Old Vienna (OV) is a brand of beer that was first brewed and bottled by The Koch Beverage and Ice Company in the early 20th century in Wapakoneta, Ohio. In the 1970s and 1980s, OV was available in 7 oz bottles known as OV Splits. While OV is still being produced and sold in Canada and select markets in border U.S. states, it is no longer available in the split format.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Brand | Old Vienna |
Brewer | Molson Breweries |
Beer Type | Lager |
Bottle Size | 7 oz |
Bottle Colour | Brown |
Bottle Opener Type | Crown cap |
Alcohol Content | 5% |
Availability | Select markets in border U.S. states |
What You'll Learn
Where to buy OV splits
OV Splits are 7oz bottles of Old Vienna (OV) beer. OV is a brand of beer that was first brewed and bottled by The Koch Beverage and Ice Company in Wapakoneta, Ohio, in the early 20th century. The beer is now produced in Canada by Molson Breweries and is sold in Canada and select markets in border U.S. states.
Online
You can buy OV beer online from GotoLiquorStore.com. The website requires you to enter your address to check product pricing and availability in your area.
In-store
If you are in Buffalo or Western New York, you may be able to find OV splits at Frizzy's, Brick Bar, Wegmans, or Consumer Beverage. However, it is unclear whether these stores still carry OV splits, as the information found is a few years old.
Bars
You can also try purchasing OV splits from bars in your area, such as Frizzy's and Brick Bar, as suggested by a user in Buffalo or Western New York. Just make sure they are sealed, as open containers of alcohol are not allowed in many places.
Buying Beer on Election Day: Is It Allowed?
You may want to see also
Are OV splits still produced?
Old Vienna (OV) is a brand of beer that was first brewed and bottled by The Koch Beverage and Ice Company in Wapakoneta, Ohio, in the early 20th century. The beer was initially sold in wooden kegs and stoneware bottles, and later in glass bottles.
For a period in the 1970s and 1980s, OV was available in 7 oz. bottles known as "OV Splits." However, according to the sources I found, OV Splits were discontinued after this period. While OV beer is still produced and sold in Canada and select markets in border U.S. states, there is no mention of OV Splits being currently produced or available for purchase.
One review on BeerAdvocate.com, dated August 3, 2017, mentions buying OV in "splits" back in 1980, indicating that OV Splits were likely discontinued after the 1980s. Another review from August 24, 2024, mentions purchasing OV in Ontario, Canada, in 15-packs, which are different from the OV Splits packaging.
Therefore, based on the available information, it appears that OV Splits are no longer produced or sold, and the 7 oz. bottles were only available for a limited time during the 1970s and 1980s.
Buying Beer in Michigan: Is It Still Possible?
You may want to see also
History of OV beer
Old Vienna (OV) is a brand of beer that was first brewed and bottled by The Koch Beverage and Ice Company in the early 20th century in Wapakoneta, Ohio, by Henry Koch and his son Karl J. Koch. The beer was initially sold in wooden kegs (barrels) and stoneware bottles. The Koch brewery went bankrupt, but production was continued in Canada by the Carling O'Keefe brewery.
The business was later handed down to Henry Koch, Charles Kolter's son-in-law, when the brewery did business as "Koch and Kolter". Following Charles Kolter's death, the brewery became "The Koch Beverage and Ice Company", under the ownership of Henry and Karl J. Koch. Karl J. Koch died in 1934 and the ownership of what was to become "Koch's Old Vienna Brewery" passed to Karl's widow, May Julia Koch, and his son George A. Koch. The brewery was sold following World War II, but the Koch family retained ownership of the brewery's soft drink business, which became the George Koch Bottling Company of Wapakoneta, Ohio.
Koch's Old Vienna Brewery entered bankruptcy several years after it was sold by the Koch family. Old Vienna is now a Canadian-produced beer. Old Vienna was brewed by Carling O'Keefe, which had acquired the United States' rights to the Old Vienna trademark following the brewery's demise. It is now produced by Molson Breweries, where it is still being sold in Canada and in select markets in border U.S. states.
For a time in the 1970s and 1980s, OV was available in 7 oz. bottles called "OV Splits".
Rhode Island Memorial Day: Beer Buying Explained
You may want to see also
OV splits as gifts
OV splits, or Old Vienna splits, are 7oz bottles of beer that were produced by the Koch Beverage and Ice Company in the early 20th century in Wapakoneta, Ohio. The company went bankrupt, but production continued in Canada by the Carling O'Keefe brewery and is now produced by Molson Breweries.
OV splits were available in the 1970s and 1980s and are no longer being produced, but they can still be a great gift for those who remember drinking them. Here are some ideas for how to gift OV splits:
- Surprise Christmas present: If you know someone who used to drink OV splits years ago, surprise them by tracking down a few bottles online or at specialty retailers. They will surely appreciate the nostalgic gift.
- Family party: OV splits can be a fun addition to a family gathering, especially if the beer holds sentimental value for your family.
- Birthday or special occasion: For a milestone birthday or special occasion, gift the guest of honor with a case of OV splits. It will surely spark conversations and memories of the past.
- Nostalgia gift basket: Create a gift basket filled with nostalgic items from the past, including OV splits. Add other vintage snacks, candies, or drinks to complete the trip down memory lane.
- Bar or restaurant gift: For a bar or restaurant owner, consider gifting them with a wholesale order of OV splits. It can be a unique selling point for their establishment and bring back memories for their patrons.
While OV splits may be challenging to find, they can be a thoughtful and memorable gift for those who have a connection to this classic beer.
Best Places to Buy a Keg of Root Beer
You may want to see also
OV splits in bars
OV splits, or 7 oz. bottles of Old Vienna (OV) beer, were available in the 1970s and 1980s. While it is unclear whether OV splits are still available in bars, OV beer is currently produced in bottles, cans, and on draft. The beer is sold in Canada and select markets in border U.S. states.
OV beer, also known as Molson OV, is a mainstream lager with a moderate hop character and a slightly sweet, fruity, and refreshing aroma and taste. It is produced by Molson Breweries, which acquired the rights to the Old Vienna trademark after the original brewer, Koch's Old Vienna Brewery, went bankrupt.
The Old Vienna brand was first introduced in the early 20th century by The Koch Beverage and Ice Company in Wapakoneta, Ohio. The beer was brewed by Henry Koch and his son, Karl J. Koch. After the Koch brewery went bankrupt, production was continued in Canada by the Carling O'Keefe brewery, which was later purchased by Molson.
Today, OV beer is a popular and iconic Canadian beer, known for its knight and OV shield logo. It is often associated with blue-collar workers and hockey players, and it is said to "hark back to a simpler time." Overall, OV is considered a good value and one of the best "cheapo" beers available.
Helium Beer: Legal in the US?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, OV Splits are no longer being produced.
OV beer was first brewed and bottled by The Koch Beverage and Ice Company in Wapakoneta, Ohio, in the early 20th century. It is currently brewed in Canada by Molson Breweries.
OV Splits were 7 oz. bottles.
OV beer has a 5% alcohol content.