2nd Shift Two Trains 4Pk

2nd Shift Two Trains 4Pk is a 9.3% ABV American-style Double IPA from 2nd Shift Brewing in St. Louis, Missouri, sold as a four-pack. This hop-forward DIPA earned an 89 on BeerAdvocate and delivers a generous tropical fruit profile balanced by 94 IBUs of crisp bitterness, built entirely on Falconer's Flight hops.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9.3%  |  IBU: 94  |  Origin: St. Louis, Missouri  |  Style: Imperial / Double IPA  |  Brewery: 2nd Shift Brewing

Production & Heritage

2nd Shift Brewing operates out of St. Louis, Missouri, where two sets of train tracks run directly past the brewery — the namesake inspiration for Two Trains. The beer is brewed exclusively with Falconer's Flight, a proprietary Pacific Northwest hop blend composed of seven distinct "C" variety hops, which contributes a layered tropical and citrus character uncommon in single-hop-blend DIPAs. The result is a malty, full-bodied imperial IPA that drinks remarkably smooth for its strength, with enough backbone to support the high bitterness without becoming abrasive.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pine resin and roasted malt greet the nose first, followed by toffee sweetness and a wave of tropical fruit. Grapefruit and stone fruit emerge as the beer warms.

Taste: The entry is rich and bread-pudding sweet, with a malty body that quickly gives way to bright grapefruit, orange peel, and pineapple at mid-palate. Peach and lemon cake notes develop alongside floral green undertones, while pine hops assert themselves through the peak without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: Firm, crisp bitterness lingers alongside apricot and pine, keeping the substantial malt sweetness in check. The 94 IBUs register cleanly rather than harshly, leaving a dry, resinous close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Two Trains

Two Trains is best enjoyed cold — around 45–50°F — from a tulip glass or IPA glass that concentrates its aromatic complexity. The higher ABV and malt structure also make it a surprisingly effective beer cocktail base. A Hop Shandy with fresh grapefruit juice plays into the citrus notes naturally. A Michelada built with Two Trains stands up to the tomato-lime base better than lighter IPAs thanks to the malt backbone. A Boilermaker paired with a pour of bourbon complements the toffee and pine characteristics already present in the beer.

Best For

• Sharing with hop-obsessed friends during a backyard cookout
• Pairing with bold, spicy foods that demand a beer with high bitterness and body
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast exploring St. Louis breweries
• Stocking the fridge for a long weekend when you want quality over quantity

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Two Trains taste like? Two Trains delivers a tropical fruit-forward profile led by grapefruit, pineapple, and peach, layered over a sweet malty base with prominent pine hop bitterness. Despite its 9.3% ABV, it drinks smooth with a balanced, crisp finish.

How does Two Trains compare to other Double IPAs? Two Trains leans maltier and more bread-pudding sweet than many West Coast-style DIPAs, with its exclusive use of Falconer's Flight hops giving it a distinct seven-hop layered character rather than the single-note citrus punch common in the style. Its 94 IBUs place it on the bitter end of the spectrum, but the malt backbone provides more balance than leaner imperial IPAs.

Is Two Trains good for sipping? Yes — its smooth body, complex fruit-and-pine aromatics, and well-integrated alcohol make it a rewarding sipper, especially at a slightly warmer temperature that allows the toffee and stone fruit to open up.

Where is Two Trains made? Two Trains is brewed by 2nd Shift Brewing in St. Louis, Missouri, named after the two sets of train tracks that run directly in front of the brewery.

What foods pair well with Two Trains? Spicy Thai curry matches the tropical hop notes and lets the bitterness cleanse the palate. Grilled burgers with sharp cheddar complement the malt sweetness. Fish tacos with mango salsa echo the beer's pineapple and citrus character. Blue cheese works as a classic high-IBU pairing, and smoked brisket benefits from the beer's resinous, piney cut-through.

What sizes does Two Trains come in? Two Trains is available as a four-pack, the standard retail format for this beer.

Is Two Trains worth the price? Two Trains positions as a craft-tier imperial IPA with strong community ratings — 89 on BeerAdvocate and 3.8 out of 5 on Untappd from nearly 2,900 ratings — representing solid value for a 9.3% DIPA from an independent St. Louis brewery.

Why Two Trains?

What separates Two Trains from the crowded DIPA field is its single-blend hop commitment: Falconer's Flight combines seven Pacific Northwest "C" hops into one addition, creating a layered tropical-citrus-pine complexity that most brewers chase by combining multiple separate hop varieties. The malt-forward approach is a deliberate choice that gives the beer real body and drinkability at 9.3%, a strength where many imperial IPAs turn hot or thin. An 89 score on BeerAdvocate confirms that the balance works. For drinkers looking for a DIPA with substance and character from a fiercely independent St. Louis operation, Two Trains delivers without pretense.