FROM THE
COVER
TO Tox Brewing Company’s long-awaited move ushers in a new era for downtown New London
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By Elle Rahilly n a chilly, rain-soaked evening last November, Bank Street in New London buzzed with an energy that defied the weather. Art and craft beer enthusiasts alike spilled onto the sidewalks to celebrate a pair of grand openings. The Local Gallery and Event Space unveiled a new exhibition, and just across the street, Tox Brewing Company officially made its highly anticipated move downtown. Founded in 2019 by lifelong friends Mike Zaccaro and Dayne Laskey, Tox was born from a shared fascination with nature and experimentation and a love for creating exceptional beer. “There’s something very human and historic about fermentation,” says Laskey. “We’re keeping an ancient tradition alive and making it our own.” The pair, who grew up together in Gales Ferry and both attended the University of Connecticut, began homebrewing more than a decade ago. Laskey went on to become a clinical toxicologist and professor, while Zaccaro pursued a series of corporate roles before discovering a deeper calling in beer tourism and craft brewing.
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on the shoreline