OK, OK… Its actually Wild Rose Brewery & Tap Room. Yet, the location is an old military barracks in Calgary. And, that’s about all this is truly known about the building that Wild Rose occupies. In fact, their website has a section devoted to finding out more about the building numbered AF23 by the military:
Help us learn more about Wild Rose Brewery’s home in Building AF23 on the Currie Barracks.
The story so far … we are located in a quonset (it’s green). That’s the easy part. The building used to be used as a military clothing supply store. Jackie Chan filmed a movie here. Hmmm …we know that the history is much richer, but we need your assistance. -from wildrosebrewery.com
I was brought to Wild Rose on a very cold December Thursday afternoon. The place itself is quite well hidden and on or near part of a military base. As we drove in, we actually passed a couple guard houses. I highly recommend getting good directions before going or bringing along a veteran with experience finding the place.
We parked and approached the building. To me, it still appeared to be just an old barracks until I noticed a couple signs identifying the Wild Rose itself. The Restaurant decor is self described as “Recycled Industrial” so don’t expect a lot of frills on the inside. In the spirit of going green, the Wild Rose has reused a great deal of objects, they don’t offer straws, they use paper instead of styrofoam, and they use low wattage bulbs.
Wild Rose Brewery (image taken from wildrosebrewery.com)
I must admit… I was very cold this day. Once we entered the Wild Rose, I would like to have had a bit more warmth, eh? Native Canadians were sporting shorts, yet being from Arizona I had yet to adjust. I turned to the menu for help and immediately spotted the chili and ordered it up along with a beer flight.
The chili arrived hot and thick. I love a chili that has substance and flavor and this one fit the bill perfectly. The beer flight was excellent as well. Wild Rose brews everything from light to dark so they are sure to please any beer lover. From Wheats to IPAs, the sampler incorporates 8 different beers! You can learn more about their specific brews at their website. Their best selling bottled beer is the WRaspberry Ale and it truly offers wonderful aromas and flavors of tart brought out by the raspberries. Another favorite of mine was the WRed Wheat Ale. Wonderfully refreshing with hints of caramel.
On your next trip to Calgary, stop in to Wild Rose if you can find it and give these brews a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Book your next trip at etraveldealer.com and we’ll see you in the bar!
