Bell’s Brewery Two Hearted Ale American IPA at 7% ABV (US$2.17 at Knightly Spirits Orange Blossom Trail, 355 ml, bottle date 15-Feb-2016, acquired 7-May-2016, reviewed 7-May-2016)
Appearance: clear pale amber, one finger of rocky off-white head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: pine resin, pithy grapefruit, pale malt, light floral/herbal. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderately strong bitter. (8/10) Medium-full body, moderate carbonation, lingering bitter and slightly sticky finish. (4/5)
My initial reaction was one of slight disappointment – I mean, come on, this beer is fairly legendary! Perhaps not to the extent of, say, Heady Topper, or Pliny, but it’s up there. When I uncapped it, though, the initial aroma was not as penetrating as I was expecting or hoping for. However, once I started drinking it, the flavours started to build and assert themselves. Not as citrusy as a lot of current A/IPAs, the resiny pine really dominates this. Finishes strong, with just enough malt sweetness to balance the moderately high bitterness. (And, to be fair, at three months old it’s entirely possible that the aromas have faded significantly. Might have to try it again if I can find a newer one.) (15/20)
My 225th from the 2010 Edition (214th from the 2013 edition), and 236th combining both editions.
7.5/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
