After seeing it in the store for several months I finally bought Two Hearted Ale, which is brewed by Bells Brewery in Michigan. It has received praise all over the place so I figured I better see what the fuss was all about:
This is the best IPA I’ve reviewed, tied with Pliny The Elder which I reviewed last year. Two Hearted has a great floral aroma and taste with plenty of Orange, Mango, and other fruit present. I also got a lot of that “fresh cut flowers” component that I really like. The taste is a lot like the smell and is very well balanced between the floral and pine/bitter. It has a nice color, looks great in the glass, and is highly drinkable. All in all an excellent example of an IPA. It’a a little expensive at $10-$15 a six-pack but worth it. Highly recommended!
Here is the score:
- Appearance- 9 points (out of 10)
- Smell- 9 points (out of 10)
- Taste- 18 points (out of 20)
- Drinkability- 9 points (out of 10)
Total 45 (out of 50) Points- A 4 Mug Rating
ABV 7.1%
Approximate Calories
205-240 (12oz)
Man, I wish we could get that stuff out here. I agree with you on it being the best IPA that I have tasted. Odell’s Ipa is close, but no cigar. It is hard for me to compare with Pliny, just because Pliny is considered a DIPA, and 2Hearted is a regular IPA. That said though, I tend to prefer the more balanced East Coast and Mid West IPA/DIPAs, more than the hop bombs from the West. Both have thier place though.
I’d like to try Odell’s maybe I can next time we’re out in Colorado. I thought Pliny was more floral than “piney” but I like pretty much all IPA’s!
Bell’s doesn’t distribute to NY, but a friend lives in Pittsburgh and was kind enough to bring me a variety of their stuff, including the two hearted. Absolutely loved it! Try Bell’s Hopslam as well, that stuff is fantastic.
I need to get some Hopslam. I think it’s available here. I’ve been impressed with all the Bell’s stuff I’ve had so far.
If Hopslam is available and you haven’t tried it, stop what you are doing now, go out, and buy a case of it! I’d love to see your review of it.
HaHa! I’m watching the ACC tournament and reading a good book right now but I will try and get some this weekend. If I can get it I’ll review it.
My brother just bought me some Hopslam not to long ago, really good stuff, like Chris said, go get a case!
I will see if I can find some to try/review.
Hey Mark, not sure if you would be interested in trading some brews, but I would be more than willing to send you some Odells stuff for Bells or Terrappin.
Chad from Denver
I might take you up on the offer here sometime. Odells would be a good one to try, I haven’t had them in a while. I’ve done a few “beer mails” but only with a couple of people. I don’t want to make it a huge thing but I appreciate your offer and I’ll let you know.
Cool man, just so you know, in addition to Odell I also have access to Deschutes, North Coast, Russian River, Jolly Pumpkin and Boulevard brews. I have traded many times with people all over the country and I like yourself have a thing for trying anything new. That said, if you feel like you would like to get something going sometime, just drop me an email @ mrkrinkle_85@hotmail.com. OR you can check me out as bonsreeb85 on Beeradvocate.com.( I love reviewing beers too, only I prefer typing them out because I am no camera friendly, haha)
BTW – I dig the new look of the site, keep up the good work.