Craft Beer Review for the Two Hearted Ale by Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

Two Hearted Ale is an American IPA by Bell’s Brewery, Inc. that brilliantly balances Centennial powered hops flavors of citrus and pine with a hefty malt backbone.

Two Hearted Ale is an American IPA that’s brewed by Bell’s Brewery, Inc., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in an IPA glass from a 12 oz. bottle.

Packaging art for the Two Hearted Ale by Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

What You Need to Know

If you didn’t know already, the Two Hearted Ale is a classic. It’s one of the most popular beers in the U.S. (more on that below) and once you try it, you’ll understand why. The IPA is strongly aromatic from its massive addition of Centennial hops in both the kettle and fermenter. Their house yeast lends a fruitiness and the brew is brilliantly balanced with a wonderful malty backbone. Suffice to say, this beer is really good. But just the same, let’s get to the review.

Appearance

The IPA pours a cloudy deep golden hue that’s topped by a dense, pillowy white cap of foam that shows remarkable retention. The head peels back slowly and leaves behind an abundant amount of sticky lace. Its effervescence is visibly apparent as tiny bubbles continuously rise in the glass.

Aroma

The aroma is bright and hoppy with a scent of grapefruit citrus and pine.

Flavor

The palate is led by a taste of toasted bread that shifts through sweet notes of stone fruit and a hint of caramel. Centennial hops power its flavorful finish of citrus and pine. Bready malt rounds out the finish.

Label art for the Two Hearted Ale by Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

Mouthfeel

Its feel is smooth with crisp, dry finish that has a less-than-moderate astringency. Medium body and matching carbonation.

Overall

The Two Hearted Ale presents extraordinarily well. The aroma is strong and pleasant and its palate is nothing short of fantastic. Its feel is spot on with a crisp bitterness that makes this such an easy drinking beer. This is the quintessential American IPA. Truly a classic.

Best Beer in America

For the third consecutive year, the Bell’s Two Hearted Ale was voted the Best Beer in America in a survey conducted by the American Homebrewers Association on behalf of Zymurgy magazine. Prior to this impressive run, the IPA came in second to Russian River’s Pliny the Elder for seven straight years.

Recommended Pairings

Bell’s recommends the following food pairings with their Two Hearted Ale: oysters, barbecue, brisket, curry vegetable soup, cilantro, bleu cheese, coriander, cumin, balsamic, chili, apples, grapefruit, carrot cake, maple syrup, and caramel.

Watch the Video

Watch the video from Larry Bell, the founder of Bell’s, that discusses the Two Hearted Ale, the history of the brewery itself, and about craft brewing in Michigan.