Make beer that represents you
We believe that good beer should represent the people who make it, as well as the people who drink it. We want to help you find the beer you have pictured in your mind.
Whether you’re brewing a gallon, 30 barrels, or trying to describe something to that surly bartender, we can help.
Originally from Upstate New York, I started homebrewing with my roommate in Ithaca in 2008. After adventuring around the county, I landed in Santa Cruz where I was determined to break into the craft beer scene.
After an obligatory stint at Seven Bridges Brewing Supply, I went on to brew for Humble Sea, Shanty Shack, Brewery Twenty-Five, Fruition and more.
I spent some time as the Quality Assurance Director at a beverage co-packing facility specializing in flash-brewed coffee, sparkling botanical tea, and chai beverages.
In 2020, my two partners and I took over Elkhorn Slough Brewing, transforming it into The Slough Brewing Collective. The Slough was named one of Hop Culture’s Top 14 Breweries of 2022.
My partners and I sold the brewery to Buena Vista Brewing in 2023 and I relocated to Sacramento,
ABOUT Ben Ward
ABOUT EFFIGY
Effigy started as a homebrewing project of mine in 2014. It evolved into a brand used for collaborating with numerous breweries in the San Francisco bay area, including Hop Dogma, Alpha Acid, Fruition Brewing, Brewery Twenty-Five, Elkhorn Slough Brewing, Seabright Brewing, and others.
Effigy is currently a brand geared towards consultation and homebrew workshops.
Professional Brewery and commercial beverage consultation:
Whether you’re thinking about starting your own brewery, looking to expand your existing business, troubleshooting a problematic product, or considering a rebrand—we can help.
Services include:
Business Planning and Formation
Process Optimization
Branding and Marketing
Equipment Appraisal and Valuation
Private beer and brewing lessons
Brewing at home doesn’t have to be frustrating. It can be rewarding. We can help you set up your home brewery, troubleshoot your system and process, or help you learn more about the craft. We even offer sensory training, beer history, and beer appreciation workshops for those who are just looking to gain a little beer knowledge.
example workshops:
Beer history
Sensory evaluation
Beer style identification
deep-dives into ingredients
equipment and sourcing
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced guided brewing sessions
Workshops are flexible, catered to your needs and experience, and move at your pace. Group rates and bulk discounts available.
In-person workshops are performed in the Sacramento area. Come workshops can be performed virtually.
We want to make sure you’re getting connected to the services you need. Whether you’re setting up a homebrewery or starting your own business, we’ll provide a 30-minute consultation to assess your needs. No strings attached.
