Olympia Little Oly Beer 7 Oz Tab Top Can

Olympia Little Oly 7 Oz Tab Top

The Olympia Little Oly Beer 7 Oz Tab Top Can is a classic regional breweriana piece issued by the Olympia Brewing Company of Olympia, Washington. Olympia introduced the compact seven-ounce format under the affectionate name "Little Oly," marketing it in multi-can cartons to outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, campers, and casual drinkers seeking space-saving convenience and smaller serving sizes.

Design and Characteristics

The can features Olympia's signature golden horseshoe trademark alongside the famous slogan, "It's the Water". Styled with traditional cream, gold, and red accents, the label prominently bears the "Little Oly" designation to set it apart from standard 12-ounce and 16-ounce releases. The mandatory text credits the Olympia Brewing Company with its home base in Olympia, Washington.

Can collectors recognize differences across production runs, with known variations featuring subtle shifts in enamel and paint finishes, distinct manufacturer stamps along the seam, and slight typographic adjustments on the mandatory text and lid.

Brewery Lore

In addition to its retail presence, the small container holds an amusing place in brewery lore. Staff members associated with the brewery once filled Little Oly cans with concrete to serve as custom projectiles for a miniature black-powder cannon test, sending the sturdy cylinders flying extraordinary distances across the property. Today, the Little Oly tab top remains a staple addition for Pacific Northwest breweriana collections and enthusiasts of the historic Olympia brand.