Rating 90
Style IPA
Produced In Comstock, Mich.
United States
ABV 7%
Availability Year Round
Reviewed By
Review Updated 2022-08-09

Bell's Brewery Two Hearted Ale Review

An infamous IPA for its time that commands a ravenous following to this day, Two Hearted is the embodiment of craft beer's favorite style in the early aughts — without even defining itself as an IPA at the time (it was originally released in 1997). Grapefruit and pine needles mingle on the nose, while an almost-sweet citrusy flavor from the malt and bitter hop character battle it out on the palate. Fun fact: Two Hearted is made with only Centennial hops, making it an all-around American classic. It concludes with what some consider balance, but others — namely more contemporary palates — may consider old-school, overwhelming bitterness. Nevertheless, it continues to top the charts for homebrewers, earning the No. 1 spot on the American Homebrewers Association's best beer every year.

Bell's Brewery Two Hearted Ale Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Historic craft beer
  • Citrusy, pine-forward profile
Cons
  • Some may find the finish to be too bitter
  • Made using only one hop, which may not excite some craft beer drinkers

Related Reads

Learn About IPA

· IPA 101

· Brand Profile: Bell's Brewery

· Our always updated list of the best IPA to buy right now!

Related IPA Reviews

Mayflower Brewing Love and Wrestling Double IPA

Mayflower Brewing Love and Wrestling Double IPA:
Like many wrestlers themselves, this double dry-hopped double NEIPA from Massachusetts' Mayflower Brewing has a bold exterior with soft and ...

Solace Brewing Lucy Juicy Double IPA

Solace Brewing Lucy Juicy Double IPA:
Considering its high-octane 8.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), Lucy Juicy is deceptively deft (and dare we day, crushable). Crack the can ...

Virginia Beer Co. Friends of Dorothy

Virginia Beer Co. Friends of Dorothy:
This Virginia-made IPA is exceptionally fruity for a non-fruited IPA. It starts with an almost savory, dried-mango aroma, followed by ...

Firestone Walker Mind Haze IPA

Firestone Walker Mind Haze IPA:
Although it debuted in 2019, Mind Haze became the sleeper hit that we didn’t know we always wanted until 2020 and beyond. Nine (!) hop ...

Featured IPA Articles

The Voodoo Ranger Effect: The Story Behind the Rise of Craft Beer’s Best-Selling IPAs

The Voodoo Ranger Effect: The Story Behind the Rise of Craft Beer’s Best-Selling IPAs:
Performing better in-market than most, New Belgium's Voodoo Ranger has completely changed the brand's trajectory in terms of relevance.

Do Seasonal Craft Beer Variety Packs Still Excite Consumers?

Do Seasonal Craft Beer Variety Packs Still Excite Consumers?:
To successfully engage consumers, many craft beer brands have changed their approaches to seasonal variety packs.

How Dry Hopping Evolved From the 18th Century to Define Today’s Hazy IPA Craze

How Dry Hopping Evolved From the 18th Century to Define Today’s Hazy IPA Craze:
In today’s current hazy IPA-dominated craft beer market, “dry-hopped” almost feels redundant. How can you have a hazy without it?

Death By Hops: Triple IPAs Are Pointless and Gross

Death By Hops: Triple IPAs Are Pointless and Gross:
Simply put, brewing a Triple IPA of any standard is tough, which begs the question: When does a beer become too much?

90
POINTS
Bell's Brewery Two Hearted Ale
An infamous IPA for its time that commands a ravenous following to this day, Two Hearted is the embodiment of craft beer's favorite style in the early aughts — without even defining itself as an IPA at the time (it was originally released in 1997). Grapefruit and pine needles mingle on the nose, while an almost-sweet citrusy flavor from the malt and bitter hop character battle it out on the palate. Fun fact: Two Hearted is made with only Centennial hops, making it an all-around American classic. It concludes with what some consider balance, but others — namely more contemporary palates — may consider old-school, overwhelming bitterness. Nevertheless, it continues to top the charts for homebrewers, earning the No. 1 spot on the American Homebrewers Association's best beer every year.

Reviewed On: 12-27-2020
90
POINTS
Bell's Brewery Two Hearted Ale
An infamous IPA for its time that commands a ravenous following to this day, Two Hearted is the embodiment of craft beer's favorite style in the early aughts — without even defining itself as an IPA at the time (it was originally released in 1997). Grapefruit and pine needles mingle on the nose, while an almost-sweet citrusy flavor from the malt and bitter hop character battle it out on the palate. Fun fact: Two Hearted is made with only Centennial hops, making it an all-around American classic. It concludes with what some consider balance, but others — namely more contemporary palates — may consider old-school, overwhelming bitterness. Nevertheless, it continues to top the charts for homebrewers, earning the No. 1 spot on the American Homebrewers Association's best beer every year.

Reviewed On: 12-27-2020