Why Bell’s Two Hearted Is Mashed’s Hands-Down Best IPA Beer

A balanced hop profile

IPAs can divide drinkers: their hops may taste bitter, but can also contribute fruity or citrus flavors. In his ranking of 12 popular beers, Andrew Joseffer chose Bell’s Two Hearted as the top IPA, citing its balance and interesting flavors.

Two Hearted features grapefruit and pine notes, with malt sweetness tempering some bitterness. Joseffer praised its floral, sweet aroma and clean, lingering finish. The beer also received a score of 95 and the “World-Class” label from BeerAdvocate.

How Two Hearted began

Michigan-based Bell’s uses Centennial hops from the Pacific Northwest to give Two Hearted a clean, simple profile. The brewery first made the beer in 1997 as a winter seasonal, then expanded sales to year-round in 2003.

The name changed to Two Hearted IPA in 2022. Bell’s has since added several versions to the brand, each with a different approach to hops or brewing.

Variations and food pairings

Double Two Hearted contains two and a half times as much Centennial hops and has 11% alcohol by volume, up from 7% in the original. Change of Heart IPA uses Erebus hops, bringing blueberry and melon flavors.

Cold Hearted IPA is made by fermenting lager yeast at a lower temperature and then cold-filtering. For food, the article suggests grilled or smoked meats, sharp cheeses, spicy dishes and savory pizza; a charcuterie spread can also pair well with beer and goat cheese.

Where to find it

Grocery stores, liquor stores, bars and restaurants commonly carry Two Hearted. Bell’s Beer Finder lets customers enter a zip code to check which locations stock the brand. Prices differ by state and seller. A 12-pack of 12-ounce cans costs around $20, while a draft pour ranges from $5 to $10. Bell’s has two Michigan locations: a newer, larger brewery in Comstock and its original brewery in downtown Kalamazoo.