Bell’s – Best Brown Ale and Two Hearted Ale

I was recently visiting relatives in Indiana and got to sample some brewers from Indianapolis and I wanted to pick up some brew that is not available here.  I have read some good things about Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, MI and I picked up Best Brown Ale (5.8% ABV) and Two Hearted Ale (7% ABV).  Best Brown pours brown with a small head.  This is a nice balanced ale between malty sweetness and hop bitterness and it is very drinkable.  Bell’s describes Best Brown Ale as, “A smooth, toasty brown ale, Best Brown Ale is a mainstay in our fall & winter lineup. With hints of caramel and cocoa, the malt body has the depth to stand up to cool weather, but does not come across as heavy. This balancing act is aided by the generous use of American hops.”

Two Hearted Ale is an IPA that uses only one hop, Centennial, in the brewing process.  Two Hearted Ale pours orange gold with a nice large head.  It has very good aromatics and is a very good IPA.  I could taste why some many people have rated this IPA very high.  Bell’s states Two Hearted Ale, “is defined by its intense hop aroma and malt balance. Hopped exclusively with the Centennial hop varietal from the Pacific Northwest, massive additions in the kettle and again in the fermenter lend their characteristic grapefruit and pine resin aromas. A significant malt body balances this hop presence; together with the signature fruity aromas of Bell's house yeast, this leads to a remarkably drinkable American-style India Pale Ale.”  If you have not tried something from Bell’s and you get the opportunity, I can easily recommend them.  I will definitely purchase more on my next trip back to Indiana.