25 Years of Steam Whistle: Built on Hard Work, Great Beer & Good People

On March 22, 2000, the Three Fired Guys—Greg Taylor, Greg Cromwell and Cam Heaps watched the first bottle of Steam Whistle Pilsner roll off the line, marking the beginning of a journey that would shape Canada’s craft beer scene. Fueled by a love of beer and a belief that Canadians deserved a world-class Pilsner, these entrepreneurs set out to build something different, an independent brewery that valued tradition over trends.

For 25 years, we’ve proudly brewed just one beer, our iconic Steam Whistle Pilsner and done it really, really well. Staying true to our roots, we’ve used only four all-natural ingredients and followed time-honored brewing traditions. While the craft beer industry evolved around us, we remained steadfast in our commitment to making Canada’s Premium Beer.

Steam Whistle has grown from a small upstart brewery in the historic John Street Roundhouse into one of Canada's most recognized independent brewers. Our landmark home, a retired Canadian Pacific Railway Roundhouse at the foot of the CN Tower, is a place where community, culture, and craft are celebrated. Every day, a historic railway steam whistle sounds from our roof, reminding us of the reward at the end of a hard day’s work—raising a glass of great beer with great people.

From the very beginning, we’ve stood by our motto: DO ONE THING REALLY, REALLY WELL. Steam Whistle is unique in North America for being a brewery that brews just one beer, perfecting our craft with every batch. Our dedication has made Steam Whistle Pilsner the favourite independent craft brand of Canadians, a true testament to quality and consistency.

But our story isn’t just about beer—it’s about the people behind it. The Steam Whistle Team, affectionately known as The Good Beer Folks, are the heart and soul of this company. Their passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication have been the driving force behind our success. From our founders’ vision around a campfire on a canoe trip to the vibrant community we’ve built today, Steam Whistle has always been about bringing people together.

And let’s not forget our iconic Retro Vehicle Fleet, a nod to our brand’s nostalgic vibe. What started as beat-up white vans transformed into classics like the Steam Machine, Retro Electro, and Betty, keeping our legacy of fun and old-school charm alive on the streets.

To every person that has ever raised a pint, bottle, or can of Steam Whistle Pilsner: THANK YOU. You are our reason for coming to work in the morning. Your support over the past 25 years has meant everything to us.

Join us as we raise a glass to a quarter-century of great beer, unforgettable memories, and the community that’s made it all possible.

Here’s to 25 more years of hard work, great beer, and the Good Beer Folks & customers who made it all possible.

Thank you, Canada! 🍻