Citizen Brewing is one of Calgary’s big success stories from the tumultuous craft scene that has played out in the city over the past five years. Sporting a diverse selection of beers that all have positive feedback and a charming taproom with a simple but tasty menu, Citizen has done exactly what the smart brewhouse should do: deliver beer well. No goofy gimmicks or backstory that makes no sense, they crack open their doors along a Northern avenue in Calgary and good beer flows out. Their game plan is described as “NO CORNERS CUT AND NO COMPROMISE MADE” and it shows in the steady excellence of their brewing. Over 60 beers have emerged from their operation, with a half-dozen year-round that stay on the taps, and the rest are ideas that struck in the night and resulted in great experiments. The Bahama Trauma is a New England-style IPA with a strong pine hop profile and a few tasty fruit flavours in the back closet. Serves well at 8°C and should be enjoyed promptly.