Bell's Hearted Variety IPA 12Pk

Bell's Hearted Variety IPA 12Pk is a 12-can variety pack showcasing multiple IPA expressions from Bell's Brewery in Michigan, anchored by the iconic Two Hearted Ale at 7.0% ABV. Two Hearted claimed the #1 spot in Zymurgy magazine's Best Beers in America survey for four consecutive years from 2017 through 2020, making this pack a showcase of one of the most decorated American IPAs ever brewed.

Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by beer (Two Hearted 7.0%, Hazy Hearted 7.5%)  |  Origin: Comstock & Kalamazoo, Michigan  |  Style: IPA Variety Pack  |  Brewery: Bell's Brewery

Production & Heritage

Bell's Brewery was founded in 1985 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and has grown into one of the most respected independent craft breweries in the United States. Two Hearted Ale, the centerpiece of this variety pack, is brewed and dry-hopped exclusively with 100% Centennial hops hand-selected from the Pacific Northwest — Bell's is the largest single user of Centennial hops in the world. The brewery's fermentation schedule is specifically designed so that Bell's house yeast works synergistically with the Centennial hops, producing aromatic complexity that neither ingredient achieves alone. Hazy Hearted, at 7.5% ABV, brings a juicier, haze-forward interpretation of that same hop-driven philosophy.

Tasting Notes

Two Hearted Ale — Aroma: Fresh pine resin leads, followed by waves of grapefruit zest, light floral tones, and a gentle caramel malt undertone. The Centennial hops deliver a textbook West Coast aromatic profile that remains remarkably consistent batch to batch.

Two Hearted Ale — Taste: The palate opens with resinous hop bitterness balanced against moderate malt sweetness. Mid-palate brings grapefruit, pine, and a subtle herbal note. The balance between hop intensity and clean malt backbone keeps each sip structured without veering into harshness.

Two Hearted Ale — Finish: Clean, dry, and moderately bitter with lingering pine and citrus pith. The finish is firm but not aggressive, inviting the next sip without palate fatigue.

Hazy Hearted — Aroma: Juicy citrus-forward aromas dominate, particularly fresh grapefruit and orange peel, with tropical notes of mango and pineapple in the background.

Hazy Hearted — Taste: Softer on entry than Two Hearted, with orange, mango, and peach flavors layered over a pillowy malt body. Bitterness is restrained, letting the fruit-forward hop character take the lead.

Hazy Hearted — Finish: Medium length with a smooth, slightly creamy texture. Tropical fruit and citrus linger without any sharp bitterness.

How to Drink the Hearted Variety Pack

All beers in this pack are best served chilled at 40–45°F in a tulip glass or standard pint glass to concentrate hop aromatics. Two Hearted's clean bitterness makes it an ideal standalone sipper, while Hazy Hearted's softer profile pairs well with casual drinking sessions. For those who enjoy beer cocktails, Two Hearted works in a Hop Shandy with fresh lemonade and a dash of bitters, a Michelada where its pine character cuts through lime and hot sauce, or a Boilermaker paired alongside a pour of Michigan rye whiskey for a regional flavor study.

Best For

• Exploring Bell's IPA range without committing to a full 6-pack of each style
• Hosting a craft beer tasting night with friends who appreciate hop-forward styles
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who values award-winning American IPAs
• Pairing alongside grilled foods at cookouts and backyard gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Two Hearted Ale taste like? Two Hearted Ale delivers a balanced combination of pine resin, grapefruit zest, and moderate malt sweetness, finishing clean and dry with firm hop bitterness driven entirely by Centennial hops.

How does Two Hearted compare to Pliny the Elder? Both are perennial contenders for top American IPA — Pliny the Elder held the #1 position in Zymurgy's Best Beers in America poll for eight consecutive years (2009–2016) before Two Hearted dethroned it in 2017 and held the top spot through 2020. Two Hearted relies on a single hop variety (Centennial) for a focused pine-and-citrus character, while Pliny uses multiple hop varieties for a more layered, intensely bitter West Coast profile.

Is the Hearted Variety Pack good for beginners? The variety format is an excellent entry point for anyone curious about IPA styles, offering both a classic American IPA and a more approachable hazy version in the same purchase. Hazy Hearted's softer bitterness and tropical fruit profile tends to be more welcoming for newcomers to the IPA category.

Where is the Hearted Variety Pack made? All beers in this pack are brewed by Bell's Brewery, which operates out of Comstock and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Bell's was founded in 1985 and remains one of Michigan's most prominent craft breweries.

What foods pair well with Two Hearted Ale? Grilled burgers or bratwurst, where the hop bitterness cuts through fat and char; spicy Thai or Indian curries, where the citrus aromatics complement chili heat; aged cheddar, which matches the beer's malt backbone; fish tacos with lime, echoing the grapefruit notes; or pepperoni pizza, where pine and resin balance rich, salty toppings.

What sizes does the Hearted Variety Pack come in? This product is a 12-pack of 12 oz cans containing an assortment of Bell's IPA expressions.

Is the Hearted Variety Pack worth the price? The pack positions in the standard craft beer variety pack tier, but the inclusion of Two Hearted Ale — a four-time #1 ranked American beer — delivers exceptional value for drinkers who want to sample multiple expressions from one of the country's most respected IPA breweries.

Why the Hearted Variety Pack?

The case for this variety pack starts and ends with Two Hearted Ale's singular dominance in the American IPA category — no other beer has matched its four-year reign at the top of Zymurgy magazine's Best Beers in America poll. That consistency traces directly to Bell's proprietary approach: 100% Centennial hops, hand-selected each year, fermented on a schedule engineered so yeast and hops amplify each other's contributions. The variety format adds real discovery value, letting drinkers compare how Bell's translates its hop philosophy across different IPA substyles. For anyone serious about understanding what American IPA can achieve at its peak, this 12-pack is a compelling argument in cans.