Effing Brew Company, Effingham IL

Because if you’re in a town called Effingham and want to open a brewery, what else are you going to call it?!?

Effingham is a tired little midwestern town cut from the same mold as so many of its type. And Effing Brew Company looks like nothing special from the outside, but once you’re in the door, you’re in the presence of marvelous brews.

I started with a flight of four, all of which were distinctive and lovely, true to their styles:

Oktoberennial, a Märzen at 5.8%

Irish I Was Sober, a Red Ale at 5.2%

Cherry Street Wheat, a wheat beer with a hint of cherries at 6.3%

Old Dad’s Barn, a Farmhouse Ale Saison at 6.7%

These were all just fantastic, as I said. And for food, I had their “Brewben” …

At this point, I asked my server for a recommendation for a final pint. After some discussion, his leading choice was their Ever Vigilant, a coffee stout at 6.5%. Even though I’d promised myself not to have dessert, I paired it with a Lava Cake ala mode and have possibly never been more content stuffing myself to the breaking point.

In short, everything here was just marvelous. The only thing I’d change was the Brewben … the third slice of bread was completely unnecessary.

To top off the day, I arrived at my Best Western just in time for their Happy Hour! Two free drinks plus snacks — I don’t think I’ve ever seen a BW do this.

Tomorrow, I’ll be somewhere in Topeka KS for Second Meal™️. Stay tuned!