The cozy atmosphere of the Wild Rose Taproom will soon be no more.

I was in Calgary briefly this weekend for a work commitment. Just one night, which meant I couldn’t arrange much. But I did decide to make the trip to Wild Rose’s Tap Room since I knew I could get a couple of beer not available elsewhere.

As it worked out I got the very last glass of their New Zealander Tripel, which was a decent tripel with a bit of a sweet edge to it. I also tried the Gose Rider on tap, which I will talk about another time.

What I want to talk about at the moment is the recognition that it is likely the last time I will ever sit at the bar in the Wild Rose Tap Room. I was told by the bartender that the room is slated for closure December 15, with demolition shortly after that. You see, the old army base where the Tap Room’s famous green quonset sits is an active redevelopment site and soon will be posh housing.

Wild Rose has thought ahead and is soon to open its new, much enlarged, brewery in southwest Calgary, which much larger capacity and new equipment. Their issue, however, is what to do with their retail space. The new brewery is not well situated for a tap room, which means they need to either find somewhere new or give up on the concept (which would be a shame).

When I inquired into the fate of the current brewhouse, the bartender (who I appreciate may not the most “in the know” source) speculated that it will be relocated to a new tap room where it will produce special one-off batches for the brewery. Where that location might be was unknown at this time.

I have always enjoyed the atmosphere of the Tap Room. Small, fairly cozy, understated decor. No televisions and the music is never too loud. The focus is always on the beer. As it should be. I regularly found myself striking up conversations with complete strangers sitting next to me at the bar. As is only appropriate for a place like that.

So, it might be around for a few months yet, but I want to tip my hat to that green quonset, inside which many good beer have been brewed over the years. Farewell, AF23.