Bell's Big Hearted Imperial IPA 6Pk

Bell's Big Hearted Imperial IPA 6Pk is a 9.5% ABV imperial IPA from Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sold as a six-pack. Scored 89 on BeerAdvocate, Big Hearted stands as the highest-ABV expression in the beloved Hearted IPA family, built to honor the legacy of the iconic Two Hearted Ale with amplified intensity and a deep caramel color.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9.5%  |  Origin: Kalamazoo, Michigan  |  Style: Imperial IPA  |  Brewery: Bell's Brewery

Production & Heritage

Bell's Brewery holds the distinction of being Michigan's oldest existing craft brewery, founded in Kalamazoo and long regarded as one of the pillars of American craft brewing. Big Hearted was intentionally created to sit alongside the flagship Two Hearted Ale, pushing the Hearted lineup into imperial territory with a substantially higher ABV of 9.5%. The result is a beer with a strong malt backbone—yielding deep caramel and toffee sweetness—balanced against citrus and berry hop aromas and a subtle but assertive bitterness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pine resin and orange citrus lead the nose, followed by toasted malt sweetness and floral, pome-fruit notes. A backdrop of grapefruit and subtle berry hops rounds out a complex, layered bouquet.

Taste: The entry is bold with sweet toasted malts—caramel, toffee, and earthy grain—that quickly meet sharp, resinous hop character on the mid-palate. Orange and tangerine citrus flavors emerge alongside peppery spice and a hint of coriander, while a boozy warmth builds through the medium body. Carbonation runs on the higher side, keeping the mouthfeel lively despite the imperial weight.

Finish: Medium-dry with lingering pine resin, citrus pith, and a residual malt sweetness that fades slowly. The alcohol warmth is present but controlled, making the beer deceptively drinkable for its strength.

How to Drink Big Hearted

Pour Big Hearted into a tulip glass or snifter at around 45–50°F to let the aromatics open fully; the higher ABV rewards slightly warmer serving temperatures compared to standard IPAs. A Beer Float built with vanilla ice cream plays off the caramel malt sweetness. A Michelada variation using Big Hearted adds imperial depth to the classic tomato-lime template. For a boilermaker pairing, drop a shot of bourbon alongside a pour of Big Hearted—the shared caramel and oak notes amplify each other.

Best For

• Hop-forward beer enthusiasts looking to explore imperial-strength IPAs
• Fans of Bell's Two Hearted Ale who want a bolder, higher-ABV experience
• Backyard cookouts and grilling sessions where bold food needs an equally bold beer
• Sharing among a small group during a craft beer tasting night

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Big Hearted taste like? Big Hearted delivers bold caramel and toffee malt sweetness up front, balanced by sharp pine resin, orange citrus, and peppery spice, finishing medium-dry with noticeable but well-integrated alcohol warmth.

How does Big Hearted compare to Bell's Two Hearted Ale? Two Hearted Ale is a 7% ABV standard IPA known for its single-hop Centennial character and clean citrus profile, while Big Hearted pushes to 9.5% ABV with a much heavier malt body, deeper caramel color, and more pronounced boozy warmth. Big Hearted was specifically designed to honor Two Hearted's legacy at imperial scale.

Is Big Hearted good for sipping? Yes—despite its 9.5% ABV, reviewers frequently describe it as dangerously drinkable, with enough malt sweetness and carbonation to keep the alcohol from overwhelming the palate.

Where is Big Hearted made? Big Hearted is brewed at Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Bell's is the oldest existing craft brewery in the state and one of the most recognized independent breweries in the United States.

What foods pair well with Big Hearted? Smoked brisket or pulled pork—the caramel malt mirrors barbecue sweetness. Sharp aged cheddar—its tang cuts through the malt richness. Spicy buffalo wings—the hoppy bitterness refreshes between bites. Grilled citrus-marinated chicken—echoes the orange and tangerine hop notes. Dark chocolate brownies—the roasted, bitter elements complement the beer's malt backbone.

What sizes does Big Hearted come in? Big Hearted is commonly available as a six-pack of 12 oz cans, which is the standard retail format.

Is Big Hearted worth the price? Big Hearted positions as a mid-premium craft imperial IPA, and its 9.5% ABV, strong BeerAdvocate rating of 89, and connection to the celebrated Two Hearted lineage give it solid value within the imperial IPA category.

Why Big Hearted?

Big Hearted exists for a specific reason: to take everything that made Two Hearted Ale a modern American classic and scale it to imperial strength. At 9.5% ABV, it is the most potent expression in the Hearted lineup, yet it retains the drinkability that defines Bell's approach to hop-forward beers. An 89-point BeerAdvocate score across hundreds of reviews confirms that the added intensity doesn't come at the expense of balance. For anyone who considers Two Hearted a desert-island beer, Big Hearted is the logical next step—bigger malt, bolder hops, and a warmth that rewards slower, more deliberate drinking.