ST. LOUIS — Olive + Oak just launched its first canned beer and the name behind it holds a special place in the hearts of the owners.
The beer, Ollie Ollie Oxen Free, was named after Jenn and Mark Hinkle's son Ollie. Ollie was born with a congenital heart defect and passed away not long after his first birthday.
Mark said they have been offering Ollie Ollie Oxen Free since the restaurant opened but this is the first time they’ve put it in cans.
The beer is only available at Olive + Oak and Perennial Artisan Ales. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation.
The can’s design is bright and colorful, and Mark said it’s meant to be happy, fun and uplifting.
And the taste?
“It’s bright and citrus-y and refreshing and light. It’s a beer you can have a couple of and not weigh you down,” Mark said.
The name Olive + Oak holds a special meaning as well. It stands for the Hinkles' son Ollie and co-owners Becky and Greg Ortyl's son, Oakes.
Oakes was also born with a heart defect and passed away at 15 months old.
Becky and Jenn first met at the Magic House and realized what they had in common. The two families ended up hitting it off and opened the restaurant together.
"There was clearly from the beginning there was something else at work. It was beyond just fate that our families met each other," Greg Ortyl told 5 On Your Side in 2018.
