Customer Reviews

Great hoppy beer, very very drinkable! Review by Ben

Rating

This was my first foray with dry hopping and my-oh-my what a great end product! Easily my best brew to date (brew number 15). I didn't order the kit just used the instructions and sourced the ingredients locally (here in NZ). Great recipe, will be sharing with my brew-mates. Good on ya! (Posted on 5/3/13)

Awesome Review by Tony

Rating

I just had my first taste of this brew, and it is AWESOME! Three weeks primary two weeks secondary. Dry hopped for five days then kegged. FG 1.011 (Posted on 4/22/13)

outrageous Review by Dave 49009

Rating

Dead ringer is the best kit I have ever made. I am delighted that it kicks "the American IPA style that’s brewed in Michigan", Larry's Two Hearted Ale, butt big time. I wouldn't trade one pint of my Dead Ringer batch for a six pack of THA! (Posted on 3/30/13)

surprisingly good Review by randy

Rating

I waited a month after I bottled this beer to try one. I was not impressed, it was just okay. I then waited another month to try is again. Holly crap, this beer is freakin good. I am going to wait another month (if i can) before I try it again. Let this beer sit for a couple of months after you bottle, you won't be disappointed. (Posted on 3/2/13)

Full circle Review by Rick

Rating

Christmas 2011 wife bought me this kit. Started my year long quest to brew beer again. After 30 batches of brew all but a few of my own experiments bought from northern brewers . Even travel to their. Brick and mortar store. I have come fill circle . 2nd Batch of dead ringer is fermenting. Spring time and dead ringer go hand in hand (Posted on 2/23/13)

better than expected Review by Bill

Rating

My first homebrew experience! I am not much of an IPA guy so I wasnt expecting much. Once it hitt the secondary I got worried because it was so dark. Seemed likke it would be heavy and hoppy. I kegged after 3 weeks, let it carbonate for 5 days and out came the best homeebrew ive had! Smooth with just enough bitteerness. The second fermentation eeliminates mos of the sediment and leaves a good clean beer. Im goong to order again because thisbatch is giong fast. (Posted on 2/14/13)

Good IPA Review by Brian

Rating

OG 1.065. Directly pitched Wyeast 1056 from smack pack into wort at 76°F (too warm I know), was down near 70 after about a day and kept at 68-70 thereafter. Vigorous fermentation for 5-6 days, needed blowoff tube. Gravity 1.017 after two weeks. Transferred to secondary for another two weeks, with the 1oz dry hop for the last 7 days. Gravity still at 1.017 when racked to keg. Cleared up nicely (used whirlfloc in boil) and had good carbonation. It's a good beer, darker and sweeter than what it is trying to clone, and lacking as much aroma. I poured it side by side with a few other all Centennial APA/IPAs and it fit in nicely. Next time I'll use a starter (which I am now doing regularly) and probably add an extra ounce of dry hop to get more aroma. (Posted on 2/8/13)

one of the best IPAS Ive had!!! Review by shawn

Rating

This was my second batch of homebrew since getting the equipment for xmas. this stuff is amazing!!! i love the intense hop flavor and it surprisingly finishes very smooth. used the liquid yeast and had fermentation within 24 hours. the fermentation lasted almost two full weeks. i didnt rack to secondary since cosmetics arnt real important to me. so i just left it in the primary for 3 weeks. dry hopped in a muslin bag for the last week.. so, three weeks in the fermented and 2 in the bottles and this is one ill be doing again soon. (Posted on 2/6/13)

First Batch - Success! Review by Daniel

Rating

My very first attempt at homebrewing. I did some questionable things (steeped too hot, hardly aerated, took forever to chill the wort, etc.) yet the beer turned out absolutely delicious. Everyone in my family loved it.
It turned out darker than expected, more of an amber color, but taste wise it is definitely an IPA. The Centennial hops are reminiscent of Two-Hearted Ale, but it is not a complete clone. The worst thing about this kit is how quickly my family drank it all.
If you're new to homebrewing and looking to make an IPA kit, look no further. (Posted on 2/3/13)

What a good beer Review by Fabian

Rating

If you are looking for a THA Clone, this is it!!! Everyone who's tried it thinks it's spot on. Intense hoppiness with a great malt balance makes this one special. (Posted on 1/23/13)

Really enjoyed Review by Rob

Rating

I will brew this again. (Posted on 1/17/13)

Now I'm an IPA fan!!! Review by Ryan

Rating

I'm gonna be honest and say I didn't like IPA... until now. A friend talked me into a batch and now I can't wait to get another carboy filled with it. Maybe this next time, I'll save a few for a few months. (Posted on 1/16/13)

Excellent so far Review by davestarcher

Rating

I brewed this recipe almost exactly. I didn't order a kit because I had already bought a case of malt and so I used what I had on hand.

I had 8.5 lbs. of NB Gold malt extract to use. So to this, I added 1 lb. of Briess Golden DME to make up the difference in the recipe.

