True Wild Distilling unveiled its transformation of one of Alberta’s earliest electrical substations into a distillery, restaurant and event space on Nov. 19, 2024.

Situated inside a restored heritage building with historic, industrial and art deco elements, True Wild Distilling boasts multiple event spaces, a restaurant and experience centre that allows guests to take a peek into the distilling process through venue-hosted tours and tastings.

“This urban estate we’ve created is something brand new for Calgary’s incredible food and beverage scene,” said Bryce Parsons, founder and CEO, True Wild Distilling. “Converting a 1911 electrical substation into a world-class distillery, restaurant and events space has been quite the undertaking, but we’re so excited to finally invite Calgarians and visitors in to experience what True Wild has to offer!”

While seated among towering Canadian-made whisky and gin stills, which includes Canada’s tallest copper pot alembic still, restaurant patrons will dine on locally-sourced, live fire-grilled proteins and vegetable dishes that are infused with the unique flavour profile that only charcoal can impart. Of course, a restaurant inside a distillery wouldn’t be complete without an innovative cocktail program, and True Wild’s mixology team has blended its house-distilled spirits with curated ingredients to create a menu teeming with classic cocktails. A selection of local craft beers, as well as a wine list, round out the drink menu.

From sophisticated gins to bespoke Canadian malt whisky, True Wild is part of a new era of distilling in Canada. Available upon opening are Breaker Box Gin, Breaker Box Vodka and Roper’s Hold Whisky. Those awaiting the upcoming True Wild Whisky, which sits between a Scottish malt and American single malt, will need to be patient for the next few years as the spirit ages in-house. The end result will be worth the wait, though, as the anticipated “new whisky of Alberta” promises to be unlike anything seen in the province to date.