foodsources
against the grain
Patent 5
Two local distilleries are turning one of Manitoba ’ s most bountiful ingredients into the province ’ s first craft spirits
By Joelle Kidd
Until six years ago , Manitobans mixing up summer cocktails had to source their liquor from outside the province . But when new distilleries Capital K and Patent 5 arrived on the scene ( in 2016 and 2018 , respectively ), Manitoba grain suddenly became the star of our favourite boozy bevvies .
Both distillers are meticulous , handcrafting spirits by fermenting locally sourced grain for vodka , gin and whiskey . Despite the high volume of raw material produced in the prairies , long known as Canada ’ s bread basket , Manitoba has arrived late to the spirits party compared to other western provinces . B . C . leads with 70 distillers in the province , according to B . C . Distilled .
Fortunately for Manitobans , Capital K and Patent 5 are entering the game with high standards . Both are distinguished for their on-site fermentation ( rather than blending botanicals with ethanol ) and top-quality product . Despite outdated provincial liquor regulations that have slowed the growth process , these two ventures are pioneering an exciting new local industry - one they ’ ve seen supported by consumers who are discovering the benefits of thinking ( and drinking ) local .
Field to glass
So how exactly does a stalk of wheat become transformed into a crystal clear vodka or a subtly floral gin ?
As with all alcohol , it starts with fermentation . A little yeast and heat kick-starts the chemical process of converting grain sugars into alcohol before being distilled and filtered for clarity . According to Brock Coutts , owner of Patent 5 Distillery , it takes 360 kg of wheat to make 240 bottles of vodka . Patent 5 produces only around 6,000 bottles of vodka per year , part of which is used as the basis for their gin .
Manitoba grain is a significant influencer of flavour , Jason Kang of Capital K says . It results in a
Photography : Capital K Distillery , Patent 5 Distillery
10 ciao ! / summer / two thousand twenty-two