Two Brothers Pinball 12Pk

Two Brothers Pinball 12Pk is a 12-pack of American Pale Ale brewed in Warrenville, Illinois, at 4.9% ABV and 31 IBU. What distinguishes Pinball from many pale ales in its class is the use of five different hop varieties, all introduced exclusively at the end of the boil or as dry hop additions — a technique that foregrounds aromatic intensity while dialing back harsh bitterness.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.9%  |  IBU: 31  |  Origin: Warrenville, Illinois, USA  |  Style: American Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Two Brothers Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Two Brothers Brewing Company operates out of Warrenville, a western suburb of Chicago in DuPage County, Illinois. Pinball's recipe centers on five distinct hop varieties, none of which are added during the early stages of the boil. By restricting additions to late-boil and dry-hopping only, the brewers extract maximum aromatic oil contribution while minimizing isomerized alpha-acid bitterness — explaining why the beer registers a moderate 31 IBU despite its intensely hop-forward nose. The result is a pale ale built around fruit-driven hop expression rather than resinous bite.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with pronounced stone fruit — apricot and ripe peach — before shifting into tropical territory with mango and softer melon-like notes. A tangerine-like citrus edge and an intriguing earthy, mineral quality round out the bouquet.

Taste: On the palate, the tropical and stone fruit character carries through immediately. Mango shines at the mid-palate, supported by juicy citrus hop tones that add definition and prevent the fruitiness from becoming cloying. A light malt sweetness provides backbone without competing with the hops.

Finish: The finish is clean and moderately dry, with lingering citrus peel and a faint earthy bitterness. It wraps up quickly enough to invite the next sip, keeping the beer highly drinkable at its sessionable ABV.

How to Drink Pinball

Serve Pinball cold, around 40–45°F, in a shaker pint or tulip glass to concentrate the aromatic hop character. Its bright fruit profile and restrained bitterness make it a strong standalone sipper, but it also works well in beer cocktails. A Shandy pairs Pinball's stone fruit notes with fresh lemonade for a warm-weather refresher. A Michelada benefits from the tropical citrus backbone, which holds up against lime juice, hot sauce, and tomato. A Beermosa — half Pinball, half fresh orange juice — lets the apricot and mango notes amplify naturally against the citrus.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and casual outdoor gatherings where a crowd-friendly, approachable ale is needed
• Introducing hop-curious drinkers to pale ale without overwhelming bitterness
• Game-day sessions where lower ABV and a 12-pack format keep the afternoon sustainable
• Pairing alongside grilled foods, tacos, or lighter fare during warmer months

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pinball taste like? Pinball leads with ripe stone fruit — apricot, peach, and mango — layered with tangerine-like citrus and a clean, lightly earthy finish. The bitterness is restrained at 31 IBU, letting the fruity hop character dominate.

How does Pinball compare to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale? Sierra Nevada Pale Ale uses a more traditional hopping schedule with additions throughout the boil, producing a more pronounced piney, resinous bitterness at 38 IBU. Pinball's exclusive use of late-boil and dry-hop additions results in a softer, more fruit-forward profile with noticeably less bite.

Is Pinball good for beginners? Yes — the moderate 4.9% ABV and low perceived bitterness make it one of the more approachable American Pale Ales available, while still delivering enough hop complexity to satisfy experienced craft beer drinkers.

Where is Pinball made? Pinball is brewed by Two Brothers Brewing Company in Warrenville, Illinois, located in DuPage County roughly 30 miles west of downtown Chicago.

What foods pair well with Pinball? Grilled chicken or shrimp tacos complement the tropical hop notes. A citrus-dressed arugula salad mirrors the beer's tangerine edge. Fish and chips benefit from the beer's clean bitterness cutting through fried batter. Mild goat cheese or brie echoes the soft stone fruit aromatics. Spicy Thai dishes find balance against Pinball's malt sweetness and fruit-forward hops.

What sizes does Pinball come in? This listing is a 12-pack of 12 oz units, the standard format for Two Brothers Pinball.

Is Pinball worth the price? Pinball positions as a mid-range craft pale ale, and its five-hop late-addition recipe delivers aromatic complexity that rivals many higher-priced single-hop or limited-release pale ales, making it a strong value in the everyday craft segment.

Why Pinball?

The defining detail of Pinball is a production decision most pale ales don't commit to: every hop addition occurs at the tail end of the boil or during dry hopping. That all-late approach creates a hop profile that reads more like a tropical fruit basket than a bitter herbal extraction, which is exactly why the beer has earned steady loyalty — it holds a 3.6 rating on Untappd across nearly 30,000 reviews. At 4.9% ABV, it sits squarely in session territory without sacrificing flavor density. For drinkers who want expressive hop aroma and manageable bitterness in a format built for sharing, Pinball fills that space with precision.