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    Excel Bottling

    4.7 (17 reviews)
    Closed • 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

    Excel Bottling Photos

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    Excel Root Beer
    Bruce K.

    With our takeout dinner, we got a selection of bottled sodas. One of them turned out to be Frostie's Root Beer. It was excellent. I don't usually drink soft drinks because of the sugar or the aspartame. However, I was very pleased to see that this root beer was sweetened with Splenda. So I enjoyed my first soda in over a year. The root beer had a nice and strong vanilla flavor with a hint of anise. Sweet but a good compliment for the flavor of the ribs and brisket that it accompanied. And with zero carbs and zero added sugars, a perfect drink. I'll be on the lookout for Frostie Root Beer! [Review 14452 overall, 1778 of 2020, number 93 in Illinois.]

    Jason V.

    #500! After five years and two months of my first Yelp review, I have proudly reached the milestone. For my 500th review, I had to think of something special - so I figured, why not review my favorite local soft drink and its makers? Here it is. Ski soda, as well as some other fizzy drinks under the Excel label are made and bottled in the small town of Breese, Illinois. The company has some interesting history, and you can find out all about it on their website and by actually visiting the bottling plant. I did it one day (on a Wednesday) and it was regular operation hours. Normally they only do tours on certain days, but as one curious guy that just happened to drop by, the big guy in charge got out of his big chair in his office and happily gave me a guided tour of the facility. I got to go in rooms where the bottling took place, and I got to see the chemicals room, where they are carefully tested by lab professionals. It was a cool moment, watching all the happy workers go about their business and doing their thing, while making things happen for those who await drinking the good stuff. At the end of the tour, they have a little shop where you can purchase all kinds of Excel sodies. Free samples are also provided as well! Most Excel products are found at independent restaurants in the St. Louis and Southern Illinois area. Ski is sold at some gas stations, along with the Diet kind.

    the front of a brick building
    Joseph J M.

    Ahh the simple times of soda Real returnable glass bottles Real sugar Two types of ski From the old line with less carbonation New ski with non returnable bottles and more carbonation Real staff they will offer samples. Some many other flavors to try Great products, great people, great small town.

    a variety of beer bottles
    Julia B.

    We have loved Excel bottling for a long time! Always a great place to go, even now with easy curbside pick up during Covid. My husband loves their beers! They have several barrel aged beers that taste great! We bought the following beers- Bruja- pumpkin ale aged in tequila barrels. Jedi Brewing- Gold fusion Ale. Double Barrel- Aged in high rye bourbon and rum barrels. Grapefruit radler- wheat beer. Saison- 3rd anniversary ale aged in Chardonnay wine barrels.

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    Review Highlights - Excel Bottling

    “Frostie Rootbeer, Ski OG and Ski Cherry, and Excel Black Cherry, Pineapple, and Blue, and Lucky Cola are the best, no contest.”

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    The Historic Red Rooster Inn - Distilling

    The Historic Red Rooster Inn

    4.6(14 reviews)
    38.4 mi

    Absolutely beautiful place. high end suite but without the high end price. this is a special…read moreplace for us; we stayed here 32 years ago before our wedding and were back for a reunion. It is comfortable, quiet and in a good location. there were a lot of amenities not found in most places. it has more of an apartment feel and setup than a hotel. instructions were very clear; everything is electronic which makes it easy. it is a safe neighborhood with some great establishments within walking distance. has a very good taproom with good food as well.

    First, the building itself is lovely. Beautifully remodeled. The room we had could have used a…read moresmall dresser as the small cabinet didn't hold much clothing for two people. The air conditioning was good, since it was in the upper 90s all weekend. My low rating is based on the following: nobody working the front desk. We would have liked to ask locals where to go. No hospitality there. Personally, I find this new trend for owners or hosts to not be present is rude and off-putting. The lack of human interactions is depressing and unwelcoming. (Fortunately for us, wherever we dined, the servers were happy to answer our questions.) The fruit bowl on the front desk counter seems like it sat out the entire weekend, with no refrigeration. The bar downstairs doesn't take cash. (I believe that will be against the law in 2028, according to an Illinois bill) No need for us to visit again.