I added 4 oz. of Centennial hop pellets during the boil according to directions. But the closest I could get for dry hopping is 1 oz. of Cascade since whole-leaf Centennial wasn't available at the time.

I also substituted WLP001 (California Ale Yeast) instead of the Wyeast 1056. I made a 2L starter.

I just brewed yesterday. Within 3 hours, the fermentation had begun and I had tons of bubbles coming through my blow-off tube. It is about 24 hours later and it has slowed down. I'm looking forward to racking at about 6 days and then doing secondary for about 2 weeks. After that I'll condition and bottle it and it will hopefully be ready by 2/22 when I go skiing with my friends.

So far this looks like it's going to be an excellent brew. I know it's not exactly according to recipe, but that's part of the joy of homebrewing! (Posted on 1/15/13)

LOVE IT Review by John

Rating

I was never an IPA guy until i tried this beer. FANTASTIC. Easy to make and even more enjoyable to drink. I made this and its amazing!!!! Northern Brewer has the best kits by far. Combined with racking and dry hopping makes the beer clean and almost professional like. Will purchase more from here!!! (Posted on 12/18/12)

Great and easy Review by Krisoff

Rating

This was my second brew and I really enjoyed it! The result is excellent, although the hop level was lacking a bit in my opinion. I suggest getting a steeping bag if you plan on dry hopping. The floating bits of hop pellet are very bitter and take away from the overall experience. Aroma and alcohol level is perfect. (Posted on 11/21/12)

Fell short Review by Derek

Rating

I am a huge fan of IPAs and 2 Hearted is one of my personal fav's. I have brewed 4 IPA extract batches prior to this one and as much as I wanted to like it, it fell short. I did a late addition of extract - with 3 weeks in primary and 2 weeks under forced carb in the keg. It has a twangy taste to it - which is surprising with a late addition. Maybe its the LME? I absolutely loved the St Paul Porter and have enjoyed the other IPAs I have brewed. Not sure what the deal was - based on other reviews I know I'm in the minority on this one. (Posted on 11/21/12)

Great IPA Review by Thad

Rating

I followed the recipe to a T, but I also added a 1oz. bag of Grains of Paradise, and a 1oz. bag of bitter orange peel at 5 mins. left in the boil. I normally detest IPAs, but, I love this beer!!! My wife wanted me to add the grains and orange peel, and she said if she didn't know that I made it, she would've asked what brewery it came from. It is strong, hoppy and sweet and spicy all in one. Overall one of the best batches I've made yet. Definitely going to make this one again. (Posted on 11/17/12)

Its a Dead Ringer Review by Dan

Rating

This was one of my first brews and this beer turned out fantastic. Primary fermentation only for 4 weeks, dry hopped at 2 weeks. Racked to bottles at 4 weeks and tested first one after about 2 weeks in bottles. Flavor is fantastic, will purchase again, only next time plan to do an all grain. (Posted on 11/1/12)

Delicious brew, not two hearted though Review by Dwight

Rating

Similar flavor to two hearted but less alcohol and equally delicious. Used bells yeast cultured from Oberon and was very happy with result. Will definitely make this again once my supply dwindles. (Posted on 10/23/12)

Great IPA Review by Joe

Rating

This is one of my favorites from NB. If you like hoppy beer, this one's for you! Great hoppy taste. Easyt to brew too. (Posted on 10/22/12)

Quite a nice IPA/APA style Review by James

Rating

I saw how popular this kit was, and marked it for trial when I did a little more research. I was looking for more of a flavor/aroma style pale ale as opposed to a 150+ IBU melt-your-tongue-off bitter beer.

Brewed it up with an US05 yeast cake from a previous batch and it smelled quite nice as it fermented in the bucket (67F). I let it sit for about 3 weeks, then dry hopped it for 11 days, then bottled. I let it sit in the bottles for about 2 weeks, and cracked one open. Nice malty flavor that complements the hops, nice thick head, and spot on for my requirements of being more about the flavor/aroma of the hops. (Posted on 10/22/12)

Must try IPA Review by Trent

Rating

If you like IPA's and are new to brewing this is the kit for you. This kit was a snap to brew and tasted just like two hearted ale. (Posted on 10/20/12)

My fave IPA ANYWHERE / EVER! Review by Mark

Rating

Love Dead Ringer. Someone told me it's supposed to be a Dead Guy Ale clone, but I think it blows that away. Lovely complex flavor w/ plenty of kick. (Posted on 10/5/12)

Five Star Home Brew Review by Stephen

Rating

When I saw 100 reviews of five stars.... I thought to myself, hmmmm I'm not sure about that. But then I had to stop and think about it, if I was to compair this beer to all beer's, I would not give it five stars for sure. It would not compair to Siera Nevadas
'Hoptimum", Rogue's "Yellow Snow", Stone's "Ruination", Dogfish Heads "90 minute" ....etc, not even close! When I compair this beer to my experience with other homebrews, then it gets a five star rateing.

