I felt this desire to make better beer. While studying in London, I developed a passion for quality ales and when I returned to Connecticut with my family, I knew I wanted to leave consulting and turn my passion into a business. I worked hard to master my craft. My wife, Ann, and I opened the doors to Cottrell and on February 28, 1997, we rolled the first keg of Old Yankee Ale down Mechanic Street to our local watering hole, CC O'Brien's. Our mission was then, and is still now, to produce the best product that we can using fresh, natural, quality ingredients.

If you haven’t tried Cottrell , you are missing out on a uniquely brewed, quality product steeped in New England history and great taste. Cottrell is something I hold dear to my heart and I want to share it with the world

Mechanic St brewery closed in 2022 and brand sold to Powder Hollow Brewing.