Olympia Export Type Beer Test Can

Olympia Export Type Test Can

The Olympia Export Type Beer Test Can represents an experimental packaging run produced for the Olympia Brewing Company of Olympia, Washington. Created as a pre-production prototype to evaluate graphic adjustments, mandatory text placement, and print quality, this test can provides an authentic look into the label evolution of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most prominent regional breweries.

Design and Branding

The can incorporates Olympia's hallmark visual identity:

• The Horseshoe Logo: The brand's signature golden horseshoe frames a scenic illustration of Tumwater Falls.
• Tagline & Phrasing: The brewery's renowned motto, "It's the Water," is prominently displayed alongside the "Export Type" designation.
• Color Scheme: The container displays the company's traditional gold, red, and cream palette over the metallic finish.
• Mandatory Statements: The reverse panels feature standard brewery identification designating Olympia, Washington, along with historical artesian water statements.

Collector Significance

Because test cans were produced in limited trial quantities for internal evaluation, marketing review, or line calibration rather than standard retail distribution, they remain prized artifacts among breweriana enthusiasts. Multiple manufacturing variations are known to exist among Olympia test cans, reflecting trial adjustments in paint saturation, bottom rim profiles, and container manufacturer marks.