Born out of a passion for producing quality beverages, in 1997 Nantucket Vineyard and Cisco Brewery joined forces. Nantucket Vineyard, founded by Dean and Melissa Long in 1981, tried for years to grow grapes on the island, but Mother Nature refused to cooperate. Today, they import the finest grapes from California, Washington state and New York, allowing them to focus on the fermentation and production side of winemaking. They produce some of the region’s best wines.
Cisco Brewery was founded by Randy and Wendy Hudson. Wendy started homebrewing, met Randy, bought him a homebrewing kit, and the love affair began – Randy, and Wendy and beer! They took jobs at (and rented the loft over) the winery in 1992. Enjoying both wine and beer, their first backyard “nano” (smaller than a micro) brewery was America’s only outdoor brewery!
A lot has changed: Jay Harman, hired in 1996, now runs the operation: the new Brew Shack opened in September, 1996. In 2000, they were licensed to make distilled spirits under the name of Triple Eight Distillery; and Matt Lambo (and his 1975 VW) were put in charge of distribution, public relations, events and promotions. Today the brewery, winery and distillery share location, fame and success, featured in the Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, on CNBC, and backed by your Favorite Beer of the Month Club!
Indie Pale Ale IPA is an American IPA that’s a beautiful orange-red with a full, malty body balanced by a fruity apricot/grapefruit nose. Mounds of dark Summit hops in the whirlpool and dry-hop additions provide a delicious finish to this great brew.
Grey Lady Ale Belgian Style Wit is named for the often foggy island where it is brewed. A wheat beer, it’s fermented with Belgian yeast, brewed with fresh fruit and spices. Dry, spicy and so unique.
Featured Beer from Cisco Brewery: Indie Pale Ale IPA and Grey Lady Belgian Wit Ale
IPA – Cisco Brewery’s Indie Pale Ale IPA – With Summit hops, how could this East-meets-West Coast brew miss? Refreshing, this top-fermented brew needs a strong menu of peppery cheese, poultry, shellfish or sausage, but can you believe it’s great with apple pie, too?
BELGIAN WIT ALE – Cisco Brewery’s Grey Lady Ale Belgian Style Wit – This ale is top-fermented with Belgian yeast, brewed with fresh fruit and spices. It’s complex, earthy, dry and spicy. Nothing is better than Belgian Wit Ale and generous chunks of sweet cheese.
