Olympia Pale Export Type Beer 16 Oz Tab Top Can

Olympia 16 Oz Pale Export Can

The Olympia Pale Export Type Beer 16 Oz Tab Top Can represents a notable mid-century Pacific Northwest collectible produced by the Olympia Brewing Company of Olympia, Washington. Known for its famous marketing tagline, "It's the Water," the brewery credited Tumwater's artesian springs for its brewing success and built a regional brewing empire that flourished throughout the twentieth century.

Background and Graphic Elements

The 16-ounce "half quart" or "pint" size was widely marketed across the western United States as an alternative to the standard 12-ounce container. The can features Olympia’s recognizable gold, white, and red trade dress centered around the classic golden horseshoe and brewery crest. The "Pale Export" designation was prominently featured on Olympia's main labels during this era, serving as the primary product descriptor alongside the brewery's trademark typography.

Collector Notes & Variations

For breweriana enthusiasts, this 16 oz issue is cataloged with multiple manufacturing variations across its lifespan:

• Can Metallurgy & Seams: Versions exist in both straight steel with narrow soldered seams and later seamless all-aluminum bodies.
• Mandatory Text: Early issues list solely Olympia, Washington as the brewing location, while later releases reflect company expansions and acquisitions listing multiple brewery cities.
• Color and Printing Adjustments: Minor variations in gold enamel tone, graphic banding, and the eventual addition of universal product codes (UPC) mark differences between production runs.

As a large-format container from Washington state's most prominent historical brewing operation, this can remains a staple piece for regional Pacific Northwest and oversized beer can collections.