I forgot the name of the beer everyone said this was cloned after ....but I have never had one of those, so I have nothing to compair it to. Just dont think because you bought a kit that has a design of billowing smoke gushing from the bones of a die hard hophead ..... that you are going to be a master brewer.

Let this one age a few more weeks, it's worth the wait.

(Posted on 9/30/12)

Awesome beer. Seriously. Review by Casey

Rating

First beer I ordered from NB. Just wanted something quick and easy to get on tap after moving. This is a seriously good beer. I nailed the OG (which I was excited about) and kegged it last weekend. First taste this week and it is a great beer. Excellent flavor and aroma. (Posted on 9/21/12)

Good IPA Review by Aric

Rating

My batch of this brew turned out much darker than expected. It came out a dark amber with some red hues on the edge of the glass if you hold it to the light. Having said that, it in no way detracts from the amazing hop aroma and flavor that this beer contains. I wouldn't call it a "Dead Ringer" in comparison to the beer it is modeled after, but still a good IPA nonetheless. I'll definitely be trying the AG version of this kit once I obtain the necessary equipment to see if that results in a closer match to the original. (Posted on 9/7/12)

Great beer Review by William

Rating

If you are looking for an IPA, this kit is for you. Very good flavor, easy to brew, and very similar (although not identical) to another well known commercial beer. I recommend dry hopping for at least 1 week. (Posted on 9/1/12)

Be Patient Review by jim

Rating

This was my first brew ever. I eschewed going with a simpler beer (lower OG, no secondary or dry-hopping) because I love me a great IPA. I used the smack-pack WYeast, no starter. Primary for one week at ~71 ambient temp, secondary for two weeks, dry-hopped for last ten days. Next time will probably ferment at a bit lower ambient temperature.

After two weeks in the bottle, it was ok at best. Light carbonation, and there were off flavors (Green beer!). It was still good enough though, so I happily drank most of the batch. Just tried one after one month in the bottle, and it is FANTASTIC. I'm kicking myself for drinking most of the batch before it hit its peak - but it was my first brew ever so I couldn't resist!

I highly recommend this beer for fans of the original, or any IPA lovers. Like the original, it has a robust malt body to perfectly complement those wonderful centennial hops. Just learn from myself and others and be patient - let it sit in the bottle for at least a month. You'll be glad you did.
(Posted on 8/22/12)

OMG Review by Eric

Rating

Exactly what I am looking for in an IPA...awesome nose, sweet on the front end and bitter on the back...but not too bitter. This kit is downright the best batch I have EVER made. I followed the directions exept I let it sit in the 2nd stage fermentation for 3 weeks...came out 6.5 ABV. Bottlers do beware...next batch I will cut the corn sugar in half as I thought it was too carbonated... (Posted on 8/19/12)

Great IPA Review by Tj

Rating

I let this one sit a bit while i was emptying a Keg and this IPA really stood up well to the Name brand its going after. My neighbor is a fan of IPA's and this was made as a celebration for her, and she was very happy with the result. I'll be coming back to this one again. (Posted on 8/13/12)

Delicious, but really knocks me out... Review by Mark

Rating

Loved this from the first taste. Somehow this beer seems to be a sedative - I'm a night owl, but crash/hit the sack early every time I have more than one. Just ordered my 2nd Dead Ringer extract kit. They should sell the pint glasses separate from the promo kits. (Posted on 8/2/12)

Great Clone Review by Trey

Rating

First beer I've ever brewed and turned out great. Skipped yeast starter (because I didn't know what I was doing) and skipped secondary fermentation since I was ready to rack. Cold-crashed for a week then racked to keg. Force-carbed and a week on serving pressure and Voila!~!~Great Beer!! (Posted on 7/20/12)

Amazing! Review by Beergens

Rating

This was my first batch coming off of a 14-year break from homebrewing. It took about 4 weeks to carbonate at 74 degrees, but it was well worth the wait. After weeks of drinking this awesome beer and tasting how well it ages, I can say that there will always be some Dead Ringer IPA in my fridge!. (Posted on 7/20/12)

If you like IPAs - get this kit! Review by Mike

Rating

Looking at the reviews I chose this kit for my first real brew and it didn't disappoint! I've been an IPA fan for years and this beer is my new favorite.

The kit is fairly easy to brew with the right equipment and good attention to details (such as proper sanitation). I used the liquid yeast which fermented super quickly. I transferred to secondary after just one week of primary. I let secondary go for two full weeks, about 10 days of which I let the dry hops sit. I bottle conditioned for two weeks and presto - beer bliss!

The only "newbe" problem I ran into was with the dry hops as my bottling equipment did not have a way to filter out the hop solids easily. Though minor, I did end up with some hop solids in a few bottles but they don't detract. For my second brew, I bottled with my brew kettle fitted with 1/2" ball valve and a long filter to keep the hop solids out of the finished product. This worked like a charm, but it was a little challenging to bottle to the last drop.

