Bell's Two Hearted Ale

Tasting Notes

Two Hearted leads with a pronounced Centennial hop aroma — piney resin, orange peel, and a faint floral note that carries through to the palate. The bitterness is assertive but balanced by a solid malt backbone that keeps things from tipping into harsh territory. Body is medium with a dry, moderately bitter finish that lingers without overstaying. It's a clean, well-attenuated beer that delivers exactly what it advertises.

About the Brewery

Bell's is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, founded by Larry Bell in 1985, making it one of the oldest craft breweries in the Midwest. The brewery has long been a cornerstone of the American craft beer scene and is widely credited with helping establish Michigan as a serious brewing state. Beyond Two Hearted, their lineup includes Oberon Ale, a seasonal wheat beer that approaches regional institution status, and Kalamazoo Stout, which reflects their range across styles.

Food Pairings

Grilled chicken with citrus marinade works well because the hop oils echo the bright acidity in the preparation. A classic cheeseburger pairs naturally since the resinous bitterness cuts through fat and the malt backbone complements charred beef. Spicy fish tacos find a reasonable counterpoint in the piney bitterness, which tempers heat without amplifying it. Aged cheddar or a sharp white cheddar on a cheeseboard mirrors the beer's own mix of dry and tangy notes without competing with them.

Style Guide

American IPA emerged from the broader India Pale Ale tradition but diverged sharply in its emphasis on New World hops — particularly varieties like Centennial, Cascade, Chinook, and Simcoe — that deliver citrus, pine, and resinous character rather than the earthy, floral notes of English hops. ABV typically runs between 6% and 7.5%, with firm but not extreme bitterness and enough malt body to provide structure. It sits between the more restrained English IPA and the haze-forward New England IPA, which deliberately softens bitterness in favor of juicy, low-resin fruit character. The American IPA remains the defining style of the U.S. craft beer movement's first major wave.