By Gary Dzen
Publication Date: 2026-04-27 09:30:00
This spring, Cisco Brewers is releasing its first flagship IPA — an interesting time for such a release.
Cisco IPA is the Nantucket brewery’s first namesake beer. While Cisco has done IPAs before, most notably Gripah Grapefruit IPA and Wandering Haze Hazy IPA, it’s launching Cisco IPA as a straightforward representation of both the brand and the beer style.
The move comes as many craft breweries are notably deemphasizing their hoppier offerings in favor of lighter beers like lagers. In April, for example, Boston’s Castle Island Brewing and Vermont’s Zero Gravity Craft Brewery announced the release of a new collaborative “High Note” pale lager. Maine brewery Sacred Profane makes its hay largely from two lagers.
But just because light beers are trendy doesn’t mean the masses aren’t still gravitating toward heavier styles. “IPAs still reign supreme in craft beer,” says Cisco brand manager Tori Mowery, “especially in Massachusetts, where they’re nearly six…