If you like IPAs - get this kit! (Posted on 7/19/12)

freakin awesome Review by Ricky

Rating

Brewed this beer a few months ago...followed the instructions exactly as it was the first go round, only deviation being 1 extra week in secondary. Used dry yeast instead of liquid too. The results, AMAZING!!! This is definitely the best beer to be brewed in my house so far (about 30-40 batches into my brewing hobby). We've ordered two more and plan to brew this weekend. Using the liquid yeast this time and plan to dry hop twice in the secondary. One batch we'll do the secondary for 3 weeks, the second, probably 6-7 weeks in secondary. Gotta have beer for tailgating this year, GO WOLFPACK!!!

If you get this beer, I can without hesitation say you will not be disappointed. I was shocked that even with 5 ounces of hops, it is not overly hoppy. It is perfect, a darker color with light taste, smooth and refreshing.

Enjoy, Cheers! (Posted on 7/12/12)

WOW!!! Review by Mikey

Rating

This was only my 3rd attempt at home brew, and all I have to say is this beer is GREAT! The flavor is amazing and the creamy head that lasts to the bottom of the glass is delicious. I must have figured the ABV incorrectly, as it came out at 5.4% by my calculation, but 3 bottles of this is about all I can do. If I keep homebrewing, this will be my go-to kit! (Posted on 6/20/12)

Fantastic! Review by cmuench

Rating

This is by far the best NB kit I've made. I've done many and they almost always turn out great. This one has the best flavor of them all and is now the new house favorite. I added some homegrown cascade for dry hops and a yeast starter otherwise did the stock kit. Give this one a go, you won't be disappointed! (Posted on 6/16/12)

Good flavor, but hops in every glass Review by SAG

Rating

Next time I dry hops I will be sure to use a hop bag because this left hops in every glass poured. Good flavor but not as close to BTH as I thought it would be. I will have to try it again to see if its closer the second time around. (Posted on 5/26/12)

Great tasting beer Review by Anderson

Rating

I really enjoyed this kit. I've brewed other IPA's but this is by far my favorite in terms of flavor. (Posted on 5/13/12)

Kick start my hops! Review by Jeremy

Rating

My 3rd brew... 3rd times a charm maybe?! This beer seems to be modeled after a dreamcicle with hops. A hint of orange, caramel and vanilla awakened by the sharpness of the hops and somewhat of a floral note. Great drinkability for this Texas heat. Crisp but not light. Not yet real clear, only a week in the bottle... This will only get cleaner over the next few weeks... If it last that long! (Posted on 5/13/12)

Superb IPA Review by Ken

Rating

I added 1 lb. of Light DME, and an extra oz. of Centennial whole hops when I dry-hopped the batch. Many compliments from my friends. Will do this again, and again. (Posted on 5/11/12)

Outstanding extract kit! Review by ryan

Rating

I will preface by saying I drink quite a bit of the beer this is modeled after. I brewed this beer about a month ago. It spent 1 week in the primary and 2 in the secondary. I followed the directons to a "T" and decided to keg versus bottling as I am over the whole bottling thing and was given most of the kegging equipment for free. I must say, after a week in the keg under 9-10 lbs of CO2, this beer is outstanding. I haven't brewed a bunch of batches yet, but this is easily the best. I have put the real thing and this next to eachother and I, as well as my friends who know about the Two-Hearted cannot tell them apart. It's that good, and the new name it was given couldn't be closer to the truth, it is truely a Deadringer. (Posted on 5/3/12)

Perfect Review by Alexander

Rating

Absolutely great IPA. Best kit I have ever brewed. Carbed up perfectly in 2 weeks. Tastes better and better at 3,4, and 5 weeks. This one is going into heavy rotation. ABV 6.2% (Posted on 4/25/12)

Ummmmm....Best Beer Ever!! Review by NorthwoodsGuy

Rating

Wow - second brew for me and I am blown away! Only a little over two weeks being bottle conditioned and it is well carbed. Produces a nice creamy white head and a soooooo lovely hop aroma! This is an unbelievable kit which I will definitely be making again soon because this is not going to last long! It's mine! You understand! Mine! All mine! (sorry for you non-Loony Tune fans). (Posted on 4/18/12)

GREAT Review by SLIGO CREEK BREWING

Rating

EVERYTHING WENT AS PLANNED ON THE BREW. BEEN IN THE KEG @ 3 WEEKS, TASTES GREAT. BETTER FLAVOR THAN THE ORIGINAL "BALLS" VERSION. (Posted on 4/14/12)

good, but not quite there... Review by Sam

Rating

I've been drinking this brew off my keg this week, and I like it, but something's not quite right for me. A little too carmelly/burnt for my tastes (not sweet). I'm wondering if adding the malt extract in later stages might help. I boiled about 3.5-4 gallons of the 5, so I did not think it would be too concentrated. (Posted on 4/13/12)

