I’ve had the incredible opportunity to help shape what will soon be Calgary’s premier distillery, restaurant, and event space. This journey began in early 2020 when I was searching for a building that could house a distillery or, at the very least, store whisky barrels. Specific attributes are needed for such a space due to the hazards associated with the distilling process. When I first walked into what is now True Wild, I saw immense potential. What I didn’t see coming was a global pandemic that would add new layers of complexity to our ambitious vision.
In April 2020, Neil Braun, now one of my business partners, called to introduce himself as the owner of the building—one I had previously viewed when it was for sale, unaware he already owned it. He asked if I believed a distillery could work in the space. My response? “There is no better building that I see in Calgary.” Neil and Evan Hunchak, our other partner, shared an aligned vision: I was searching for the right space to build a distillery, and they had the building but needed someone with distilling expertise. It was a perfect match. Despite lockdowns, restrictions, and challenges, we pushed forward, forming a partnership that brought True Wild Distilling to life. It took two and a half years to secure city approval and over a year to build the space. Along the way, we collaborated with an incredible team, including Frank Architecture for design, Thoroughbred Spirits for business planning and packaging, and Revival Stillworks for distillation equipment, among many others. The support of investors from Winnipeg to Vancouver Island also played a critical role in making this dream a reality.
“We pushed forward, forming a partnership that brought true wild distilling to life. It took two and a half years to secure city approval”
Neil and Evan are serial entrepreneurs. Evan is based in Saskatchewan, while Neil, who is in British Columbia, runs Road to Racing (R2R), Canada’s only motorsports charity. We all brought different strengths to the table but shared the same goal: to create a distillery that would stand as a beacon for Alberta’s modern whisky scene. Calgary, despite none of us living here, was the perfect place for this vision.We explored other locations but always found ourselves drawn back to this city.
Gin has seen a resurgence over the past decade, and while the market has become more competitive, customers continue to seek brands that resonate with them. At True Wild, we’ve embraced this demand with our Breaker Box Dry Gin, which delivers an elegant, refined martini experience. However, we also recognized that simply offering spirits and cocktails wouldn’t be enough. Today’s consumers crave more than just drinks—they want an immersive experience. That’s why we made the deliberate decision to include a full restaurant. This isn’t the norm for most distilleries, which typically focus on tasting rooms, but we wanted to create a complete environment where guests could enjoy exceptional food, outstanding spirits, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Our location in Calgary’s Highfield neighbourhood surprises many guests. This historic industrial area is relatively unknown, yet it offers breathtaking views of the downtown skyline and the massive Ogden rail yard. The contrast between our elegant, modern space and the surrounding industrial landscape makes True Wild a destination unlike any other.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our commitment to Canadian craftsmanship. Our distillation and brewing equipment are Canadian-designed and fabricated—something that isn’t as common as you might think in Canadian whisky-making. This dedication to homegrown talent extends to every aspect of True Wild, from our custom chandeliers and stained glass to our locally crafted tables and furniture.
Every piece was designed and built with pride, reflecting our belief in showcasing the best of Canada.
When people step into True Wild Distilling, they often describe it as a “complete thought.” The vision for our Canadian malt whisky set the bar, and every detail in the space—from the materials to the layout—was designed to elevate that vision. The raw, industrial nature of whisky production is balanced by warm, natural materials like oak, marble, granite, and leather. High ceilings and an open layout prevent the space from feeling crowded, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Our team is another major part of what makes True Wild special. When you’re seated in our space, you’re surrounded by passion on three sides. Our distillers work tirelessly to craft world-class products. Our kitchen team prepares each meal with precision and care, their work on display in our open finishing kitchen. And our bartenders execute an inventive cocktail menu that showcases our spirits. There are no TVs here—just a team that’s excited to share their craft with every guest who walks through our doors.
At True Wild, we don’t adhere to a specific cuisine. Instead, we focus on highlighting the incredible food found around us, treating both protein and produce as equals. Our commitment to working with local producers and embracing seasonality sets us apart in a city where this approach is surprisingly rare. When it comes to drinks, we offer only what we make—gin, vodka, and whisky. No rum, no tequila, and we’ve never had a complaint. Our Martini program is a guest favourite, offering a truly bespoke experience where patrons can tailor their drink to their exact preferences.
Our flexible event spaces accommodate a range of group sizes, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. The restaurant floor seats about 40 guests, while our mezzanine can hold up to 25. Our second-floor event space seats 84 and can accommodate 120 standing, while our patio, available in warmer months, seats around 88 and offers protection from unexpected weather with two fire pits to keep guests cozy!
As an independent distillery, we know that we can’t compete with the massive legacy players in terms of scale. Instead, we focus on what we do best—offering an unparalleled experience in an environment where every detail matters. True Wild Distilling isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s a destination where guests can gather, connect, and be immersed in a space that tells a story. We set out to create something truly unique, and I believe we’ve done just that.
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