About Us:

Excel Bottling Company produces flavored soda using cane sugar, returnable bottles, and vintage bottling equipment. The county's favorite soft drink, Ski, was added in 1961 and accounts for the majority of soda produced. We are one of a few remaining "mom & pop" bottlers left in the nation and the only returnable bottling line left in Illinois. Aside from bottling soda, the plant produces syrup for use on fountain equipment.

As a huge fan of craft beer, Excel Bottling Company manager Bill Meier took advantage of new distribution laws in Illinois that allowed craft breweries to self distribute and established Excel Brewing Company in 2012. With the knowledge and passion of Rod Burguiere, a former brewer at Stone Brewing Company in California, the company has brought hoppy, West Coast style beers to the midwest, as well traditional German style lagers that celebrate the heritage of the Southern Illinois and St. Louis region.