Epic beer Review by Jennifer

Rating

I was attempting to clone Sierra Nevada Celebration, so I bought this kit and used the following hops:
1oz Chinook at 60 min
1oz Cascade at 20
1oz Centennial at 20
3oz Centennial at 5
I didnt end up dry hopping because it was so hoppy when I tasted it after moving it to secondary.
I also built up the yeast twice, once with 1/2 cup dme, then 3/4 cup, each for a day befor pitching.
The result was a beer that my friends all claim is the best IPA they have ever had. I keep saying I cant believe it, but they insist it is. It ended up being about 7.2% abv. I just made a second batch and ordered a third. We went through this beer in a fraction of the time of the others. For an extract it is phenominal. Actually, it is an awesome beer period. (Posted on 4/12/12)

As good as the reviews! Review by Shooter

Rating

Just cracked my first bottle, I love the hops. Great color, head, and excellent finish. The only thing I would do different. Don't split the batch with my brewing Buddy. I want to keep it all for myself!

Great beer, will brew again. (Posted on 4/4/12)

Fantastic Review by Edly

Rating

Just opened the first bottles of the batch this week. Nice and hoppy, but not overly so. Color, head, and aroma all excellent. Very refreshing and clean taste. Will definitely order this again. (Posted on 3/25/12)

outstanding Review by Rick

Rating

kegged this brew a 2 weeks ago. I used a local mineral spring water called silver queen so I call it Dead Queen. turned out fantastic . forced carbonated my keg. its wonderful let it second ferment for 4 weeks and conditioned in the keg 2 weeks . it gets better with time. great end finish bitters with a great centennial hop at the start. looking forward to brewing this again. (Posted on 3/23/12)

Great IPA Review by Anderson

Rating

This is my favorite IPA kit I have ordered from northern brewer. Great flavors. (Posted on 3/14/12)

Fantastic! Review by Bigredhophead

Rating

Extract kit. 1 week in primary, 2 weeks in secondary. Wyeast 1056. Dry hopped. 2 weeks in bottles and WOW! Just great. This was my first homebrew ever and a success. I am now hooked, and this kit will be a staple in my kegerator when it gets built. Color was good as I did a late addition of the malt to the boil. Great malt, caramel comes through right away, good bitterness, fantastic Centennial hop aroma. Smooth, with great lacing in the glass nice head from pour. (Posted on 3/3/12)

Hop Prop? Review by WillyT

Rating

I thought I was drinking Hop Prop at Lift Bridge. Best part of the brewing was the wonderful, hoppy aroma. A very solid IPA. (Posted on 2/27/12)

so far so good Review by nathan

Rating

just cracked one open after 2 weeks in the bottle and am very impressed. very drinkable with a strong citrus taste. will now try to wait another week or 2 before drinking or sharing the rest (Posted on 2/19/12)

An IPA that has Sunshine Dust and Happiness Sprinkles infused in the ingredients Review by Dirty Mexican

Rating

I dunno if NB (Northern Brewers) has a line on Sunshine Dust and Happiness Sprinkles or if they just put crack in this kit, but either way this brew is most delicious! 1 week in the Primary, Two in the Secondary, and another week in the Keg. This has been one of the BEST IPAs I have brewed! (Posted on 2/18/12)

Excellent Review by Beercheese

Rating

This beer is very well-rounded with malt and hop characteristics. This is one of my favorite kits since it has a decent ABV and you don't have to wait around several weeks for it to develop. Definately one to keep on rotation! (Posted on 1/28/12)

As Good As Everyone Says! Review by Brett

Rating

I can't decide which is better - this or Jamil's Evil Twin. They're both awesome! (Posted on 1/24/12)

Best I had all week Review by Matthew

Rating

Since I started brewing, my old man started to want in on all the fun (not just the drinking). He made this then bought a keg to put it in. Outstanding. Red in color, lots of head, full bodied hoppy flavor. Yes, I will make this again. (Posted on 1/12/12)

great first time brew Review by Erin

Rating

This is the first beer I ever attempted to brew, and I have to say it turned out great -- and not just for a first attempt. My friends actually want to drink it (even the ones who know me well enough to be brutally honest). Color turned out a bit darker than the pic, but it took me a bit of time to get it up to a proper boil (NYC apartment stoves have character). Definitely would recommend not opening a bottle until you're at 3 weeks if not 4, the difference between 2 weeks and 4 weeks is very noticeable. ABV is pretty heavy, so I'm glad I made this to be ready in the dead of winter. (Posted on 1/8/12)

Very flavorful Review by Dougie

Rating

The longer this bottle conditions the better, give it at least 3 weeks in the bottle. Everyone tells me this is the best beer I have ever made. This is probably my 10th batch. Of course they have all been good, but this was the best so far. (Posted on 1/4/12)

