Steam Whistle Brewing Awards

Ontario Brewing Awards

Ontario Brewing Awards - Czech Lager - Silver

Gold - 2020 Canadian Brewing Awards

Steam Whistle Brewing wins Gold at the 2020 Canadian Brewing Awards in the English Style Pale Ale Category.

Lonely Planet's Global Beer Tour

In May 2017, Steam Whistle was selected as 1 of only 8 Canadian Breweries to appear in the Lonely Planet’s newest book, The Global Beer Tour Guide. Researched and compiled by Lonely Planet’s network of beer-loving travel writers and journalists, the book helps thirsty travelers discover the world’s most authentic and delicious beverages – from classics that have been brewed for centuries, to exciting new concoctions and long forgotten regional specialities that have been recently discovered by the rest of the world. As the book’s introduction highlights, “Beer often tastes better the closer it is to home, especially if that’s straight from a tap in a tank in the actual brewery.” So allow Lonely Planet’s Global Beer Tour to help you “discover beer at its very best – direct from the source in the world’s best breweries.” We’re so honoured to be representing Canada!

Top 30 Under 30

In April 2017, Steam Whistle Good Beer Folk, Cecil Norman, was honoured by the Ontario Hostelry Institute when named to the TOP 30 UNDER 30 list. The Top 30 under 30 initiative has created an enriching vehicle that recognizes the hospitality industries’ top young performers. This recognition goes a long way to help to create and inspire future generations of hospitality leaders. This recognition program helps to make the difference that insures the future of the industry and a career-long commitment to excellence.

Attractions Ontario Finalist

In April 2017, Steam Whistle Brewing was selected as a finalist by ATTRACTIONS ONTARIO in their annual ONTARIO’S CHOICE AWARDS as voted by residents and visitors to our fair province. We’ve been named alongside many world-class tourists destinations in our City. So proud!

Best Managed Company - Platinum

In March 2017 for the 9th year in a row, Steam Whistle Brewing was named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, acknowledging us as a Canadian owned and managed company who has competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of our management abilities and practices. The Canada's Best Managed Companies designation symbolizes Canadian corporate success: management leading some of the most productive and engaged employees in the country! Hallmarks of these companies include: Fearless leadership, relentless innovation, a culture of teamwork and a commitment to change with a dynamic business environment. We are very honoured to be named among our fellow Canadian enterprises!

Golden Plate 2017

For the 6th year in a row, Steam Whistle Brewing has been named Best Beer Brewed Outside BC, by Georgia Straights in their annual ‘GOLDEN PLATES’ Readers’ Choice Awards. Such an honour to receive this award from the province that founded the craft beer movement in Canada!

Airbnb

Airbnb, the world’s largest peer-to-peer online accommodation homestay network linking people looking to rent their homes with people looking for accommodations, this week published THE BEST OF THE BEST of things to do in our hometown of Toronto, and we’re pleased to be included in their top 30 recommendations. It’s your key to the city: a definitive guide of the best local spots, as told by local Airbnb hosts.

The Great Big Taste Awards

In November 2016, Steam Whistle was very flattered to have been named the BEST BEER in the GREAT BIG TASTE AWARDS at the annual Rocky Mountain Wine Show in Edmonton, Alberta. This is a consumer’s choice award voted on by the thousands of show attendees. Thank you for the vote of good taste, Edmonton

Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence

In November 2016, Steam Whistle’s Roundhouse Craft Beer Fest was one of the top three Tourism Events of the Year at the annual Ontario Tourism Excellence Awards. For five years running, we have welcomed our craft beer brethren to Roundhouse Park outside our front doors for a summer and winter version of the festival which provides a wonderful sampling experience of the tastes of the Ontario craft beer and food trucks scene.

Ontario Brewing Awards

April marks the annual anniversary of the Ontario Brewing Awards and Steam Whistle was once again acknowledged for our quality brew, winning Silver in the Bohemian Pilsner category. This is no small feat in such a competitive craft brewing industry, and our gratitude goes out to all the Good Beer Folks devoted to creating Steam Whistle Pilsner and bringing it to the thirsty craft beer drinkers of our province.

