Bell's Two Hearted Ale 6Pk Cans

Bell's Two Hearted Ale 6Pk Cans is a 7% ABV American IPA from Bell's Brewery in Michigan, sold here as a six-pack of 12 oz cans. Named the best beer in America for four consecutive years by Zymurgy Magazine and holding a perfect 100 score on RateBeer, Two Hearted has earned its reputation as one of the most respected IPAs ever brewed.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7%  |  Origin: Comstock, Michigan, USA  |  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 east of the Rockies. Two Hearted Ale is brewed and dry hopped exclusively with Centennial hops — no blending, no secondary varieties — over a malt bill of Two-Row and Caramel malts. What truly distinguishes the production process is Bell's use of custom-built shallow, wide fermentation tanks rather than the industry-standard tall, narrow vessels. This geometry allows the Centennial hops to disperse over a much greater surface area during fermentation, contributing to the beer's remarkably even hop character and clean bitterness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh grapefruit and orange peel lead immediately, followed by resinous pine and a subtle floral, herbal quality. A faint caramel sweetness anchors the hop-driven nose without competing with it.

Taste: The entry is bright with citrus — grapefruit and lemon zest hit first, then give way to ripe mango and peach at the mid-palate. A supportive caramel malt backbone provides enough sweetness to balance the assertive hop bitterness, while a spicy, almost rye-like edge adds complexity. The overall impression is remarkably balanced for a 7% IPA.

Finish: Dry and clean, with lingering pine resin and grapefruit pith that slowly fades. The bitterness is firm but never harsh, leaving a refreshing quality that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Two Hearted Ale

Two Hearted is best served cold — around 45–50°F — straight from the can or poured into a pint glass to release its aromatic complexity. While most commonly enjoyed on its own, this IPA works well in beer-forward mixed drinks. A Hop Shandy (half Two Hearted, half lemonade) tames the bitterness for warm-weather drinking. A Michelada built with Two Hearted adds a citrus-pine dimension that complements the lime and hot sauce. A Boilermaker paired with a pour of rye whiskey creates a natural echo of the beer's spicy, resinous character.

Best For

• Introducing someone to what a benchmark American IPA should taste like
• Stocking the fridge for a backyard cookout or game day
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who values consistency over novelty
• Pairing with grilled meats, burgers, or spicy food

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Two Hearted Ale taste like? Two Hearted delivers bold grapefruit and pine hop flavors balanced by a clean caramel malt sweetness, finishing dry and bitter without being aggressive. Secondary notes of mango, peach, and lemon zest round out a profile that stays balanced at 7% ABV.

How does Two Hearted Ale compare to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale? Both are considered style-defining American ales brewed with a single-hop focus, but Two Hearted is a full IPA at 7% ABV compared to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale's 5.6%, delivering more intense hop bitterness and a bigger body. Sierra Nevada leans toward a more restrained, floral-and-pine Cascade hop character, while Two Hearted pushes bolder citrus and tropical fruit from its exclusive use of Centennial hops.

Is Two Hearted Ale good for IPA beginners? Yes — its clean malt backbone and balanced bitterness make it one of the most approachable IPAs despite its 7% ABV, which is why it consistently ranks as a top-rated beer across multiple platforms.

Where is Two Hearted Ale made? Two Hearted Ale is brewed by Bell's Brewery in Comstock, Michigan, just outside Kalamazoo. Bell's was founded in 1985 and remains one of the pioneering craft breweries in the Midwest.

What foods pair well with Two Hearted Ale? Grilled burgers or bratwurst match the beer's malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Spicy Thai or Indian curries are cut cleanly by the citrus hop profile. Sharp cheddar cheese creates a classic contrast with the caramel malt. Fish tacos with lime crema echo the grapefruit and citrus notes. Pepperoni pizza stands up well to the beer's assertive flavor without being overwhelmed.

What sizes does Two Hearted Ale come in? Two Hearted Ale is widely available in 6-packs of 12 oz cans, 12-packs of 12 oz cans, 6-packs of 12 oz bottles, and single 19.2 oz stovepipe cans.

Is Two Hearted Ale worth the price? Two Hearted sits in the premium craft beer tier and delivers exceptional value given its critical acclaim — a perfect 100 on RateBeer, a 95 on BeerAdvocate, and four consecutive years as Zymurgy Magazine's best beer in America. Few beers at this price point carry that kind of consensus recognition.

Why Two Hearted Ale?

The single-hop Centennial approach is deceptively simple, but Bell's custom shallow-tank fermentation process extracts a depth and consistency from that one variety that most multi-hop IPAs struggle to match. A perfect 100 on RateBeer and a 95 on BeerAdvocate place it among the highest-rated IPAs ever produced. Four consecutive years atop Zymurgy Magazine's best beer in America poll — voted on by members of the American Homebrewers Association — confirms that this reputation holds up with serious brewers, not just casual drinkers. Two Hearted isn't chasing trends with haze or lactose; it earns its place by executing a classic American IPA with uncommon precision.