#30SecondBeerReview · #FPLBeerClub
Two Hearted Ale
Bell's Brewery — Comstock, MI
IPA
Bell's Brewery
7.0%
ABV
55
IBU
Amber orange
Color
Contributing Factors
Presentation
✓
Character
✓
Experience
✓
Return
–
3 / 4
I'd recommend trying it
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Vibrant amber with a slight haze — richer and deeper in color than most American IPAs, reflecting the malt backbone Bell's describes. A frothy white head that lingers beautifully with lively carbonation. Looks substantial and confident in the glass.
Aroma
Centennial in full bloom — grapefruit and citrus upfront, fresh and juicy, followed by a piney resin note building underneath. Bell's house yeast adds a tropical and fruity dimension that floats above the hop character — something between mango and stone fruit that's distinctly Bell's and distinctly Two Hearted.
Palate
Perfectly balanced — Bell's own claim, and they earn it. The grapefruit and citrus from the Centennial carry through the middle alongside the house yeast's fruity character, with the piney bitterness building behind it. The malt backbone is more present than most West Coast IPAs — that amber color signals real malt depth, which cushions the 55 IBU bitterness into something smooth and integrated rather than sharp. Hop bitterness hits the palate first but is quickly balanced out by mixed fruit, as one reviewer notes. Medium-full body. Remarkably drinkable for 7% ABV.
Finish
Medium-long, clean, and resinous with a lingering grapefruit and pine quality that fades slowly and completely satisfyingly. The floral and resinous Centennial character holds the back palate well after the sip. The finish is what makes Two Hearted a repeat beer for life — it resolves cleanly, leaves you wanting another, and delivers the same experience every single time.
The Verdict
Thirty-plus years, 100% Centennial, Bell's house yeast, and a malt backbone that holds everything together. Two Hearted is not just one of the best American IPAs ever brewed — it's proof that the best answer is sometimes the simplest one. One hop. One yeast. One river. Cheers.
— Stephen · Contributing Factor Brewing · 15 Jul 2018
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