Food in Canada's Leadership Awards

In April 2016, Food in Canada Magazine announced their 2016 Leadership Awards and among them, Steam Whistle was recognized for its Community and Industry Leadership. “The companies were selected as great examples of industry leaders that demonstrated a significant contribution to the food and beverage industry, and were deserving of recognition for their achievements in the areas of growth, innovation, stewardship, community involvement, and health and wellness, are a credit to their ownership, management and employees.” We are proud of this honour indeed!

Canada's Best Managed Companies - Platinum

In April 2016 for the 8th year in a row, Steam Whistle Brewing was named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, acknowledging us as a Canadian owned and managed company who has competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of our management abilities and practices. The Canada's Best Managed Companies designation symbolizes Canadian corporate success: companies focused on their core vision, creating stakeholder value and excelling in the global economy. We are very honoured!

TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence

In the spring of 2016, we were pleased to receive TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence award!Now in its 6th year, the prestigious Certificate of Excellence designation recognises hospitality establishments that consistently earn great TripAdvisor reviews from travellers. The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travellers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. This recognition helps travellers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. We thank TripAdvisor’s network of global travellers who have been to our brewery and spoke in our favour!

Golden Plate 2016

Vancouver continues to show Steam Whistle adoration with their March 2016 naming of our Pilsner as theBest Beer Brewed Outside of B.C. in Vancouver's influential weekly, The Georgia Straight, Annual Reader's Choice Awards, THE GOLDEN PLATES. This is the 5th year the award has been bestowed upon us. We love you back, Vancouver!

Bicycle Friendly Business Gold

In November 2015, Steam Whistle Brewing was one of 8 BIKE FRIENDLY BUSINESSES recognized at the GOLD LEVEL (34 total businesses between gold, silver and bronze categories) across Ontario by Share the Road Cycling Coalition in Ontario’s first Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) awards. Businesses were judged on their efforts across “The 4 Es” – Engineering, Encouragement, Education and Evaluation, to determine their award level. “Share the Road is excited to recognize businesses that are choosing to invest in cycling,” said Jamie Stuckless, Executive Director of Share the Road. “We know from research that workplaces that promote cycling experience higher productivity and lower absenteeism, all while improving talent attraction and retention. In short – when a business bikes, the business benefits. Increasingly we’re seeing the value of investing in cycling and creating a culture of active transportation in order to attract and retain talented professionals. Today we’re acknowledging businesses that are doing just that. They’re contributing to the vibrancy of their communities, both economically and culturally, and we’re excited to recognize their efforts.”

2016 Business Leaders of the Year

At the 5th Annual Business Excellence Awards at the Toronto Region Board of Trade in November 2015, Steam Whistle’s cofounders – Greg Taylor & Cam Heaps – were named 2016 Business Leaders of the Year. Winners and nominees were honoured for their business success and their impact and contribution to the local community. Eligible companies had annual revenues up to $50-million and an employee base of no more than 500 people and winners were selected by a panel of judges. The Board of Trade offered their congratulations, “The combination of Steam Whistle’s original value proposition and its dynamic marketing, along with your unique culture, is what drives the tremendous success of your company. Your story of the Three Fired Guys who now successfully run one of Toronto’s best managed companies that produces a pilsner recognized for its quality is an inspiration to our business community. Steam Whistle’s environmental consciousness continues to make it a leader on green initiatives.”

VIEW - Best of Hamilton 2015

In October 2015, Steam Whistle Pilsner was voted BEST CRAFT BREWERY in Hamilton by the readers of VIEW magazine. It’s very fulfilling to the brewery that our neighbours to the west are giving us praise as their local craft favourite. Thanks Hamilton!

Straight- Best of Vancouver 2015

In September 2015, for the 5th time, Steam Whistle Pilsner was voted BEST BEER BREWED Outside of BC by the readers of Vancouver’s Georgia Straight magazine in their annual readers’ poll for the "Best of Vancouver" issue. It means a great deal to us to be recognized this way from a province with the most ardent craft beer drinkers in the country. Thanks Vancouver!

