Steam Whistle Brewing

Last updated
Steam Whistle Brewing
Industry Alcoholic beverage
Founded2000
Headquarters Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Products Beer
Production output
80,000 hectolitres as of 2013
OwnerGreg Taylor, Cam Heaps and Greg Cromwell (independent)
Website steamwhistle.ca
The Steam Whistle Brewing Roundhouse in Toronto, Ontario. Steam Whistle Brewing Toronto Canada.jpg
The Steam Whistle Brewing Roundhouse in Toronto, Ontario.

Steam Whistle Brewing is an independent brewery in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 2000 by three former employees of Upper Canada Brewing Company after that company was acquired by a larger corporation. [1] Steam Whistle is best known for producing a single flagship beer, Steam Whistle Pilsner [2] , which has become one of Canada’s most recognized independent beers. The company also produces New Belgium Brewing Company brands for the Canadian market. [2]

Contents

The brewery occupies Bays 1–14 in the John Street Roundhouse building at Roundhouse Park. Built in 1929, it was previously the home of a Canadian Pacific Railway steam locomotive repair facility and operated as such until May 13, 1988. The John Street Roundhouse is designated a National Historic Site and is owned by the City of Toronto.

The company operates the annual Steam Whistle's Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival (RHCBF). [3]

The brewery was the first customer of renewable energy project, the Deep Lake Water Cooling System. [4]

History

The idea for Steam Whistle originated during a camping trip, where the founders, who were just laid off from Upper Canada Brewing, called themselves the “Three fired guys” or 3FG. [5] They envisioned starting a brewery that would focus on a single premium beer brewed with time-honored techniques. From its early beginnings in 2000, the company grew from a small operation in the Roundhouse into a nationally distributed brand.

Steam Whistle’s guiding motto, “Do one thing really, really well,” reflects its commitment to brewing only one style of beer. Over more than two decades, this philosophy has distinguished it from many North American craft breweries that emphasize variety. The brewery has continued to use four natural ingredients: water, malted barley, hops and yeast [6] , while following traditional European brewing methods.

The company and its staff are widely referred to as “The Good Beer Folks,” highlighting the community-driven culture behind the brand and supporting the employees who make the company what it is. Steam Whistle has also become recognizable on Canadian streets through its retro vintage fleet, which includes restored vintage vans and trucks. [7]

25th Anniversary and Recognition

In 2025, Steam Whistle Brewing celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter century as a staple in Ontario’s craft beer industry. [8] Over the years, the brewery has earned consistent recognition for both its beer and business practices.

Steam Whistle has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 15 consecutive years. [9]

Awards

Steam Whistle has won several awards, including Canada's Best Managed Companies. [10] In 2004, Steam Whistle Pilsner was voted best beer in the Greater Toronto Area at the Golden Tap Awards. [11] Awards for product quality include a Silver for Steam Whistle Pilsner in the 2016 Ontario Brewing Awards, [12] [13] and a Gold medal at the 2012 Canadian Brewing Awards for their Steam Whistle Pilsner. [14]

References

  1. ↑ "Steam Whistle Brewery keeps Toronto's history on the rails". Spacing Toronto. 2013-05-10. Retrieved 2019-11-10.
  2. 1 2 "Steam Whistle Brewing Discontinues All Brands Except Pilsner". Canadian Beer News. July 18, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Steam Whistle's Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival Returns". Taps Magazine. Taps Media. 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017. By opening our doors and inviting other provinces, we're helping bridge the gap and taking a step towards building a thriving Canadian craft brewing industry
  4. ↑ "Enwave and Toronto Water tap into innovative energy source".
  5. ↑ "About". Steam Whistle Brewing. Retrieved 2025-09-16.
  6. ↑ "Take a Look at Steam Whistle's Nutritional Info (And How it Compares) | Steam Whistle". Steam Whistle Brewing. Retrieved 2025-09-16.
  7. ↑ "Meet the Steam Whistle Fleet | Colorful Vans, Unique Stories". Steam Whistle Brewing. Retrieved 2025-09-16.
  8. ↑ "Toronto brewery has survived for 25 years amid Ontario's evolving alcohol industry". www.blogto.com. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  9. ↑ "Steam Whistle's 15-Year Journey As One Of Canada's Best Managed Companies | Good Beer Folks". Steam Whistle Brewing. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  10. ↑ Marinigh, Lauren (23 February 2016). "Spotlight on Steam Whistle Brewing: Brewing Up a Successful Beer Business". Futurpreneur. Futurpreneur Canada. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  11. ↑ "Winners". Golden Tap Awards. Retrieved 2019-11-10.
  12. ↑ "Awards". Steam Whistle. Steam Whistle Brewing. 2017. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  13. ↑ "Winners". Ontario Brewing Awards. Ontario Brewing Awards. April 29, 2016. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  14. ↑ "Winners 2012". Canadian Brewing Awards. TAPS Media Inc. 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2017.

43°38′28″N79°23′07″W / 43.641095°N 79.385265°W / 43.641095; -79.385265

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