INFUSED VODKA
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE (LACK OF) REPRESENTATION OF POLISH VODKA IN OUR MARKET? We think Polish vodka deserves way more recognition in Canada. A lot of people here still believe vodka is just neutral or tasteless, and that couldn't be further from the truth. This view overlooks centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. In Poland, vodka has been part of daily life and culture for centuries; the first mention goes all the way back to 1405. Poles got bored with plain vodka a long time ago and started getting creative: infusing fruits, herbs, even amber stone. Over time, Poles developed countless ways to transform vodka through infusions, using it not only as a beverage but also as medicine and a means of preserving harvests across seasons. Families created their own nalewki recipes, each passed down through generations as a way of sharing both flavour and story. Far from being bland, Polish vodka is about heritage and creativity. WHAT IS YOUR PERCEPTION OF INFUSED VODKA IN THE MANITOBA MARKET? Manitoba is just getting started with infused vodka, but the future looks really exciting. Since the craft beer boom in 2016, people here have developed a taste for local handmade products. Bartenders and cocktail-lovers are experimenting with their own infusions and customers are curious. We think infused vodka is poised for big growth. Manitoba has everything you need to make world-class spirits — incredible wheat, pure water and the right weather. The foundation is here, and people are ready for it.
Who are the Baltic Brothers?
Brothers Martin and Bernard Pacak and child- hood friend David Moszkiewicz have been spearheading the vodka revolution here in Winnipeg with Baltic Brothers, a craft flavour infusion company. Based on four generations of family flavour secrets, they are taking old world recipes and combining them with modern techniques to develop a range of exciting new products.
48 SAVOUR MANITOBA | FALL 25
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