Whale's Tale not only tastes good, but it's also got a cool logo

The “Beer-of-the-Month Club” fairy dropped off another package at my back door during the past week, and this time it included four tasty varieties of microbrewed beers.

This month’s shipment included two beers that are produced by the Cisco Brewery of Nantucket, Mass. and two that are produced by the Tied House Brewery in San Jose, Calif.

Today, I’ll focus on the two from the Cisco Brewery – Whale’s Tale Pale Ale and Bailey’s Blonde Ale. (More on the Tied House Brewery beers in a couple of days.)

Here’s what this month’s edition of Beer Expeditions has to say about the Cisco Brewery, Whale’s Tale Pale Ale and Bailey’s Blonde Ale.

“Born out of a passion for producing quality beverages, in 1997 Nantucket Vineyard and Cisco Brewery joined forces. Nantucket Vineyard was founded by Dean and Melissa Long in 1981, who 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 Brewers was founded by Randy and Wendy Hudson. Wendy started homebrewing, met Randy, bought him a homebrewing hit, and two love affairs began – Randy and Wendy; and Randy and Wendy and beer! Randy and Wendy took jobs at (and rented the loft over) the winery in 1992. They all enjoyed both wine and beer, and everybody blossomed and prospered. Randy and Wendy’s first backyard ‘nano’ (smaller than a micro) brewery was America’s Only Outdoor Brewery!

“A lot has changed: Jay Harman hired on in 1996 and now runs the operation; the new Brew Shack opened in September of that year; In 2000, they were licensed to make distilled spirits under the name of Triple Eight Distillery; and Matt Lambo and his 1975 8-ball-bedecked VW camper van 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 more!”

Bailey’s Blonde Ale “is a light golden-colored blonde ale, medium-bodied, with a floral nose and crisp citrus finish.

“A soft, easy-drinking, top-fermented ale that has a remarkably clean, crisp finish. This one, still expressive and complex, has the perfect personality to pair with tropical foods, grilled chicken and seafood. (We’re not sure who Bailey is, but sure like his choice of beverage!)”

Whale’s Tale Pale Ale “is an amber English-style pale ale with balanced hops and malt. Cisco’s most popular and versatile beer.

“Top-fermented, they (pale ales) are medium-bodied, crisp, complex, and usually dry; rich, bright and cleanly textured. Assertive, this English-style American pale ale partners well with all cheeses, veggies and breads. Serve at cellar temperature (55 degrees F).”

In the end, both of these beers were pretty good, but if I had to pick one as a favorite, it would be Whale’s Tale Pale Ale. Not only does it taste good, but it’s also got a cool logo.