Bell's Two Hearted Ale 12Pk

Bell's Two Hearted Ale 12Pk is a 7% ABV American IPA brewed with 100% Centennial hops, available in a 12-pack of 12 oz servings. Rated a perfect 100 on Ratebeer and scoring 95 on BeerAdvocate across nearly 16,000 ratings, Two Hearted has been named the best beer in America multiple times by the American Homebrewers Association — a distinction few IPAs can claim.

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

Production & Heritage

Bell's Brewery was founded in 1985 by Larry Bell in Kalamazoo, Michigan, making it one of the earliest craft breweries in the Midwest. Two Hearted Ale is brewed with a grain bill of Two-Row and Caramel malts, then both hopped and dry hopped exclusively with Centennial hops sourced from the Pacific Northwest — Bell's is the largest single purchaser of Centennial hops in the world. A key distinction in the brewing process is that dry hopping occurs during active fermentation, a technique that encourages biotransformation between Bell's proprietary house yeast and the hops. As founder Larry Bell has described it, the specific fermentation schedule creates a synergy where "one plus one equals three," extracting character from both the yeast and hops that neither delivers alone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh pine resin and grapefruit dominate the nose immediately, followed by orange peel and a light floral, herbal quality. A subtle caramel sweetness from the malt sits underneath without competing.

Taste: The entry is bright and citrus-forward — juicy grapefruit and lemon zest hit first, giving way to resinous pine and a touch of mango at mid-palate. The Caramel malt backbone provides a smooth, biscuit-like sweetness that balances the hop intensity without masking it. A mild spicy, almost rye-like character emerges as the bitterness builds.

Finish: Clean, dry, and moderately bitter with lingering grapefruit pith and pine needle. The finish is crisp rather than harsh, making each sip invite the next.

How to Drink Two Hearted Ale

Two Hearted is best served cold, around 45–50°F, in a tulip glass or standard pint that allows the Centennial hop aromatics to concentrate. It drinks well straight from the can for casual occasions but reveals more complexity with proper glassware. For cocktail-curious drinkers: try it in a Shandy with fresh lemonade to amplify its citrus character; use it as the base in a Michelada where its pine and grapefruit notes play against lime and hot sauce; or build a Boilermaker alongside a pour of bourbon, where the caramel malt sweetness finds a natural companion.

Best For

• Stocking the fridge for a backyard cookout or tailgate
• Introducing someone to what a benchmark American IPA tastes like
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who values consistency and pedigree
• Pairing with grilled meats, spicy food, or bold-flavored cheeses

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Two Hearted Ale taste like? Two Hearted delivers bright grapefruit, pine resin, and citrus zest from its 100% Centennial hop bill, balanced by a smooth caramel malt backbone. It finishes clean and dry with moderate bitterness — hop-forward but never abrasive.

How does Two Hearted compare to Stone IPA? Both are well-regarded American IPAs, but Two Hearted leans sweeter and fruitier due to its single-hop Centennial focus and biotransformation dry-hopping process. Stone IPA tends to emphasize sharper, more aggressive bitterness and a drier overall profile.

Is Two Hearted Ale good for IPA beginners? Two Hearted is an excellent entry point into American IPAs because its bitterness is firm but not punishing, and its citrus and pine flavors are approachable. At 7% ABV, it has enough weight to feel substantial without overwhelming newer palates.

Where is Two Hearted Ale made? Two Hearted Ale is brewed by Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Bell's was founded in 1985 and remains one of the most recognized craft breweries in the United States.

What foods pair well with Two Hearted Ale? Grilled burgers and bratwursts complement its malt sweetness while the hop bitterness cuts through the fat. Spicy Thai or Mexican dishes are lifted by Two Hearted's citrus brightness. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese mirrors its bold flavor intensity. Fish tacos with a citrus slaw echo the grapefruit and lemon notes. Even a classic pepperoni pizza benefits from the beer's dry, cleansing finish.

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

Is Two Hearted Ale worth the price? Two Hearted positions as a premium craft IPA that consistently competes with — and often outscores — beers at higher price points. Its perfect 100 on Ratebeer and 95 on BeerAdvocate place it among the highest-rated IPAs ever produced, representing strong value in the craft beer landscape.

Why Two Hearted Ale?

What separates Two Hearted from the thousands of American IPAs on shelves is its singular commitment to Centennial hops and a proprietary fermentation process honed over decades. Bell's status as the world's largest single buyer of Centennial hops ensures consistent supply and quality that smaller operations cannot replicate. The beer's repeated recognition as America's best by the American Homebrewers Association, combined with a perfect Ratebeer score, reflects a level of consensus rare in a category defined by novelty and turnover. Two Hearted doesn't chase trends — it remains the IPA that other IPAs are measured against.