Voyageur Brewery Tree Topping & Reclaiming

A week ago we celebrated Scandinavian style at the brewery in Grand Marais.  Yesterday Mike and some of the crew dismantled a barn to reclaim some of the wood for use in the brewery.  Things are moving right along so be sure to check out the Voyageur Brewery website or Facebook Page to keep up to date.

Tree Topping Story…

It isn’t Christmas yet but that didn’t stop us from placing a tree on top of the Voyageur Brewery in Grand Marais last week.  This was done according to a Scandinavian Tradition known as “topping-out.” In the past it was a religious rite to place a tree or branch on the highest part of

the building to appease tree dwelling spirits displaced due to the construction of the  building.

In following tradition anyone who had been a part of the construction or brewery process to date was invited to the brewery to partake in the event.  Often the owners of the building provided beer and a meal to the construction workers once the roof was in place.  We provided some delicious snacks and Minnesota Craft Beers to our guests and raised our beers for a toast to their hard work and assistance.

We also had those in attendance sign their names on a board that will be placed in the building.  All of these traditions were followed with hopes of growth and good luck just like the Topping-out tradition ensures. And of course, any reason to get together and drink craft beer before 5pm on a Friday is a good enough reason to celebrate in its own right.