Good Beer Folk: O'Neil Taylor

How long have you been a part of the Steam Whistle / Good Beer Folk family?

O’Neil: I started in August 2017 (last year) so I’m still relatively new.

What is your position at Steam Whistle?

O’Neil: I am a Quality Assurance Lab Technician.

How long have you been in your role of Quality Assurance Lab Technician?

O’Neil: Since August when I first started at the brewery.

Can you describe your role?

O’Neil: Mostly I do a lot of the testing. That includes micro biological and chemical. I test everything from the color and bitterness of our Pilsner to checking the health of the yeast, things like that.

How has your role evolved since you first started?

O’Neil: With my work experience since I first started, I’ve accumulated a ton of knowledge with how the lab operates and what is needed to be completed on a daily basis. This has allowed me to use this knowledge and train new employees. I’ve definitely done a lot more hands on training including teaching and implementing new methods with what we’re using in our lab facility today.

Were you always interested in the brewing industry (or) why did you apply at Steam Whistle?

O’Neil: Honestly it’s pretty funny. I was literally just looking for a job when I graduated university. My major was biology so I was looking at anything in that industry. I saw a job opening in the lab at Steam Whistle and I’ve drank the beer many times, I had even gone on a brewery tour and had nothing but super positive things to say about the company. So I was like, hey why not, I can work in a lab…and work with BEER! Wow. Dream job? Yes!

If you had to choose, what would be your favorite aspect about coming in to work at the brewery?

O’Neil: Interacting with my co-workers. Whenever a problem comes up, we work so well together as a team to find a solution. I love everyone I work with!

How would you describe Pure Pilsner?

O’Neil: I feel like over the years we have perfected the Euro Pilsner. To me, pure means – authentic, perfection, and quality. We are referred to as Pure Pilsner because we don’t cut corners with our ingredients and brewing processes. We list exactly what we put in our beer and share every step of our brewing process to our beer drinkers. We excel in terms of our authenticity and particularly stand out in the craft beer industry for this.

What makes Steam Whistle stand out as a brand?

O’Neil: We’re authentic and Canadian. We always have this implemented into our brand, everything from our products to our vision, even to the building the brewery resides in (The Roundhouse is a very historic Canadian heritage building). It’s really unique.

What is a Steam Whistle initiative that means a lot to you?

O’Neil: Having an actual lab facility in house instead of sending it off to third parties who don’t entirely know what they’re doing. This brings us back to our level of authenticity and care. We are in total control of our quality assurance and that makes me very proud.

Is it true when people say the Steam Whistle culture is contagious?

O’Neil: Yeah, it is! At the end of your shift even if you had a long, hard, busy day going out on our staff patio and hanging out with fellow coworkers makes you realize what you’re doing this all for. This social interaction with other Good Beer Folks allows me to relax, and take a weight off my shoulders.

Where is your favorite place to enjoy a Steam Whistle (other than The Roundhouse)?

O’Neil: Honestly a good buddy of mine has a condo right by here with a beautiful rooftop patio. It’s an amazing view of the Toronto skyline (and you can see Steam Whistle!) It’s such a cool spot to toast with a Pilsner.

What is one word you could use to describe your work experience at Steam Whistle?

O’Neil: Rewarding.