About Us

Bryan Hackman is the owner of Cotee River Brewing Company in historic downtown New Port Richey.  An avid beer lover, Hackman decided to open his own brewery in his hometown in 2018. Hackman has enjoyed learning about beer over the past 15 years and when an opportunity presented itself to open the first brewery in his town, he jumped at the chance to make a lasting impression for visitors and residents alike. 

What began as a homebrewing passion quickly developed into a desire to create delicious and unique beverages for groups beyond is friends and family. He watched as his hometown started to transition into a vibrant destination and he knew it was time to let people know how “cool” the downtown was becoming by opening a brewery, to help draw guests from out of town. 

Hackman brewed the first commercially produced beer, Market Fresh Wheat (a collaboration beer using Market Fresh herbal tea from his wife, Kelly’s tea company, Driftwood Tea Company) in New Port Richey in August 2018, on a 1-barrel system. After several months it became evident that the beer scene in the area was growing and that he would need to produce more beer for his guests. In November 2019, he upgraded to a three-barrel system, which is still in use today. 

Hackman’s brewing facility is located in the same building as his taproom, so guests can enjoy the aromas of fresh brewing beer and can see the process of making beer when they visit. The taproom is comfortably designed, lending a nod to the history of the Pithlachascotee (aka Cotee) River, of which the brewery was inspired. Guests can enjoy seeing historic photos of the river as well as take in the rustic and chic design of wood and metal throughout. 

Since opening his brewery, Hackman has carved out a unique place in his town’s landscape, drawing guests throughout the Southeastern United States and beyond.  

Cotee River Brewing Company is the first brewery opened in the City of New Port Richey.  Currently using a 3-barrel brewing system, Cotee River enjoys creating smaller batches of beer to ensure the beer stays fresh for our guests to enjoy.

Our brewing facility is located in the same place as our taproom, so it is possible to watch our brewers as they make beer, while you sit and enjoy a fresh pint.  

Our brewer welcomes questions and enjoys visiting with guests at the brewery.  If you are ever visiting while they are brewing, be sure to pop your head in and say hi and see what they are up to. 

At Cotee River Brewing Company, we take pride in crafting quality ales that reflect our passion for brewing. Each batch is meticulously brewed using the finest ingredients to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Located in historic downtown New Port Richey, our comfortably designed location with a nod to the history of the Pithlachascotee (aka Cotee) River, is where guests can enjoy seeing old historic photos of the river on the walls. 

Moderately decorated in "River" design, the environment is rustic and chic with a mix of wood and metal.

A small stage welcomes musicians on Saturday evenings, making The River the most comfortable and relaxing atmosphere in downtown.