A pint for what ales you
by Megan Darragh
Photos by Kelsey Hipkin. The Wild Rose Brewery & Taproom has become well known for the exposed copper vats behind the bar, its rustic decor, and for their party pigs.
What goes better with a warm winter’s day than a mouthwatering, perfectly chilled pint of beer? Well for those of us who can’t get enough, the only thing better than a pint of beer is a pitcher.
Kolin Krokis, a brewer and beer enthusiast at the Wild Rose Brewery, has been studying the science and art of brewing beer for over a decade.
“I like [brewing] because it never gets boring,” Krokis explains. He says that it’s not just the science of the job that keeps him interested; he enjoys the more physically demanding
aspect as well.
Wild Rose Brewery & Taproom is a local brewery situated right beside the Calgary Farmers’ Market, and just across the street from Mount Royal University. They have been awarded FFWD Weekly’s ‘Best Kept Calgary Secret’ these last two years and their selection of beer is broad enough to cater to anyone’s taste buds and wallet.
Kiera Winship, a 23-year-old open studies student at MRU, explains
that she can taste the difference
from other beers, “[Wild Rose] doesn’t taste watered down or cheap.” Winship’s favourite beer is the WRaspberry Ale, which is offered
at the Liberty Lounge.
Craig Oldfield, a 33-year-old general
studies student says, “ I like the variety of beer Wild Rose offers and that I am buying locally. I think it’s just as affordable as any other micro-
brew beer.”
Wild Rose’s brew is not just easy on the wallet and mouth but is also environmentally friendly. They recycle
many of the ingredients used in the brewing process, like yeast and water, by using them in future brews. Local farmers are also able to pick up – free of charge – the spent grains, a byproduct of brewing beer, which are good for their cattle.
brewing process could take as long or longer than three weeks. There are only four ingredients involved in making beer: maltic barley (malt), water, hops to add aroma and bitterness, and yeast, making it easy to brew at home. All you need is a home brewer kit and a little bit of knowledge. After all the mashing, rinsing, boiling, cooling and filtering (just to name a few steps), comes the enjoyment of a well-deserved beer.
Wild Rose is a big supporter of local
brewers. “We want to support the community because the community are our biggest supporters,” Krokis says. The brewery and taproom hosts Yeast Wrangler club meetings the first Wednesday of every month.
The meetings are for local brewers to come together and talk about all things brew-related. Home-brewers are even encouraged to bring in their personal creations and receive feedback from the club’s experts.
According to Krokis, being a local brewery means you see a lot of regulars. The farmers who come to pick up the grains even love the beer.
Scott Ragan, one of the many regulars at the Wild Rose Brewery & Taproom, says that it isn’t only the unique taste of the beer that keeps him coming back.
“The most compelling reason in favour
of the brewery itself is the very [friendly] environment and relaxed attitudes
of the staff and other patrons. While the beer provides an excellent reason to visit, it’s the atmosphere I [love], that keeps the regulars coming back,” Ragan explains.
Whether you prefer a fruitier flavor such as WRaspberry Ale or a bitter beer like the India Pale Ale, for the more experienced
drinker, Wild Rose has it all and can be experienced at a number of places other than the brewery itself. The Ship & Anchor, Original Joe’s and the Liberty Lounge are only some of the places in the city that carry at least one or two types of the beer that is well worth a try.
With its growing clientele and loyal followers, the only way for these local beer buffs to go is up.
