#MNBeer News Insider: Feb. 12

Voyageur opens in Grand Marais

The Voyageur Brewing Co. opened its Grand Marais brewery and taproom on Thursday.

The brewery, located near Lake Superior, right off Minnesota Highway 61, debuted with an IPA, a brown ale, a porter and a Belgian Wit.

"The brewery was the one thing that was missing from our community." said brewery CEO Mike Prom, who also runs Voyageur Canoe Outfitters in Grand Marais at the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Prom said they considered about 200 names for the brewery but ultimately stuck with having Voyageur in the title.

"It just always came back to Voyageur," Prom said. "It really captured what we wanted for our brand. It just kind of fit the sense of adventure of this area and the fun spirit that goes with it."

The brewery is embracing its Minnesota roots, using locally harvested wild rice and maple syrup in its recipes. Mike said the initial beers are based off previous home brew recipes.

Voyageur's head brewmaster is Jason Baumgarth, who previously brewed at Carmody Irish Pub of Duluth.

The taproom is open Thursday through Sunday during the winter but will be open daily during summer months.

"It is a really neat industry and community to be part of," Mike said of the brewing industry. "It's been overwhelming on how helpful everybody is. Craft breweries and brewers really work together for the better of the industry."

Insight announces cherry Saison re-release

The Insight Brewing Co. announced on its Facebook account that it will re-release its cherry Saison that uses tart Door County cherries at 5 p.m. Saturday in its Minneapolis taproom.

The brewery will tap two cherry Saison casks.

Insight has five year-round beers, including a London-style porter called Chiswick, an IPA called Curiosity, a session beer called Lamb & Flag, a Saison called De Blanc and a pale ale called Yuzu.

Northbound teams with Sociable Cider Werks

Mike and Michele Willaford are a married couple who brew professionally — Mike for Sociable Cider Werks and Michele for Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub.

For a special Valentine's Day beer, the two teamed to brew Willaford's Blonde ale, which was released Thursday at Northbound's Minneapolis location.

The beer features organic apricots and peppercorns.

LynLake seeking taproom manager

The LynLake Brewery is looking to hire an experienced taproom manager for its Minneapolis brewery.

Qualified candidates should send their resume to manderson@lynlakebrewery.com.

LynLake has four year-round beers, including a golden ale called Ponybody Gold, an amber ale called Rubbish Oat, an IPA called Take 6 and a milk stout called Sideburns.

Follow Jake Laxen on Twitter @jacoblaxen.

Recent #MNBeer News Insiders

•Feb. 10: Including Sociable Cider Werks, Voyageur Brewing Co., Indeed Brewing Co., Beaver Island Brewing Co., Brau Brothers Brewing Co., The Fargo Brewing Co. and Fair State Brewing Cooperative

•Feb. 9: Including Town Hall Brewery, Lupine Brewing Company, Indeed Brewing Co., 612BREW and Twin Cities Brewery Tours

•Feb. 6: Including new bipartisan bill sponsored by Amy Klobuchar, Eastlake Craft Brewery, Third Street Brewhouse, Harriet Brewing, Maple Island Brewing, Kinney Creek Brewery and NorthGate Brewing

•Feb. 3: Including Beaver Island Brewing Co., Lupine Brewing Co., Northern Brewer, Excelsior Brewing Co., Bemidji Brewing Co. and Bent Brewstillery

•Jan. 30: Including Fulton Brewing, Badger Hill Brewing Co., Burning Brothers Brewing, Waconia Brewing Co., Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub and Eastlake Craft Brewery