A 1911 electrical substation may not seem like a typical venue for a restaurant and distillery, but Calgary’s new True Wild Distilling proves it’s an inspired choice.
Restored by Frank Architecture & Interiors, True Wild’s stately white building is full of eye-catching, historical design elements that add to the space’s rich ambiance. From the tallest copper pot alembic still in the country, to historical elements like an original cast-iron spiral staircase and a repositioned crane, True Wild captures interesting elements of this building’s past life as a power plant while incorporating warm and sophisticated decor. Guests can see into the distilling area through large, picturesque windows that took three weeks to install into the wall.
As you’d expect from a restaurant with its own distillery, the cocktails are front of mind at True Wild. True Wild’s whisky will take a few years to age and be ready, so in the meantime, guests can enjoy spirits like Roper’s Hold Whisky (featuring sourced whiskies blended, further aged and finished by True Wild) or the distillery’s house-made Breaker Box gin and vodka in the cocktails. There’s a build-your-own-martini option where you can choose the spirit, preparation method, vermouth ratio, additions and garnish, or you can opt for other classics ranging from Manhattans and old fashioneds to espresso martinis and whiskey sours.
On the menu, guests will find a selection of starters and sides like malted barley sourdough, raw or baked oysters, bone marrow toast, beef tartare and Kennebec fries. There’s also a handful of vegetable plates, including shaved Brussels sprout salad, smoked cauliflower and roasted mushrooms. Fire-grilled proteins round out the menu, with options like a dry-aged prime striploin, barbecue half chicken, lamb shoulder chop and a grilled rainbow trout filet with perfectly crispy skin.
From the food, to the cocktails and spirits, to the remarkable space, True Wild has found a winning combination that makes for a truly memorable dining experience highlighting a bit of Calgary history.
3115 11 St. S.E., truewilddistilling.com
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