Double Magnum Supplier of the Year

On June 3rd, 2015 Steam Whistle Brewing attended the Annual Elsie Awards hosted by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to acknowledge the best of their partners. Steam Whistle was named "Double Magnum" Supplier of the Year from among distilleries, cideries, wineries and breweries of our size. We're proud to be known for our quality Pilsner, our innovative promotions and our trusted sales and service team.

Gold Medal in the Pilsner Category at the Ontario Brewing Awards

On April 9th, Steam Whistle Brewing's Assistant Brewmaster, Colin Banting was very proud to be called on stage to receive the Gold Medal in the Pilsner Category at the Ontario Brewing Awards. This is the 4th time that our brewery has received this honour over our history and extends to all Good Beer Folks who have a hand in making our golden nectar.

Golden Plate 2015

In April 2015, Steam Whistle Pilsner was voted for the fourth year as Best Beer Brewed Outside Of B.C. in Vancouver's influential weekly, The Georgia Straight, Annual Reader's Choice Awards "The Golden Plates".Thanks Vancouver!

MBAA Brewery Award of Excellence

The purpose of the MBAA Brewery Award of Excellence is to promote the profession of brewing and to be the source for brewer's to network and improve their craft. Through this award program MBAA will be able to promote the scientific contribution breweries make to better our industry, community, and environment. The MBAA Brewery Award of Excellence will recognize outstanding achievements by a single brewery in the development and implementation of new and innovative processes that support sustainability in brewing. In April 2015, Steam Whistle Brewing was named 2nd runner up for its Optimization of Brewery Waste Management Program which saw onsite reductions to 1.0 lbs of waste/BBL, or 96% waste diversion rate at the brewery.

Canada's Best Managed Companies - Platinum

In April 2015, Steam Whistle Brewing was inducted into Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club for winning this leading Canadian business award for seven years in a row. The Award recognizes excellence in Canadian owned and managed companies who have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices. The Canada's Best Managed Companies designation symbolizes Canadian corporate success: companies focused on their core vision, creating stakeholder value and excelling in the global economy.

Best Overall Business at the Toronto Bike Awards

The awards presentation took place on November 13, 2014, paying tribute to businesses and organizations that demonstrate leadership in encouraging cycling by employees and/or customers. By doing so, these businesses are helping to promote the bicycle as a sustainable form of transportation. Steam Whistle was very honoured to have been awarded in the Best Overall Business category. The brewery's support of cycling includes: providing showers/towels/bikeracks for our staff; donating beers at the finish line of the Ride to Conquer Cancer (Alberta and Ontario) since 2010 for riders and supporters; installing a network of 17 Public Bike Repair Stations across ON/AB/BC with 12 more to be installed in 2015; building 100 custom Steam Whistle Cruiser bikes by Norco which were given away at events; sponsorship of dozens of MTB, downhill, and road racing teams and events; support of cycling advocacy groups. We love cycling!

Straight - Best of Vancouver 2014

In September 2014, Steam Whistle was chosen by the readers of Vancouver’s Georgia Straight magazine as the Best Beer Brewed Outside BC in their annual readers’ poll for the "Best of Vancouver" issue. We are flattered to have received this for the third time, especially knowing how many fantastic craft breweries there are in Canada and how well educated the BC drinkers are (first brewpub and craft brewery in Canada opened in BC launching Canada's craft beer movement). Thanks Vancouver!

Canada's Best Managed Companies

In April 2014, Cam & Greg were honoured for the seventh year in a row as one of CANADA’S BEST MANAGED COMPANIES. It is our final year to qualify for the Gold Standard denoting 6 years of sustained enterprise success. Next year will be a big one for us by qualifying for the Platinum Award which effectively names us as a lifetime achiever of Best Managed Companies status. Lots of hard but rewarding work ahead!

Golden Plate 2014

In March 2014, Vancouver's influential weekly, The Georgia Straight, released its annual Reader's Choice Awards "The Golden Plates", and Steam Whistle Brewing was very flattered to receive 1st place for the third year in the category BEST BEER BREWED OUTSIDE OF B.C. Thanks Vancouver!

