Latest news with #LiquorMarts
Winnipeg Free Press
10-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoba producers hold their own at competitions
Opinion Manitoba producers picked up some hardware at global drinks competitions in the past weeks. On May 1, the World Beer Cup doled out awards in a range of categories at a ceremony in Indianapolis, Ind. Winnipeg's Nonsuch Brewing Co. was one of nine Canadian breweries (and the only Manitoba producer) to nab an award — a bronze medal for its Baltic porter. The dark, robust brew doesn't appear to be available at the Pacific Avenue brewery, but it is in stock at some Liquor Marts and potentially some beer vendors. And at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Nonsuch's neighbours Patent 5 Distillery (108 Alexander Ave.) took home two medals, both gold, for its recent whisky releases — the Estate Series Three Grain Whisky and the 6th Anniversary Whisky. It's worth noting that Crown Royal, whose whiskies are distilled and aged in Gimli and then assembled and bottled in Amherstburg, Ont., picked up a bunch of hardware at the competition, including three double golds for its 18-, 31- and 32-year-old whiskies. Crown Royal is owned by global drinks giant Diageo. A complete list of winners is available online. Here are six brews, many fruit-infused, to enjoy during our upcoming warm spell, to toast mom on Mother's Day or to crack open while cheering on the Jets. All come in 473ml cans, are made in Winnipeg and, unless noted, are available at the respective breweries, as well as beer vendors and Liquor Marts. Nonsuch Brewing Co. Peach and Passionfruit Radler ($4.00) Pale gold and slightly hazy in appearance, with pronounced tropical and stone fruit notes aromatically and subtle citrus and malt notes in the background. On the light-plus-bodied, off-dry palate the peach is particularly prominent, with passionfruit and malt notes hanging out in the background and, at 3.5 per cent alcohol, a very modest finish. Enjoy with Mother's Day brunch. 3.5/5 Sookram's Brewing Co. Shore Leave Sour Radler ($4.65 — brewery, beer vendors) Medium straw and slightly hazy with loads of froth, this pina colada-inspired sour radler is infused with pineapple and coconut; both come through aromatically along with subtle malty hints. On the light-bodied and off-dry palate the coconut is front and centre, with pineapple, citrus and malt notes showing well and a modest four per cent alcohol for a short finish. Crank the yacht rock and enjoy. 3.5/5 Good Neighbour Brewing Co. House Lime ($3.99) Pale straw and clear, this light beer is infused with fresh limes, which shows nicely aroma-wise along with some cracked oat and malty, bready notes. It's dry, light-bodied and crisp, with cracked oat and fresh malt notes lifting the bright, ripe lime flavours; at 4.2 per cent it's another easy-going, zippy brew. Crack one open after your yard work, or hoist the White Out-ish label while watching the playoffs. 4/5 One Great City Pineapple Manifesto NEIPA ($4.30) Medium straw in colour and hazy, this New England IPA is infused with (you guessed it) pineapple, which works well with herbal and resinous notes from the hops as well as round malty notes. On the dry and medium-bodied palate, the pineapple and hops work well together; the former's not overly sweet and, at 28 IBU, the latter's bitterness is just right, while the robust malt note works its way in there before the punchy, six per cent alcohol on the almost-spicy finish. 4/5 Trans Canada Brewing Co. Master Angler Hazy IPA ($4.24 — brewery, beer vendors) Pale straw in colour and hazy, with robust mango and peach coming through on the nose with key lime, grassy and malty notes. It's mainly dry and medium-bodied, with up-front fresh malt and oat notes supported by citrus and tropical flavours. While the bitterness is there (at 30 IBU), it plays second fiddle to the fruit, and the 6.1 per cent alcohol is decently unobtrusive. Drop a line in the water and see how you make out. 3.5/5 Little Brown Jug Modern IPA ($4.19) Medium copper in colour and clear, this 'fresh twist on a West Coast classic' has a more robust malty and resinous, hoppy component aromatically that comes with hints of peach and pine. It's dry, medium-bodied and punchy, with the resinous, piney hops delivered with big malty notes, a solid belt of bitterness and, at 6.7 per cent alcohol, a long, warm and welcome finish. For those who prefer IPAs with less chewy fruit juice, this is for you (and me). 