Cisco Whale's Tale Pale Ale

Cisco Whale's Tale Pale Ale is a delightful English-style pale brewed right here in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Taking the old world concept across the pond the United States, Cisco has transformed the age old style that started the whole trend of hoppy beers into something modern and elegant. Unlike many of the American-style pales that line store shelves and draught handles these days, the English variation has a bigger focus on gentle balance between caramelized malts and floral hops rather than a real in your face explosion of bitter pine. Cisco's brewmasters did a stunning job studying the old world style and heightening it to a level that will be enjoyed by those of us who don't want something too sweet, but also not something overtly bitter.

Pouring a bright amber color, the beer caresses the sides of a nonic pint glass like it was born to be there. The tiny bubbles form a small white head atop the glass, inviting us in for a sip. The aroma brings you in with hints of toasted breads and biscuits, English toffee, and herbaceous hops. The flavor has a genuine sweetness to it that instantly brings to light thoughts of grandma's brittle, fruit cake, or mild honeys. The rich malt backbone is subdued by the floral hops that showcase hints of thyme and bamboo. There is a spectacular balance of flavor here.

Cisco Whale's Tale Pale Ale is a great beer to get the summer started. Enjoy it after a brisk morning jaunt in a rowboat to a private island picnic for you and a loved one. Throw a few in the cooler for an afternoon game of horseshoes with your buddies. Sip on a glass while relaxing to your favorite tunes at the end of a long day. Enjoy it with a caramelized pork belly banh mi sandwich on French bread, covered in pickled vegetables, spicy jalapenos, and mayo.