The list of Illinois breweries isn’t long; and of the 32 unique breweries listed on Wikipedia, Champaign is home to two. Of the Illinois breweries, there are few that I’m excited to try, whether it’s based on sampling of their distributed beers or by lack of reputation. But when I had a chance to visit Flossmoor Station a few weeks back, I was stoked (and I don’t use that term lightly). Flossmoor’s Railhopper IPA is a great IPA, and certainly the best that I’ve had from an Illinois brewery. So what other hidden treats could I find at the brewery?
The journey took about 2 hours from Champaign to Flossmoor, and it would have been a quicker journey coming from Chicago given that the Metra line drops off right next to the brewery. Upon arrival, I was quick to ask the waitress if they offered a sampler.
“How many would you like to sample?”
“All of them.”
The following are my beer-stained notes from the evening:
Zephyr Golden – If you like American macros, stick with this light beer. Uses rice, but has a more complex flavor than Miller Lite.
Station Master Wheat – A better body than the Zephyr, but watered down as far as wheats go. The description mentions a hoppiness and spiciness but neither of these was apparent till after the beer was swallowed.
Ironhorse Stout – Some characteristics of a barrel aged stout, but dry with a heavy dark malt flavor.
Panama Limited Red – One of the best red’s I’ve ever had. This soft-bodied aromatic red is light and bubbly, refreshing and not lacking any flavor.
Blueberry Wheat – I’m not a fan of fruit beers, but this beer didn’t feel forced. Sweet with an agreeable tartness it had a strong aroma, but more of a beer flavor than fruit flavor (the way I like it).
Gandy Dancer Honey – Hoppy for the maltiness of the beer with the rye flavor pulling through, but the honey being lost to the hops.
Imperial Schwartz – Imperial doesn’t really begin to describe the strength of this beer. The extra malt used to bring this beer to it’s high abv remains to offer a heavy-handed sweetness.
Spoonless Winter Warmer – As far as winter’s go, this one is tame (and I’m not talking about the weather). A little spicy, but a forgettable flavor.
Busman’s Holiday – This milk stout is sneaky; fooling you into thinking you’re about to drink a beer, when it actually tastes like chocolate milk.
Buddy Holly Barleywine – I’m not a fan of the sickeningly sweet high-alcohol style, but this doesn’t follow in-suit. Surprisingly bitter, with a mild sweet aftertaste that has none of the burn going down.
Wallonian Saison – “Like being in a flower garden” is my description of the aroma; while the flavor is more bitter than traditional saisons.
No Show ESB – Doesn’t show anything special. Not bitter, not malty, just plain.
Belgian Abbey Ale – This abbey stays away from being a dubbel, tripel and even a quad. The complex blend of sweetness transforms into an unpleasant harshness that fades quickly.
The Railhopper and Pullman Brown are both beers you can get in the area, and I didn’t notice any difference between the brewery and the bottle and kegged versions. While the prices were decent, I didn’t find any hidden secrets other than an exceptional red. Such is life, and the reason why there is just one more beer to try.
- Eric Green
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