4.5/5 uncorked@ @bensigurdson Ben SigurdsonLiterary editor, drinks writer Ben Sigurdson is the Free Press's literary editor and drinks writer. He graduated with a master of arts degree in English from the University of Manitoba in 2005, the same year he began writing Uncorked, the weekly Free Press drinks column. He joined the Free Press full time in 2013 as a copy editor before being appointed literary editor in 2014. Read more about Ben. In addition to providing opinions and analysis on wine and drinks, Ben oversees a team of freelance book reviewers and produces content for the arts and life section, all of which is reviewed by the Free Press's editing team before being posted online or published in print. It's part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Warmer weather, cooler wines
Opinion With the mercury climbing in earnest this weekend, it's as good a time as ever to shift gears from heartier, more robust wines to warm-weather sippers — which doesn't necessarily mean ditching red wines altogether. Recent trends have seen a growing number of wineries producing lighter, fruit-driven and lower-tannin reds that are often best served at least slightly chilled. Toss the following four reds (and one orange wine) in the fridge or some ice for 15 minutes and enjoy, in even the warmest temperatures. Canadian wine of the week Pelee Island 2021 Empress (South Islands, Ont. — $27.79, Liquor Marts and beyond) This orange wine is made from Gewürztraminer grapes macerated with the skins and seeds for 28 days, giving the wine its pinkish-gold hue. Aromatically, it delivers lovely bread dough and yeast notes, along with apricot, lychee, honeycomb and saline notes that are compelling. It's a mainly dry, chalky and light-plus bodied wine, with spice, tangerine, lychee and red apple skin flavours, modest tannins and acidity and, at 12 per cent alcohol, a medium-length finish. Any barrel aging on this skin-fermented white was likely in larger, older vessels that are neutral in flavour. 4/5 Gerard Bertrand 2023 Cote de Roses red (Pays D'Oc, France — around $25, Calabria Market) Bright strawberry candy in colour, this southern French red's front label reads 'frais – léger – fruité' (fresh, light, fruity), and it delivers. Made from Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault grapes, it brings plum, violet, blueberry, brambly blackberry and white pepper notes, aromatically. It's a dry, medium-bodied red that offers plum, blueberry, blackberry, violet and spice notes, light tannins and acidity and, at 13.5 per cent alcohol, a medium-length finish. Packaged in a tall, attractive bottle, it's more than just a pretty face. Available at Calabria Market; if you can't track it down, Gerard Bertrand also makes the Le Chouchou, another light, chillable red that's at Liquor Marts and, at 11 per cent alcohol, is also a warm-weather crusher. 3.5/5 De Bortoli Wines NV Chill Bill Spritzy Red (Australia — $18.99, Liquor Marts and beyond) Made from a blend of Tyrian, Shiraz and other grape varieties sourced from the Riverina and Rutherglen regions, this fizzy red is deep purple in colour, with ripe cherry, Tootsie Roll, red licorice and floral aromas. It's medium-bodied and medium sweet, with cherry candy and red licorice flavours, as well as chocolate and raisin notes, medium effervescence and acidity, light tannins, at 9.5 per cent alcohol, a short finish. Definitely requires chilling; without it the crunchy, slightly sweet red candied fruit flavours would seem way out of balance. 3/5 Rosewood 2020 Night Moves Gamay (Niagara Peninsula, Ont. — around $25, Kenaston Wine Market) Pale ruby in colour, this Niagara red is made from Gamay, the same grape used in France's Beaujolais region. Aromatically it brings light herbal notes as well as tart cranberry, saskatoon berry, plum and blackberry notes. On the dry, light-plus bodied palate those tart fruit flavours persist, although on this slightly older vintage it's lost a bit of its verve, with secondary woody notes, light-plus acidity and a medium-length finish. Kenaston Wine Market is blowing this out right now (it's regular $34.99), so grab it while you can then crank up the Bob Seger. 3.5/5 Famille Perrin 2022 Signature red (Côtes du Rhône, France — $19.99, Liquor Marts and beyond) An organic Grenache-Syrah blend from France's Rhône Valley, this red is black cherry in colour and aromatically offers red licorice, cherry, iron, blackberry and violet notes aromatically. It's full-bodied and dry, delivering ripe cherry, black pepper, tar, blackberry and red licorice flavours with medium tannins, modest acidity and, at 14.5 per cent alcohol, a moderate finish. Chill this down for 15 minutes and drink now, or hope the tannins mellow out while the fruit stays vibrant over the next couple of years. 