Tox Brewing

Our Story

Hello, we are Mike and Dayne, lifelong friends from New London County. Our shared interests, from childhood through music, to craft beer and brewing, have led us on an exciting journey that culminated in the creation of Tox Brewing Company. Our friendship dates back to preschool, and we've been inseparable since fifth grade, creating memories and exploring countless avenues together.

It was a shared love for brewing that truly forged the path for Tox. A few years ago, we crossed paths with Jon, a talented brewer and kindred spirit. His experience and passion amplified our enthusiasm, and soon, our homebrew sessions began to outnumber gigs at local bars. We craved a more dedicated space to explore our craft, and the idea of Tox Brewing was born. That Thanksgiving week in 2015, standing over a repurposed Igloo cooler, stirring hot water into grains, we solidified our shared dream. It was a moment of pure inspiration, a vision of a brewery built on our passion, commitment, and a love for exceptional beer.

Dedicated to Quality

Our journey has been one of relentless pursuit of quality. Every batch of Tox beer is a testament to this dedication. We meticulously test every recipe, ensuring that only our finest creations reach your glass. Consistency is paramount to us. A beer should taste the same today as it did yesterday, and the day before. We hold ourselves to an unwavering standard, never compromising on the quality and flavor that defines Tox.

Community and Responsibility

Our brewery is more than just a place to make beer; it's a part of our community. We believe in giving back and supporting local charities that uplift our neighborhood. Tox Brewing is committed to being a responsible member of our society, and we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.

Brewers With a Passione

Dayne, with his PharmD and experience in clinical toxicology, brings a unique perspective to brewing. His interest in medicinal plants and poisonous properties adds an intriguing dimension to our brand. Mike, our Head Brewer, leads the charge in the brewhouse, his skills honed through years of dedication and experimentation. We are a team of passionate individuals, driven by a love for craft brewing and a desire to create something truly special. We might not be MBA graduates or venture capitalists, but we are beer lovers and explorers at heart.

Meet the Team

• Dayne:

Dayne is the co-owner and also handles the finances and accounting for Tox. He earned his PharmD from UConn and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in clinical toxicology in Atlanta, Georgia. He's now a tenured associate professor at the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy. He works as a practicing emergency medicine pharmacist and is a board-certified clinical toxicologist, often consulting on cases involving patient poisoning. In his free time, Dayne cultivates a passion for medicinal plants. He founded a medicine garden in West Hartford, displaying 40 different medicinal and toxic plant species.

• Mike Z.:

Mike is the other co-owner and acts as the Head Brewer. He also manages marketing and distribution for the brewery. Prior to starting Tox, Mike worked in supply chain roles after graduating from UConn in 2009. When he's not brewing, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife Lily, their son Theodore, and their dog Berkeley.

Toxin Brewing is a brewpub dedicated to crafting unique and flavorful beers, driven by our passion and commitment to quality.

We invite you to join us on this journey, to share in our triumphs, and to witness the realization of our vision.