Christmas Day Review by Brian

Rating

Just got all my equipment and extract box today 12/29/2011.... Brew time will be 8 AM 12/30/2011 with beers in hand.. First ever home brew made on my accord... Wish me luck! (Posted on 12/30/11)

Brilliant Clone! Review by ANelson

Rating

This clone is as close to the real McCoy as you're going to get. Hoppy, aromatic and well a balanced malt body make this a great beer - very tasty. I served the extract kit to a bunch of friends and relatives from Bay City, MI and they could not tell the clone from the original Bell's... (Posted on 12/27/11)

great hoppy red ale Review by connman19

Rating

I've brewed this beer twice now. The first time I was just starting out in brewing and it came out good. But the second time a made it it came out great! I bought a six pack of the beer this is a clone of and tastes perfect. (Posted on 12/7/11)

Last pint better then first pint Review by Seth

Rating

The first few pints were not as good as the last few pints. This beer got better with age!! Let sit at least 3 weeks in the keg or bottles, you'll be happy you did. (Posted on 12/5/11)

Great Extract Kit Review by kkohler

Rating

I have made 3 of these kits since July, I bottled the first and kegged the other two. This kit is by far the best kit I have ever made! 1 week in the keg is good, 2+ OUTSTANDING ...... (Posted on 11/24/11)

Ditto Review by Quaker

Rating

Brewed twice now. Never compared side by side with the commercial example, but excellent beer. (Posted on 11/7/11)

Great IPA Review by Jvanraay

Rating

I am not a huge hophead fan. Made this for our Arizona summers. LOVE IT!! Hops are evident but not in your face mouth puckering. Had nice backbone of malt profile. One of the best brews I think I've made. I highly recommend this kit. (Posted on 11/4/11)

Spot on Review by Jason701

Rating

In my opinion the best beer kit Northern Brewer carries. Tastes like it's MI clone and was loved by every person who drank it. Making my second batch right now. Was at it's best between 8-12 weeks when still fresh. (Posted on 10/27/11)

This Brew is Awesome Review by Gary

Rating

First completed home brew and its everything I could have hoped for, and then some. Followed the directions exactly as they were written. Final product tasted very similar to the Dogfish 90 minute, with a higher ABV (10%, hell yeah.). Will be brewing this many more times and very soon. (Posted on 10/26/11)

LOVE IT!! Review by Gabriel

Rating

I think this is the best beer I have gotten from NB so far. Of course I am a big IPA fan. This beer is very tasty and very drinkable. Can't ever have just one. (Posted on 10/23/11)

Fabulous Brew Review by Loyd

Rating

Nothing more to add to what has already been said: a fabulous IPA! Did a side-by-side with the original and everyone preferred the home-brewed version. Not even close!

It will be the house-beer at my house! (Posted on 10/5/11)

This was my first brew, and it turned out great Review by Huntley

Rating

As the title says, this was my first ever brew. I bought the deluxe kit in May and immediately brewed the Dead Ringer kit. Some people (and I agree with them) who have tasted my beer have compared it to Dogfish Head 60 minute. I would definitely brew this again. (Posted on 10/3/11)

Good IPA wasn't sold at first but with some age its great. Review by Josh

Rating

I will say that when I cracked the first one I wasn't sold on the taste but after around a month in the bottle it was much much better! Let this one age for at least a month if you can ;) it'll be worth it! (Posted on 9/26/11)

Didn't Like At First But Now i'm Bummed It's Gone Review by Brian

Rating

My keg finally kicked last night and I'm really bummed. I'll admit this wasn't my favorite beer at first. 10 days after kegging it was still really young, too bitter, a little cloudy and a strange after taste. But it got better and better with age. I won't brew this immediately again but it will find it's way back into the lineup next year. BTW mine was a dead ringer for the original in terms of taste and aroma but it turned out darker than the original. (Posted on 9/20/11)

Awesome Review by Corey

Rating

this is by far one of the better kits i have purchased. (Posted on 9/12/11)

Better than 2 Hearted Review by Aaron F

Rating

I brewed the extract kit and followed the directions exactly. I dry hopped for 10 days. Only complaint is 2 hearted tastes a little watered down to me after having dead ringer. (Posted on 8/21/11)

Great Beer Review by tcurr3

Rating

this kit is fantastic! i would def recommend it. i will be doing another one very soon! (Posted on 8/15/11)

Best IPA kit I've had Review by Scott

Rating

This beer is consitently fantastic! Had lots of people tell me it's the best home brew they've had. Love the citrus of Centennials! (Posted on 8/3/11)

Wow Review by Hunter

Rating

What a wonderful beer !! brewed the extract version and it turned out wonderful. Not quite 3HA but darn close. Have to brew another batch right away because I'm sure my friends will help with this one. 2 wks in primary/2 wks in secondary and 2 weeks in bottle. Tasted at one week and it was still a little green, but a week later and it was delicious. Smooth malt taste with a nice balance of hops hides the alcohol till the end, but not overbearing. Hope to have some around to try at 2 months. This is not a lawnmower beer !! Will try All-Grain version should be even better. (Posted on 7/29/11)

