Tech grads open Grand Marais brewery

The craft beer craze has hit the north woods.

St. Cloud Technical High School graduates Mike and Sue Prom opened Voyageur Brewing Co. in Grand Marais on Thursday. The brewery 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 Mike, who is also a St. Cloud State University graduate. "We love beer. We would often travel and go to breweries and brewpubs."

The brewery is located near Lake Superior, right off Minnesota Highway 61.

The Proms also run Voyageur Canoe Outfitters in Grand Marais at the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Mike 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," said Mike, who serves as the brewery's CEO. "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 on 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. "It's been overwhelming on how helpful everybody is. Craft breweries and brewers really work together for the better of the industry."

Follow Jake Laxen on Twitter @jacoblaxen.