Restaurants & Food

Brewery Profile – Cedar Springs Brewing Company

Cedar Springs Brewing Company puts a Bavarian focus in Michigan’s reach

August 8, 2016

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David Ringler has a passion for the Bavarian region of Germany. Both the beer and the food made such an impact on him that he decided to open Cedar Springs Brewing Company.

“We are one of the few Bavarian-focused breweries in the Midwest, featuring authentic hefeweizens, lagers, and other German styles under the Küsterer brand,” states Ringler. “The name pays tribute to brewing pioneer Christoph Küsterer, the Grand Valley’s first German brewer in 1845, who founded a century-long brewing legacy in the region.

“We also carry a lineup of American craft styles with influences from Belgium, England, Ireland and the U.S. under the Cedar Springs brands,” Ringler adds. “We focus on balanced, classic styles that are complex and flavorful, yet comfortable enough to enjoy over friendly conversation and sessionable.”

The Brewery

Ringler began his brewing career in 1994 in Germany at Hofbräuhaus Traunstein/Fleigerbräu.

Head Brewer Matt Peterson has 20 years’ experience, with the last 16 brewing at one of America’s premier craft breweries, Shlafly, in St. Louis. Peterson joined the Cedar Springs team in 2015.

Both brewers attended the Siebel Brewing Institute in Chicago in 1997, although they were in separate classes.

The 1,400 sq. ft. brewery houses a 15-barrel, 3-vessel system feeding 7 fermenters. One bright beer tank and keg service allows the beer to flow to patrons. Currently, up to 12 different beers are regularly available in-house, with 26 varieties on the roster.

The three-person brewery staff currently produces 1,000 barrels of beer annually under both the Küsterer and Cedar Springs brands for sale in the restaurant and for distribution.

Brewery tours are available, but only by appointment.

The Restaurant and Biergarten

The 5,000 sq. ft. restaurant/biergarten is serviced by a 60-person staff and features both a traditional Bavarian menu inspired by Ringler’s time living abroad, and a full American pub and smokehouse menu. There is also a Kids menu for the families that visit with children 12 and under.

The Bavarian menu includes Jumbo Pretzels, Jägerschnitzel, Leberkäse, and Spätzle. The American menu includes original creations like the Chicken and Apple Spring Rolls and the Sloppy Shaun, alongside classic soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers.

Cedar Springs Brewing’s Famous Fried Chicken has been nominated for the best fried chicken in the region.

Entertainment comes in the form of live music every Wednesday.

Expansion Plans

“We are nearing the completion of our initial first phase of Cedar Spring Brewing Company,” Ringler says. “We will soon begin expanding our cellar space and production before beginning physical expansion to increase production area, add packaging and expand seating over the next several years.”

Brewery Favorites and Availability

Ringler says that his three favorite beers from the 26-beer roster are the Küsterer Original Weißbier (antique pre-20th Century Bavarian style hefeweizen), Küsterer Bohemian Pilsner (Czech style Keller pilsner), and Küsterer Heller Weißbier (modern pale hefeweizen).

Pints: Yes (metric – beer served 0.5L or 0.4L)
Flights: Yes
Cans/Bottles: No
Growlers/Howlers/Crowlers: Growlers
Kegs: Yes