Fantastic Flavor Review by Duner

Rating

This stuff is wonderful. Made a batch for the annual kayak trip but may run out before the trip even starts. (Posted on 7/18/11)

Just gets better with time................go figure! Review by Parkinlot

Rating

Well, anyone who buys this beer, there's a good chance that they're a hophead! Yea.........that would be me. This beer was great about 5 weeks out, but even better at 10 weeks. I would highly recommend this beer, especially those who indulge in the centennial hop! 4 oz of Centennial my friend..............you can't go wrong! You gotta make this beer...............I know I'll be brewing Dead Ringer IPA again in the near future. (Posted on 7/14/11)

Unreal Review by CO Defender

Rating

I brewed the extract kit the first week of May; modifications included only one lb of belgian candi 15 mins prior to the end of the boil. Two weeks of primary, four weeks of secondary, an addition of dry American Ale yeast at bottling, and after only two weeks of cellaring, it is absolutely unbelievable...I may be a bit biased, but it's the best IPA I've ever had, and I've tried literally thousands...my bud from Dallas was visiting last week and he said it was better than DH 90 minute...I agree, and much less expensive! I have taken the trouble to hide a case in the nether regions of my basement crawl space in hopes that I won't be motivated to retrieve it until the Christmas decorations go up...should be pretty damned good by then as well...thanks NB...this one's bound to be repeated. (Posted on 7/12/11)

took the blue ribbon Review by Melody

Rating

The flavor of this beer is so close to the original store bought that I took the blue ribbon in our local homebrew club for best clone beer. We stood this beer side by side and it was the best. (Posted on 7/12/11)

Remarkable, favorite kit yet Review by Jason

Rating

I did the extract version, and had wonderful results.

- Prepared a 1.5L starter with the Wyeast 1056 liquid yeast the day before brewing.
- Steeped the Carmel 40 in 1 gallon of filtered Lake Michigan water.
- Used distilled water for the boil
- I did a partial boil, starting with 4 gallons on my stovetop, and ~2/3 of the extract.
- Added the last 1/3 of extract in the last 10 minutes.
- Fermented for 8 days
- Dry-hopped for 7 days
- Kegged and carbonated: vigorously shook the keg at 30psi for ~5 minutes, then let sit at 14psi for a few days before reducing the pressure down to 8psi.

The bitterness profile is exactly what I was looking for. Enough to give a little kick to the saliva glands that makes you want another drink. The aroma is very fresh and bright with a nice mix of pine and citrus (all centennial hops). I was hesitant to do this as an extract, and happy to report there is no noticeable twang or overpowering sweetness. I'll attribute a good deal of that credit to NB's fresh product. It's great to be able to make a beer like this without the time commitment of an all-grain brew day. (Posted on 7/5/11)

Nothing short of outstanding Review by Richard Weiner

Rating

I've brewed a few NB kits thus far and I was definitely taken back by how tasty this one was. Along with many of the other reviewers, I think there is little question about it's resemblance to it's dual hearted brethren. I am afterall, a big fan. However, I was completely shocked at it's overall flavor. Not too Hoppy, not too Malty, just plain Delicious. This brew was my best effort yet as I have had some difficulty in obtaining a solid malt profile in past batches. There is no question that this one is a winner. I ended up using Wyeast's American Ale and sub'd the dry hop addition with Summit (1oz pellet). Very pleased. (Posted on 7/1/11)

wow this is good brew! Review by Melody

Rating

I like Bells 2 hearted so I thought I'd try to brew this. I honestly like it better, and the fact that I made it myself, makes it taste just that much better. I love the malty hoppy taste. It just gets better with age.
Another fine kit that I will be making over and over again. (Posted on 6/14/11)

outstanding Review by hoovdizzle

Rating

if i were to do a side by side taste test with a certain litigation loving kalamazoo michigan brewery's ale, i would be able to tell you which is which. that being said, i really like this beer. mine DOES have that extract twang, but that doesn't keep it from being exceptionally tasty. i will definitely brew this again. (Posted on 6/12/11)

A fine, tasty brew Review by Boller

Rating

This is a good one. A definite crowd pleaser. I think I am going to move this one into a regular rotation. Can't wait to do it again. (Posted on 6/9/11)

Don't tell your friends Review by Snotty

Rating

My only advice is to not let anyone else try this beer who is a hop head. Your stash will not last long! (Posted on 5/17/11)

Awsome Review by Geezer

Rating

only my second brew and I still cannot believe I made something that taste this good! stick to the recipie wait three to four weeks in bottles unbelievable. nuff said (Posted on 5/1/11)

