery was named Washington Distillery of the Yr and received gold medals on the 2020 Bartenders Spirits Awards.

“We’re proud that Olympia’s story will proceed in Tumwater at Olympia Distilling Co., helmed by life-long residents and grasp distillers in our area, and we stay hopeful that we are able to convey our beloved beer dwelling sometime,” wrote the corporate.

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the distillery started bottling hand sanitizer for first responders and the neighborhood.

Whereas Seattle’s once-booming beer scene has taken monetary hits amid the pandemic and been pressured to adapt to ever-changing state necessities, just one brewery has completely closed: Ballard’s Populuxe Brewing.