About Us
WILDLY ADVENTUROUS, SIMPLY DELICIOUS
Leading the Evolution of Canadian Spirits
At True Wild, we’re breaking the mold of expected spirits and leading the charge of a new era of distilling in Canada. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, it’s the perfect place to draw inspiration from our breathtaking natural surroundings, expansive lush prairie, as well as our innovative people.
The History of the Building
This building is deeply woven into the history of Calgary. Completed in 1911, this concrete cast-in-place structure is an unusual and early example of an all-concrete building that was home to Calgary Power’s (later TransAlta’s) first substation. The space served as a wholesale supplier of electricity to The City of Calgary during a time of the city’s expansive growth – only one year later he world famous Calgary Stampede was established.
Upon entering you’ll notice the breathtaking, restored cast-iron spiral staircase, an original component of the building that once led upstairs to the substation’s control room. Other nods to the building’s history include a repositioned original crane and engaged pilasters, which are juxtapositioned against the newer charred wood walls and grand brass distilling equipment.
Over the years the building has led many colourful lives, most recently as a hot rod restoration shop. We’re proud to call this space home and have worked tirelessly alongside our design partners, Calgary-based FRANK Architecture & Design, to restore the historic property. Any intervention of the original structure was carefully considered to stay true to the historic and unique art deco elements of the building.