4/5 uncorked@ @bensigurdson Ben SigurdsonLiterary editor, drinks writer Ben Sigurdson is the Free Press's literary editor and drinks writer. He graduated with a master of arts degree in English from the University of Manitoba in 2005, the same year he began writing Uncorked, the weekly Free Press drinks column. He joined the Free Press full time in 2013 as a copy editor before being appointed literary editor in 2014. Read more about Ben. In addition to providing opinions and analysis on wine and drinks, Ben oversees a team of freelance book reviewers and produces content for the arts and life section, all of which is reviewed by the Free Press's editing team before being posted online or published in print. It's part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CBC
04-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
Piece of Passover tradition lost as U.S.-made Manischewitz wine removed from liquor stores: rabbi
Social Sharing A popular brand of kosher wine that has become a staple at Passover will be missing from the Seder tables of many Manitoba families this year, with the U.S.-made Manischewitz pulled from shelves in Manitoba's liquor stores in response to the ongoing trade war. Manitoba removed American-made alcohol from the shelves of its provincially run Liquor Marts in early March, after the first round of tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration on some imported Canadian goods. That included Manischewitz kosher wine, a New York state-made beverage that has become a staple in Jewish religious celebrations passed from one generation to the next, said Allan Finkel, rabbi at Winnipeg's Temple Shalom. "It's really sweet, syrupy — it's like cough syrup, but it's still … very much tied to the Passover Seder experience," Finkel said, referring to the ceremonial dinner that marks the start of Passover. Not having it this year will be "a loss of a piece of tradition," he said. Passover, which begins on April 12 this year, is an eight-day celebration that marks the liberation of the Jews from slavery and their exodus from ancient Egypt. During Passover Seder, four cups of wine are drunk at different stages during the meal. Request to bring Manischewitz back Ahead of Passover, Jeff Lieberman, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, wrote to the province requesting an exemption to bring Manischewitz back to Liquor Marts, given its importance to the Jewish community. "Time is running short," he said Thursday. "I'm hoping that the wine will be back, certainly with enough time for people to buy it." Others said they hope so too. Wine is "one of the most important" parts of the Passover meal, said Winnipegger Laura Marjovsky. "It's a staple of the Seder, and it should be available," said Shayla Fink, another Winnipeg resident. But speaking to reporters about U.S. tariffs on Thursday, Premier Wab Kinew said American alcohol, including Manischewitz, will stay off Manitoba's shelves. "That's gotten attention south of the border," the premier said. He also described the action as an "act of solidarity" with other provinces that have taken similar measures. "I apologize if that causes disappointment, but from what I understand, there are substitutes," Kinew said. WATCH | Passover staple may be missing in Manitoba this year due to U.S. booze boycott: Passover staple may be missing in Manitoba this year due to U.S. booze boycott 2 hours ago Duration 2:11 A wine popular at Passover may be absent from the holiday for Manitobans this year. Manischewitz kosher wine is made in the U.S., and Manitoba, along with many other provinces, has pulled U.S. liquor from shelves amid ongoing tariffs. Jews looking for kosher wine might still find some Israeli wine in government-operated liquor stores. Manitoba Liquor Marts offer three kosher wines, both red and white, from the Galil Mountain Winery, a spokesperson said. However, about a half dozen liquor stores CBC spoke with — both private and provincial — said they didn't have kosher wines in stock at the moment. Another replacement is kosher grape juice, said Rabbi Finkel, already in use by families who don't drink liquor. "It's about the blessing of the fruit of the vine. It's actually not about a fermented or an alcoholic drink necessarily," he said. "The tradition disappears, but in no way are we changing the real ritual experience."
