If you ask a room full of American beer drinkers to name the best IPA in the country, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale wins that argument more often than any other beer. It has topped Zymurgy magazine’s national best-beer poll for years running, and after buying and drinking my way through it again for this guide, I get why. This is a 7% American IPA brewed entirely with Centennial hops, and it is about as close to a perfect example of the style as you will find on a shop shelf.
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale at a glance
| Style | American IPA |
| ABV | 7.0% |
| IBU | Around 55 |
| Calories | Around 220 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Bell’s Brewery, Comstock, Michigan |
| Hops | 100% Centennial |
| Best served | Cold but not ice cold, in a tulip or nonic pint |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Two Hearted is all about balance. The hops are loud but never harsh, and there is just enough malt behind them to keep it smooth.
The full review
Poured into a glass it is a clear, bright copper with a soft off-white head. The aroma is the giveaway: fresh grapefruit, orange blossom and a clean pine note, all from that single Centennial hop. There is none of the catty or oniony character you sometimes get from lesser IPAs.
The first sip is where it earns its reputation. The Centennial hops give it a big citrus and floral flavour, but the malt underneath is soft and just sweet enough to carry it. The bitterness is firm but rounded, not the tongue-scraping bite of an old-school West Coast IPA. It finishes clean and dry and makes you want the next mouthful straight away.
What sets it apart is how easy it is to drink for a 7% beer. A lot of hop-forward IPAs are a chore after one. Two Hearted is the opposite. It is the beer I reach for when I want something with real hop character that I can still enjoy across an evening.
Consistency is the other thing. I have had this beer in a dozen different states and it tastes the same every time, which is harder to pull off than it sounds. Bell’s have kept this recipe steady for over 25 years and it shows.
Two Hearted wins the best-IPA argument more often than any other beer in America, and one glass tells you why.
- The benchmark American IPA
- Beautiful single-hop Centennial aroma
- Balanced and dangerously drinkable for 7%
- Rock-solid consistency bottle to bottle
- Not as juicy as modern hazy IPAs
- A touch sweet for hardcore West Coast fans
Who it is for
If you want one IPA that shows what the style is supposed to taste like, this is it. It suits newcomers and veterans alike, and it is the safest recommendation I can make in the whole category.
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale FAQs
What does Bell’s Two Hearted taste like?
Bright grapefruit and orange citrus with a floral, piney edge from Centennial hops, backed by a soft, gently sweet malt and a clean, moderately bitter finish. It is smoother and more balanced than a classic bitter West Coast IPA.
What hops are in Two Hearted Ale?
It is brewed with 100% Centennial hops, which is unusual for an IPA and a big part of why it tastes so clean and consistent. Centennial gives it that signature grapefruit and floral character.
How strong is Bell’s Two Hearted?
It is 7.0% ABV with around 55 IBU, so it is a full-strength American IPA. Despite the strength it drinks very easily.
Where to buy Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
Bell’s Two Hearted is widely available across the US in six-packs of cans and bottles. It is one of the easiest craft IPAs to find, and you can order it through the buy button above.
The verdict
Two Hearted Ale is the American IPA I would hand to anyone who wanted to understand the style. It is fruity, balanced, consistent and endlessly drinkable, and it fully earns its place at the top of this list.
FAQs
Who makes Bell’s Two Hearted Ale?
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is brewed by Bell’s Brewery (owned by Lion Little World Beverages, a subsidiary of Kirin Holdings, since 2021).
What kind of beer is Bell’s Two Hearted Ale?
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is an American IPA, at 7.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Bell’s Two Hearted Ale?
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale has an ABV of 7.0%.
How many calories are in Bell’s Two Hearted Ale?
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale has Around 220 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Bell’s Two Hearted Ale gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Bell’s Two Hearted Ale taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Bell’s Two Hearted Ale made?
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is brewed by Bell’s Brewery in Comstock, Michigan.
What is a good alternative to Bell’s Two Hearted Ale?
If you can’t find Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA is a close alternative in the same American IPA category.
How do I open Bell’s Two Hearted Ale without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Bell’s Two Hearted Ale?
Cold but not ice cold, in a tulip or nonic pint. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