Ontario Craft Brewers Conference

In October 2013 at a special awards dinner at the 2nd Annual Ontario Craft Brewers Conference, the winners of this year's OCB Centre of Excellence Awards were unveiled. The goal of the industry awards is to recognize examples of excellence among organizations that drive the craft brewing industry at the local, regional, national or international level. Initial nominations were pared down to the top three nominees per category and final voting took place online by industry peers. Steam Whistle Brewing was proud to take home two awards of the six given: Product Quality and Process Innovation, and Sustainability Accomplishments. To learn more visit ontariocraftbrewers.com.

Canada's Best Managed Companies

In February 2013, Steam Whistle Brewing was named for the sixth year as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. It was our year to requalify for the Gold Standard award denoting more than five years of sustained enterprise success and recognition in the Best Managed program. Steam Whistle is tremendously proud to be among such a worthy field of Canadian business success stories.

Clean 50

In September 2012, Steam Whistle Co-founders Greg Taylor and Cam Heaps were acknowledged for creating a culture of sustainability which inspired brewery staff to succeed as one of Canada’s Clean 50 Companies. “History has shown that it is individuals who have combined vision with action that have driven the change needed to move society through a tipping point. It was this quality we set out to recognize in our nominees, therefore we focused on individuals who have gone above and beyond, true knights who had stood up in their organizations or society to overcome the barriers and made a difference.” Click to learn more about Canada's Clean 50.

Straight - Best of Vancouver 2012

In September 2012, Steam Whistle was chosen by the readers of Vancouver’s Georgia Straight magazine as
the Best Beer Brewed Outside BC in their annual readers’ poll for the Best of Vancouver issue.

Thanks for your vote of confidence!

Canadian Brewing Awards

In June 2012, Steam Whistle was a GOLD MEDAL winner at the Canadian Brewing Awards, in the European Style Lager (Pilsner) category. The 10th annual awards were held in Montreal where the country's best brews were judged in 39 different categories, with over 550 beers entered from over 80 competitors.The Canadian Brewing Awards are the premiere competition for judging the quality of Canadian brewed beer. The contest is the only truly national competition that invites breweries of all sizes from across the country to compete in a blind tasting to see who brews the best beer in a variety of style categories. A Canadian Brewing Award medal is now a widely recognized symbol of brewing excellence in Canada. A panel of approximately 25 Certified Beer Judges (BJCP), consider five criteria: aroma, appearance, flavour, mouth-feel, and overall impression when judging the beer. The competition also serves as an important vehicle for informing the Canadian beer-drinking public about the variety of and quality of commercially available beers throughout the land. Check out the CBA website for more details.

Canada's Best Managed Companies

In February 2012, Steam Whistle Brewing was named for the fourth year as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, and thus achieving the Gold Standard award for our sustained enterprise success. The Best Managed Program established in 1993, is the country’s leading business awards program, recognizing excellence in Canadian-owned and -managed companies. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices. Visit their website for more details.

Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Awards

In October 2011, Steam Whistle Brewing was honoured by the Green Living organization in its inaugural year with the Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Award. The Excellence in Corporate Responsibility (ECR) Awards program was developed to honour and celebrate corporate Canadians for outstanding work and dedication in creating sustainable and ethical practices within the business framework. Professionals from small, medium and large corporations in a range of industries were eligible to apply. Steam Whistle's environmental committee was recognized in the TEAM category for medium-sized businesses. Click here for more details.

100 Alumni of Achievement

In October 2011, to celebrate 100 years of exceptional education Wilfrid Laurier University has partnered with their Alumni Association to create a program to recognize 100 of their most exceptional Alumni of Achievement. Steam Whistle co-founder Cam Heaps, was named among this distinguished group of 100 alumni represents a living legacy who inspire lives of leadership and purpose, and who also instil in Laurier graduates the courage to engage and challenge the world in all its complexity.

Environment Minister's Award for Environmental Excellence

In August 2011, Steam Whistle Brewing was a proud recipient of the Ontario Ministry of Environment's Minister's Award for Environmental Excellence recognizing outstanding achievement, leadership and innovation in environmental protection.