CBC
07-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Manitoba to release next provincial budget on March 20
Wab Kinew and his NDP government will be releasing their second budget on Thursday, March 20. The 2025 budget "addresses health care, the economy and actions to combat tariffs," a Friday news release from the province said. Kinew previously said his government was preparing two budgets, one of which was a fiscal plan in case the U.S. had imposed tariffs on Canada. The U.S. did impose those tariffs earlier this week, but has since issued a one-month reprieve on some. However, Manitoba is continuing with its countermeasures, including offering tax deferrals to impacted businesses and pulling American products off the shelves of Liquor Marts, Kinew said Thursday. Even the threat of tariffs has harmed the province's economy, he said.
CBC
06-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Pause on some U.S. tariffs until April 2 'not good enough,' says Manitoba premier
Social Sharing Premier Wab Kinew says the Manitoba government will continue countermeasures announced in response to U.S. tariffs announced earlier this week, even though some of those tariffs have now been put on hold. Manitoba Hydro will also review contracts on energy exports to the United States, Kinew said Thursday. "While these Trump tariffs are being dangled over us, we have to use every single tool in the tool box," Kinew told reporters at a 4 p.m. CT news conference, just hours after the White House announced the U.S. is once again pausing some of the tariffs it imposed this week. During question period at the Manitoba Legislature earlier on Thursday, Kinew said for the time being, American alcohol will remain off Liquor Marts shelves, and planned tax deferrals continuing to be offered in response to the tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump slapped a 25 per cent tariff on nearly all Canadian goods entering the United States as of Tuesday. But in a major shift, the White House announced Thursday afternoon the tariffs will be paused on some goods until April 2. A White House official told some American news outlets in a background briefing that the tariff reprieve would only apply to Canadian exports that are compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The Associated Press reported that roughly 62 per cent of imports from Canada would likely still face the 25 per cent tariffs because they're not "USMCA compliant," as the free trade agreement is known in the U.S., according to a White House official who insisted on anonymity to preview the new executive order on a call with reporters. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, speaking with CBC's Power & Politics on Thursday, said it's true some companies have not done all the CUSMA-related paperwork, but "the vast majority of Canadian exports to the U.S. are or can quickly be CUSMA compliant." Kinew, though, said "a reprieve until April 2 is not good enough." "We cannot live as Manitobans with a persistent threat of Donald Trump tariff tax," he said during question period. Speaking to reporters later, he said the fact the U.S. tariffs are lower on energy exports"reveals an area where we have strength." "When we look at those threats coming from Donald Trump's administration, and you've got the lower tariff level on electricity, energy, critical minerals, that's a tell.… [It's] something that they really, really need," he said. That means for Manitoba, hydro power is "a critical resource that we have," he said. The province has asked Manitoba Hydro to look into procurement, but the province won't make any rash decisions regarding energy exports, Kinew said, given their importance to Manitoba's economy. "We've got to be very, very responsible" with hydro power, he said. "We're talking about hundreds of megawatts, thousands of megawatts in total, billions of dollars." Hydro electricity represents one of the largest Manitoba exports to the U.S. This is the second time the Trump administration has put threatened tariffs on hold.
