Two of the region’s brewing companies have earned national recognition after taking home medals at the Canada Beer Cup earlier this month.
The competition celebrates independently owned and operated breweries across the country, presenting awards in a wide range of beer styles, as well as packaging and cider categories. This year’s winners were honoured at a Nov. 10 gala in Quebec City.
Wooden Gate Cider of Pilot Mound struck gold for its Slow Burn in the barrel-aged or speciality cider category and earned bronze for its Orchard Queen cider in the heritage cider class. Winkler’s Heritage Farms Brewing Co., meanwhile, captured bronze for its Hired Hand British brown ale.
“It’s phenomenal to be included in such an amazing group of beverage producers,” said Clint Cavers of Wooden Gate. “This is the first year for ciders in the Canada Beer Cup … there were some very big names in the cider world in the competition.”
Wooden Gate partners with local farmers and wild harvesters across Manitoba to produce small-batch craft ciders that highlight the pure flavours of the region. From their family farm and cidery in Pilot Mound, the team grows, harvests, presses, blends and ages all their beverages on-site.
“We use all Manitoba apples and all Manitoba fruit, so we don’t source anything from outside the province. For us, that’s a really key component,” Cavers said.
Slow Burn, released this summer, is among Wooden Gate’s newest creations. A defining element is its finishing process, which introduces a subtle “wood smoke” character.
“There’s a number of smoked ciders made around the world that I know of, but it’s not a common thing,” he said.
Orchard Queen, by contrast, has become a foundational product for the cidery.
“That one has kind of been my favourite cider,” Cavers said. “It’s made with 100 per cent crabapples, which were originally developed at the Morden research station … so it grows really well in Manitoba, and it’s a unique flavour and aroma profile.”
He added that ciders continue to grow in popularity.
“Some people are maybe a little bit tired of beer and they’re looking for another alcohol option. Some are moving away from wine, which is higher alcohol,” he said. “And the focus on local is incredible.”
Cavers said the recognition doesn’t just elevate Wooden Gate but also helps shine a spotlight on Manitoba’s small but growing cider industry. He noted Wooden Gate and Dead Horse Cider near Winkler are among only a few producers in the province.
“These kinds of awards bring us a little bit of notoriety not only across the province but across the country and even internationally,” he said. “It’s a good thing for all ciders and particularly Manitoba cider.”
Heritage Farms Brewing co-owner John Trinke said the honour carries extra meaning for their young company.
“We’ve only been selling in liquor stores for about 13 months now, and to have already received this kind of recognition on a national stage is remarkable. I feel honoured,” Trinke said. “We were competing against hundreds of breweries from across the country … so for them to decide that we had one of the top three British brown ales in Canada meant a lot to us.”
Trinke said developing the Hired Hand brown ale was a lengthy process aimed at striking a balance between flavour and drinkability.
“It took us quite a few months to develop and refine our recipe … to create one that would not be as thick in terms of body and would be approachable,” he said. “Something that could be enjoyed year-round, whereas a lot of darker, maltier beers are pretty heavy.”
The biggest challenge, he added, was delivering complexity without sacrificing accessibility.
“It took us a long time to find that balance where we were still able to showcase the coffee, chocolate, caramel … while still having it be accessible,” he said. “It was quite a journey, so that’s why out of all of the beers we could have been recognized for, I’m pretty pleased that it was this one.”
He agreed that Manitoba’s craft beer and cider industry continues to gain momentum.
“I think we’re seeing now, more than ever, people are opting for local options and looking for a sense of connection to the brands they are purchasing,” Trinke said. “There’s definitely been a shift … and we’re seeing more and more craft beverage companies lasting more than they would have in the past.
“I think some people connect with what we are trying to do in the community and for the community, and I think we’re seeing some positives from it.”
