Territorial Brewing Company, Springfield MI

6 July 2023

This is now my fourth visit to Territorial and the second in their new home. They have a good-sized space indoors with windows looking out to a Disc Golf course.

Territorial’s claim to fame in my book is that they have German food on the menu and a couple of German-influenced beers. Sadly, the kitchen has changed over since they were in their original location and the food – while still good – isn’t as good as it used to be.

But first, the flight!

Stagekölsch (Kölsch, 4.8%) – “Just like Grandma used to make,” they say. It’s a good Kölsch but not the best. Still, it’s clean and refreshing and with just enough character to want more.

Three Nancies (Maibock, 6.3%) – When they originally made this beer, all three brewers’ mothers were named Nancy; the name has stuck. Wow, this is a good Maibock, very easy-drinking but with a distinctive character.

Battle Creek Lager (Lager, 6%) – The use Michigan Copper hops which give this a bit of a Hawaiian Punch kick with undertones of black pepper and citrus. Whatever … it’s just great. “The brewers call this beer Der Teufel (The Devil) because it’s way too easy to drink for its strength.” I understand!

Midnight Sudz (Black Ale, 5.1%) – This was my least favorite of the flight, but for every one they sell they donate 50 cents “to support the great work done by our friends at the Pink Ribbon Riders.” Good enough.

Dinner was a cup of their Soup of the Day, cheddar-potato-sausage, and it was good enough that I’d wished I’d ordered a bowl. The plate is their pork Schnitzel with Sauerkraut. While very tender, as a good Schnitzel should be – you shouldn’t need a knife to cut it – it was all a bit dry, even the sauerkraut. I enjoyed the flavors but wished I’d added on the mushroom gravy for $1.50.

“Dessert” was one more taster plus a pint of the Three Nancies because it was just so good, although it was a tough call between it and the Battle Creek Lager. Here’s what was in the taster glass:

Bleacher Creature (American IPA, 6.3%) – “This seasonal IPA was brewed in partnership with Battle Creek’s very own baseball team, the BC Battle Jacks, and will be pouring at their home games all season long. This beer is easy drinking, highly aromatic, and dry hopped exclusively with Sabro hops for their complex citrus and tropical fruit aromas, making it a perfect beer for sitting in the stands.”

My opinion? It’s a good beer, and would probably be very enjoyable sitting outdoors, but the Three Nancies beats the pants off it as an accompaniment for German food 🙂

I’m very torn about Territorial now given that the food in their new location just isn’t completely up to snuff compared to what it used to be. The beers are still good, though … maybe that will be enough to bring me back.