Tucked away in Winnipeg’s storied Exchange District, a small-batch distillery is quietly turning heads on the world stage. With just one barrel of whisky crafted each week, compared to the industrial scale of global giants, Patent 5 Distillery has achieved what many in the craft spirits world only dream of: Striking gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Its Sixth Anniversary Whisky and Estate Grown Three Grain Whisky both earned scores above 90 at the prestigious event, catapulting the six-year-old micro-distillery into the international spotlight and affirming its place among Canada’s rising stars in the premium spirits market.
Patent 5 Distillery’s global recognition
What began as a cozy cocktail bar with a focus on gin and vodka has evolved into one of Canada’s most promising craft whisky producers. Just six years after opening its doors, Patent 5 Distillery has grown into a premium micro-distillery known for its attention to detail and unwavering patience, qualities that are now earning it international recognition.
“I’d love for people to come to Winnipeg and say, ‘I heard of this little distillery in downtown Winnipeg that makes gold medal whisky — let’s go visit,’” co-owner Brock Coutts shared with CityNews about the brand’s growing reputation.
That commitment to excellence is distilled into every bottle. While Canadian law requires whisky to be aged for a minimum of three years, Patent 5 chose to let their spirits rest for over four in a deliberate process that’s now paying off. “After four years in the barrel,” Coutts said, “it turns out we knew what we were doing back then.”
Shifting tastes and rising challenges reshape the landscape
Patent 5’s global breakthrough isn’t just a win for a single distillery — it’s a glimpse into how Canada’s alcohol landscape is transforming under both consumer and economic pressure.
In Manitoba, the once-dominant beer market is losing its fizz. A 2023 report from the Brandon Sun revealed that beer sales dropped by 6.4 % in just one year, extending a decade-long downward slide. Meanwhile, a new wave of drinkers is reaching for something different — lighter, more flavourful and often locally made. Sales of coolers, hard seltzers and ciders jumped by 17% in the same period, with more than 17 million litres sold and over $110 million flowing into that segment of the market.
This consumer pivot toward refreshment beverages reflects a broader trend: People want more choice, more craft and less of the old standbys. For small producers, it’s a double-edged sword, as it’s both a rich opportunity to innovate and a challenge to keep pace.
On top of that, international politics are reshaping the liquor aisle. In response to American tariffs, provinces such as Manitoba have begun pulling U.S.-made spirits from their shelves. For micro-distilleries like Patent 5, the uncertainty around cross-border trade makes it even more important to win over local and national markets before looking abroad.
But despite the headwinds, Patent 5 is gaining altitude. Its recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition isn’t just a personal triumph — it’s a sign that Canadian craft spirits are ready to compete on the world stage. From a modest operation in downtown Winnipeg, this distillery is now helping redefine the city as a global destination for quality whisky.
Sources
1. CityNews: Micro-distillery in Winnipeg makes impact on the world stage (May 10, 2025)
2. Brandon Sun: Manitoba beer sales down as coolers, cannabis climbs (November 14, 2023)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