"This award recognizes home-grown environmental achievement here in Ontario. Commitments to environmental excellence benefit all of us today and for future generations. This award showcases the commitment and innovation that make Ontario an environmental leader internationally," said Ontario Environment Minister, John Wilkinson.

This year, the Minister's Award for Environmental Excellence focused on environmental achievement in two areas: toxics reduction, water protection and conservation.

Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures

In October 2010, Steam Whistle Brewing was named a Regional (Central Canada) Winner of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures™ program, in the Emerging Organizations category. This awards program has recognized leading Canadian organizations for having a culture that has helped them enhance performance and sustain a competitive advantage. The idea being that great workplaces foster a great culture that impacts performance. Steam Whistle is proud of it's family-run atmosphere that promotes a work-hard/play-hard cohesive culture.

Canada's Top Employers for Young People

On June 1st, 2010 Steam Whistle Brewing was named one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People, recognizing the many benefits offered to attract and retain younger workers to their organization. Steam Whistle's work force is an average of 30 years old, largely attracted to the fun, social product, but happy to work for a company that offers flexible work hours, health benefits and 3 weeks' vacation for first year employees, paid tuition courses, a casual and highly interactive work environment, as well as facilities for a clean air commute, numerous social events, sports teams, and of course weekly staff beer. The brewery's social responsibility as a green manufacturer and community support is also something prized by its employees.

Canada's Greenest Employers - 2010

Steam Whistle Brewing was named one of Canadas Green Employers on Earth Day, April 22nd, 2010. This special designation recognizes the employers that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations. These employers have developed exceptional earth-friendly initiatives -- and are attracting people to their organizations because of their environmental leadership. This award grew out of two remarkable speeches given by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Former US Vice-President Al Gore at the annual conference on the Canada's Top 100 Employers project in 2006 and 2007. Steam Whistle Brewing is particularly proud of this award.

Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies - 2011

On February 16, 2011, Steam Whistle Brewing was once again named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. The brewery was originally awarded this honour in 2008, and this year became a "2010 Requalified member who had successfully retained the mark of excellence as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies". Thank you for recognizing our success as the producer of a quality beer, as a good employer, as a green manufacturer and as a thriving Canadian business.

Greater Toronto Area's Top Employers

Steam Whistle Brewing is named one of GREATER TORONTO'S TOP EMPLOYERS, recognized for its great treatment of employees through programs like flexible work hours, profit sharing, employee share purchase plans and trips for long service employees.

PAC Leadership Awards

Steam Whistle won a Gold Award in the Paperboard Category for the four-can-pack and Silver Award in Decorated Corrugated Fiberboard category for the Wall-mounted Bottle Opener packaging

We would like to make a special acknowledgement of Elton Clemente and Sean Zaffino our brilliant designers and of Chris Johnston who worked so hard with our suppliers to come up with this innovative packaging.

Green Toronto Awards

On April 23, 2009, Steam Whistle Brewing was honoured by Mayor David Miller and Environmental Advocate, Ed Bradley Jr. with The Environmental Award of Excellence in the Energy Conservation category at the City's Green Toronto Awards. This honour acknowledges the work we have done to reduce our power consumption through energy efficient equipment and lighting, the use of alternative forms of energy such as 100% wind-generated Bullfrog Power, Deep Lake Water Cooling, District Steam Heat, and Bio Diesel (76,100 liters last year alone!), and through our Waste Diversion program which includes reuse, recycling and commercial composting. Thank you to our Environmental Committee for working to implement these initiatives and to all the staff for their support of this cause.

Ontario Brewing Awards

From amongst 72 beers in 16 Categories, Steam Whistle won GOLD in the Best Pilsner Category at the Ontario Brewing Awards. This is the third time we have received this honour. The awards ceremony was held Tuesday April 14th at the Bier Markt, Toronto, with the stars of Ontario's brewing industry in attendance. Our Brewmaster, Marek Mikunda, proudly accepted the award on behalf of all the Good Beer Folks.