    Photos
    The Historic Red Rooster Inn - Game room

    Game room

    The Historic Red Rooster Inn - Red Rooster, ha

    Red Rooster, ha

    The Historic Red Rooster Inn

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    Mississippi Culture - Crisp, light, delicious Saison Beer

    Mississippi Culture

    4.0(15 reviews)
    31.2 mi

    We've stopped in to Mississippi Culture a several times, and have usually found co-owner Tracy…read morebehind the bar. He's created an atmosphere--and product--that makes me want to stick around awhile. In fact, for our last visit we got carry-out food from an Italian restaurant in town and enjoyed it at MC's bar so we could make an evening of it. The mood in the room is comfortable, with high ceilings, dark wood, and just enough warm lighting. The music is cool; Tracy knows what works in the space and creates a nice vibe. Printed menus are readily available, listing current house beers, guest taps, and can and bottle offerings. They also have a nice cocktail menu featuring house-made cordials and such. And the beer--it's really good! They specialize in oak-fermented ales, and seem to know what they're doing and take pride in their work. A couple farmhouse ales hit the spot on a recent hot day. My fave on the menu was the Orange Peeler saison, and I regret not bringing home some cans (the first beer they've canned, I believe.) They also have some collabs with Perennial Artisan Ales available in bottles; those did come home with us. Another beer that's not currently on the menu, but I enjoyed a few months ago: Fuzzy Guitars, an oak-aged saison with blackberries. There's always something new and interesting here, as well as beers worth coming back to each time. Also a hit for me: the cocktails and mocktails. I chose a cocktail off the menu (the name of it escapes me... something about a worm) that involved tequila, absinthe, vermouth, and... I don't know what else but it was perfectly balanced and lovely to sip. I followed that up with a flavored soda that was also top-notch. Mississippi Culture is hosting events, including live music and trivia nights--I'm looking forward to returning for those soon.

    This is an awesome local brewery. You can bring in food, they play a variety of good music, and…read moreoften participate or host local events. Their beer & cocktail menus change seasonally and always offer a variety of well crafted options.

    Photos
    Mississippi Culture - Nugget watching the brews. He works graveyard shifts and makes appearances throughout the night.

    Nugget watching the brews. He works graveyard shifts and makes appearances throughout the night.

    Mississippi Culture
    Mississippi Culture

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    Old Herald Brewery & Distillery - You gotta try our new Pizzas...The dough is amazing.

    Old Herald Brewery & Distillery

    3.7(206 reviews)
    25.1 mi
    •$$

    Met some friends here for my birthday. First time we had been here. It was a Thursday afternoon. I…read morehad a burger & fries, which was very good. My wife had a Chicken Caesar Wrap & Garlic Parmesan Fries, which she said was so good, we will definitely be back. I couldn't decide which beer to try, so I got a flight consisting of the Kicks, SIUE Cougar Red Lager, Printer's Ink, and French Press. Although I liked them all, I liked the French Press the best. I'll be getting the French Press on next visit - unless I want a bit of all four again. We will definitely be going back.

    I'm not gonna lie, I almost didn't go in because there was no one in there who looked like me. But…read moreit looked so inviting and it's black history month, so I took a chance. I'm glad I did. I've been a lot of places, but the country girl in me remains. So when I saw the mason glasses on the table I knew I was about to eat good. The menu was straight to the point (they have hummus) and that makes me feel like you're sharing your favorite dishes consistently. The drink menu is extensive (because it's a distillery) and there are so many unique things you can try. I had the blackberry lemon press and it was yummy. We also had the sloppy fries, smash burgers (one with signature bacon jam), onion rings, cheesecake, and carrot cake. It was all very flavorful. They have a store attached if you want to take some drinks home & they have a virgin menu for your Christian friends. The dining room is well lit and you can eat outside on good weather days. Even in bad weather days, it's a nice view outside with only glass between you and outdoors. Staff were great and service was timely. I would say the food is cooked to order & you don't need to tell them how to prepare a burger. It comes out juicy and medium well to perfection. They also have a BBQ kick to the ketchup they serve. Oh, there's a Rte 66 sign around the corner if you're just passing through (but I get the sense they know if you're not from around those parts). I hope your dining experience is as good as mine was!

    Photos
    Old Herald Brewery & Distillery - Seating area.

    Seating area.

