Bell’s Two Hearted Ale 6Pk

Description

Bell’s Two Hearted Ale 6Pk is a 7% ABV American IPA sold in six-packs of 12 oz bottles or cans, brewed exclusively with Centennial hops. Scored a perfect 100 on RateBeer and earned the #1 beer in America ranking from Zymurgy magazine four consecutive years (20172020), making it one of the most decorated American IPAs ever produced.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7% | Origin: Kalamazoo, Michigan | Style: American IPA | IBU: 55 | Brewery: Bell’s Brewery

Production & Heritage

Bell’s Brewery, founded in 1985 by Larry Bell in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is one of the oldest craft breweries east of the Rockies. Two Hearted Ale takes its name from the Two Hearted River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is brewed and dry-hopped with 100% Centennial hops no blending of hop varieties. The mash bill consists of 76.8% domestic two-row malt, 15.5% Vienna malt, and 3.9% Crystal malt (1520 Lovibond), hitting an original gravity of 1.066. What truly sets production apart is Bell’s use of purpose-built shallow, wide fermentation tanks rather than standard tall, narrow vessels, allowing the hops to disperse across a greater surface area for enhanced extraction during dry hopping.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Vibrant grapefruit rind and orange peel lead into resinous pine, with delicate floral layers of geranium and rose essence emerging as the beer warms. A subtle malt sweetness anchors the hop aromatics without competing for attention.

Taste: The entry is bright with citrus orange and grapefruit dominate before the mid-palate shifts toward peppery herbal bitterness and pine resin. A moderate malt backbone provides just enough caramel sweetness to keep the 55 IBU in check, while hints of tropical fruit mango, peach, and a fleeting note of watermelon add complexity without tilting the beer toward haze-style territory.

Finish: Medium-long and clean, with lingering citrus pith and a dry, piney bitterness that invites the next sip. The aftertaste remains pleasantly floral rather than harsh, a hallmark of well-integrated Centennial hops.

How to Drink Two Hearted Ale

Pour into a tulip glass or standard pint at 4550F to open up the full aromatic range; drinking straight from the can mutes the floral top notes. Two Hearted is fundamentally a beer meant for drinking on its own, but it also works as a base in beer cocktails. A Hop Shandy half Two Hearted, half fresh lemonade plays off the citrus character in warm weather. A Michelada built with Two Hearted brings grapefruit bitterness that pairs naturally with lime and hot sauce. A Boilermaker alongside a pour of bourbon lets the pine and caramel malt bridge into the whiskey’s oak notes.

Best For

• Introducing a craft-curious friend to what a benchmark American IPA tastes like
• Stocking a cooler for a backyard cookout or tailgate
• Gifting a beer enthusiast who appreciates single-hop brewing
• Pairing with grilled meats, spicy food, or aged cheddar at a dinner gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Two Hearted Ale taste like? Two Hearted delivers bold grapefruit and orange citrus up front, followed by resinous pine and a balanced malt sweetness, finishing clean and dry with lingering floral hop character.

How does Two Hearted Ale compare to Stone IPA? Both are flagship American IPAs, but Two Hearted uses only Centennial hops and leans more floral and citrus-forward, while Stone IPA blends multiple hop varieties for a more aggressively bitter, earthy profile at a slightly higher 6.9% ABV. Two Hearted is generally considered the more approachable and balanced of the two.

Is Two Hearted Ale good for IPA beginners? Yes its 55 IBU and clean malt backbone make it one of the more balanced and drinkable American IPAs, often recommended as an entry point into the style without sacrificing hop complexity.

Where is Two Hearted Ale made? Two Hearted Ale is brewed by Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a craft brewery founded in 1985. The beer is named after the Two Hearted River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a renowned trout stream.

What foods pair well with Two Hearted Ale? Grilled burgers or bratwurst, where the hop bitterness cuts through the fat; spicy Thai or Mexican dishes, where the citrus character complements chili heat; sharp aged cheddar, which mirrors the beer’s caramel malt notes; fish tacos with lime, which echo the grapefruit-forward hop profile; and pepperoni pizza, where the resinous pine balances rich, salty toppings.

What sizes does Two Hearted Ale come in? Two Hearted Ale is widely available in 6-packs of 12 oz cans or bottles, as well as 12-packs and single 16 oz cans in many markets.

Is Two Hearted Ale worth the price? Two Hearted sits in the mid-range craft IPA tier and consistently over-delivers for its price point a perfect 100 on RateBeer and four consecutive years as Zymurgy‘s #1 beer in America make it one of the strongest values in American craft beer.

Why Two Hearted Ale?

In a category flooded with new IPA releases every week, Two Hearted Ale has remained a reference-point beer for over two decades. Its single-hop Centennial approach and custom-designed shallow fermenters give it a clarity of flavor that multi-hop IPAs rarely achieve. The numbers back it up: a perfect 100 on RateBeer, a 95 on BeerAdvocate, and the only beer to claim Zymurgy‘s #1 spot four years in a row. It is not chasing trends it is the standard other American IPAs are still measured against.