YYC's own European beer maker

By Aldin Avdic

Lint Stephenson was a tail gunner for the Canadian Air Force during World War Two was shot down in the Netherlands during a bombing raid. Stephensen was then found by German soldiers and taken away to a concentration camp.

After his camp was liberated in 1945, Stephenson would find himself in a foreign land, not just physically but mentally, as he was battling his nightmares from his time in the camp.

Remembering his legacy, Cael Tucker and Mike Macloed opened Tailgunner Brewing Company.

Seth a server from Australia told me their story about their in-house beers, brewed with a more European taste. Their head brewer, Blake Enemark spent some time around Europe and has tried to emulate European craft and passion.

According to Best Beer Festivals, European beers are steeped in tradition, with a focus on consistency, classic styles, and regional identity.

I asked him bluntly if the beers were expensive. He gave me a raised eyebrow telling me, "People look at me funny when I give them the tab, 'that’s it, you sure you haven’t forgotten something,' no that’s the price.” Seth told me that he believed the place should increase its prices. He did say that the affordable prices keep people coming back

Being a brewery, Tailgunner makes its beers in-house. Seth told me that the owners saw how other makers here in Calgary provided poor-tasting alcohol. “The flavours here are richer than the other places around here,” Seth said.

Most beers served in Calgary often include a sour taste, bitter aftertaste and poor flavour. Tailgunner offers a richer profile of flavours in their selections of beers.

Seth explained their unique way of making beers. Most of the information went straight over my head with all the big words he told me. From what I gathered, their process of making beer retains more of the flavours of the carbs used. Their filtration system is better at retaining the flavours during the process of fermentation.

Tailgunner Brewery hosts trivia night on Tuesdays which “brings in a crowd.” Seth said. On Wednesday they have "guess the tune". The Brewery also hosts local bands from time to time.

The building is shared between two different businesses. The place used to only serve alcohol, but a local pizza joint, Acme Pizza Co., moved in.

The bar was scattered with old WW2 memorabilia. Around the place, you can marvel at the 1950s radio and phone, a picture of paratroopers from the 20th century and a RCAF uniform.

The place sports a modern clean look. It was nicely lit, a warm amber colour. The Music played was loud enough to be heard but not too loud to prevent a conversation from happening.

At Tailgunner's the beer is the highlight. when you pair it with the pizza you’re going to have a good time. If you're looking for a pub with a story only told in Hollywood and a unique feel, you’re in luck as this place checks all the boxes. At Tailgunner's you can enjoy beer, pizza and the legacy of an old vet.