    Old Herald Brewery & Distillery - Brewers Smash Burger

    Brewers Smash Burger

    Old Herald Brewery & Distillery - Twisted Lasagna

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    Twisted Lasagna

    Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery & Brewery - Traditional ceremony in beautiful vineyards

    Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery & Brewery

    4.9(16 reviews)
    86.1 mi
    •$$

    You guys. If you love beautiful days at wineries and chatting with the nicest people, please visit…read moreEdg Clif. A friend and I had the most delightful time. The scenery is lovely. Arthur was the live music for the day and he played a great variety of songs (acoustic guitar). The wine is fantastic. I do not know a lot about wine, but I do know that each one we tasted (6) was very easy to drink. We shared a bottle there and I brought 2 home. Bonus: you can bring your own snacks (no beverages). I love this. I enjoy planning my own winery snacks. I was bummed when many wineries quit allowing food because they opened kitchens. So if I have to pay $30+ for food. I'm buying less wine. Anywaaaay, make a little weekend out of visiting this area and have a lovely time at Edg Clif. (Photos do not do it justice)

    I can't begin to explain what a great spot this is!…read more It is dog friendly, it is wide open and beautiful, it has lots of live music, it is run by a family that is so very nice, and it is super affordable and tastes great! You can get a flight of wines for $5 or a glass of wine or a pint of beer for $5 each. You can even do a tour and tasting for $10. Plus, all the bottles are pretty much under $25. And they have quite a large variety of whites, reds, and roses too. Cindy, one of the owners, is so very friendly and helpful. She will go through an entire tasting with you with the highest level of patience, allowing you to taste and try anything you'd like to. Her brother-in-law also Is a gem, he himself Popsicles to all of the kids running around and let them ride on the tractor or explore into the garden. Would highly recommend if you are in the area!

    Photos
    Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery & Brewery - Vineyard Backdrop

    Vineyard Backdrop

    Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery & Brewery - Vineyard

    Vineyard

    Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery & Brewery - Red barn is the perfect backdrop for White Dresses!

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    Red barn is the perfect backdrop for White Dresses!

    Four Towns Brewing Company - Main area

    Four Towns Brewing Company

    5.0(6 reviews)
    75.0 mi

    We stopped in at Four Towns as we were headed back to STL after visiting Johnson's Shut Ins. The…read morerestaurant is located in an old building in the downtown area with free street parking available. We went on an early Saturday evening, and there were plenty of tables open. The interior has an interesting, welcoming vibe. There were regular tables, but a couple couches for comfortable seating. We saw they also had some games in a corner that you could play while eating or drinking. There's also an outdoor patio and it looks like they were setting up to have live music later that evening. We ordered a flight of beers, and thoroughly enjoyed each of the different ones. We also got some pizza, which was really good. Before leaving, we checked out the downstairs speakeasy room, which can be reserved for parties. I am sad that this restaurant is too far from me, because I would love to host a birthday party there. I definitely recommend checking this place out, and if we drive through again, I plan on stopping!

    We rate the drinks and venue a 5/5 and the food a 4/5; granted you don't come here for food but it…read moreis always nice to have some choices when you will be drinking. There is on street parking. You seat yourself. Casual attire. Speakeasy downstairs with its own entrance it seems. Bartender did an excellent job with our drinks. You help yourself to the water (end of bar). We had the calzone (which was good) and beef sandwich (which was avg; would have been better if included an au jus because beef was dry). We would come back for drinks.

    Photos
    Four Towns Brewing Company - Drinks

    Drinks

    Four Towns Brewing Company - Beautiful sprawling patio!

    Beautiful sprawling patio!

    Four Towns Brewing Company - Main area

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    Main area

    Scratch Brewing Company

    Scratch Brewing Company

    4.6(82 reviews)
    50.8 mi
    •$$

    This place is definitely worth the drive to it. The beers are creative & delicious, and they are…read morealways rotating with the seasons. Atmosphere is rustic & rural-- it was great sitting outside next to a campfire.

    Loved this experience! Took a small detour on our way home from Nashville, it is definitely of the…read morebeaten track, but the drive was beautiful on the side roads! Sign at the end of the gravel road announced our arrival. Pulled into the lot and we were the only ones there beyond the workers late in the afternoon on a Sunday. Cash only but they have an ATM on site. Visited the brewery room and perused the different beers available on draft, in bottles, and growlers. Ordered a pizza, the green tomato and sausage. And chose a flight of beer, four for $13. Sumac Sour, Fig Porter, Dead Leaves, and Basil Saison. I enjoyed every one of them, but the Dead Leaves was my overall favorite. I decided on that one as my take home growler. I really enjoyed the green tomato sausage pizza, I enjoy a green tomato, not many restaurants have them on their menu in a state other than fried, so I had to get it. The flavors were great; the tartness of the green tomato went well with the sausage. The space is incredible, very rustic and woodsy, the perfect backdrop to the foraged beers. Every space was decked out with funky colors and artwork. I really wish it was closer, definitely a road trip to go back but feel it would be worth it in each of the seasons!

    Photos
    Scratch Brewing Company
    Scratch Brewing Company
    Scratch Brewing Company

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    Excel Bottling - beverage_stores - Updated October 2026

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