Fantastic Review by Michael

Rating

This is quite possibly the best beer I have ever brewed. If you like 2 hearted, you will be amazed by this beer, it is better. I keg my beer but I also bottle one six pack to save for later. I don't know how much longer I can wait. (Posted on 4/27/11)

3/3 Hearts! Review by Blitzkolsch

This is a fantastic beer. It was my second brew back in February and has been in bottles for about six weeks now. I have been resisting the urge to drink it all since it was done, and am down to my last few bottles. It has gotten much better every time I have opened it, so I advise hiding a few in the back of the fridge. Bell's Two-Hearted is one of my favorite beers, and this is definitely a dead ringer. I haven't had it side by side with the original, but I am willing to bet that it would be hard to decide which was which. (Posted on 4/15/11)

Three Hearted Ale----Great Brew!!!! Review by JA

This was my third-ever homebrew and is still one of my most favorite brews. It was so good, in fact, I'm still sitting on a few select bottles after almost three years!!!

It is a hoppy brew, but its the malt profile that makes this beer great! If you haven't tried it yet, you should. I can't wait to try the all grain edition!

Shame on Bell's, It's not even the same name as Two Hearted Ale! They're probably just suffering from beer envy. As for me, Mine will always be labeled THREE HEARTED ALE!!! (Posted on 3/31/11)

Beat out Two Hearted Ale in an unofficial taste test. Review by Erika

Rating

Take that, oh $9.99 a 6-pack artisan beer! Oddly, the color of this beer is much more amber (the real deal is rather blonde). The aroma is the same as 2-hearted, due to using the same hops obviously. But the flavor and body is just... better. In comparison, 2-hearted seems a bit cidery, whereas 3-hearted has a richer, smoother body and a better balance of malt to compete with all that hoppiness. To me this is shocking, coming from an extract kit.

My batch came in at about 7% (right on target), but took over 2 weeks to carbonate properly, possibly because I used a half tab of Whirlfloc which may have pulled a lot of yeast out of suspension, thus making carbonation a longer process b/c of starting with less yeast overall. We're drinking this at 4-5 weeks, and it tastes great. I don't know if we'll have the strength to hold a few for a 2-3 month tasting. I'm about to order bulk ingredients to make 3 more batches. Yeah, it's that awesome! Well done NB!

Oh, and take the advice of other reviews and try to let this condition at least 3-4 weeks once you've hit full carbonation. While not fully carbonated, those initial tastings at 2 weeks were pretty harsh. (Posted on 3/28/11)

hoplicious Review by The hoppinator

Rating

This was only the second beer I kegged and carbonated with c02, but the first that christened my kegerator. Be patient because it gets better with age, I had it on tap for 2.5 months and the last of it was the best. Mine turned out just over 6% and was enjoyed by all that tried it.

I'm not sure I did everything right because it didn't clear well. I racked multiple times but I still had A LOT of sediment in every glass. (Posted on 3/26/11)

Won't sue you. Review by Cory Lew

Rating

Deliciously hoppy beer. Plus, it doesn't come from a brand that issues cease and desist to a homebrewing supply company. (Posted on 3/23/11)

Fantastic Review by Mickey

Rating

I love Bells Two Hearted Ale, this is as close as you can get to it at home, I followed the directions exactly and it as fantastic but went too fast. Thanks Northern Brewer I have been brewing for a good while and your kits are great. (Posted on 3/21/11)

Great Brew Review by Moose1231

Rating

This is my 2nd kit from NB and would definatly brew this one again. If you like Bell's two hearted ale, then you will love this. 2 Weeks in primary, 3 Weeks in secondary and 3-4 Weeks in the bottle (Posted on 3/10/11)

Not exactly what I expected, but very good Review by I like it

A great IPA, a little heavier in the malt taste than expected. The blend of hops create a very complex taste: starts out a bit sweet, then the hops come in and you end with a deeply bitter after taste. I won't make it again, since I like slightly lighter IPAs, but highly recommended nonetheless. (Posted on 2/24/11)

This beer should have a 6th star Review by Tyler

Rating

Fantastic, as good or better than the original Bell's. Brewed it 3 times in less than 6 months. This is the one I will always have on tap. (Posted on 2/18/11)

Very awesome Review by Sneekysneeky

Rating

Extremely tasty. Very hoppy, but smooth drinking. I'd recommend this to all the hop heads out there. (Posted on 2/6/11)

solid Review by miller

Rating

My first batch with my brewing buddy, with me steering the ship. Came out awesome. Let it ferment a little longer than normal, due to conflicting work schedules, but it came out great. One of my buddies said he would buy a case from me if I brew it again...I told him to just buy the kit, and we'll brew it together!
Would definately brew this again...awesome. (Posted on 2/2/11)

Bell's Brewing Company? Never heard of them! Review by U2zeke

Rating

As many others have reacted, mine is the same..."Wow!!" I was nervous about this beer because the first week the fermentation got stuck because I had it sitting in my basement and the temperature was too cold, so I moved it upstairs to a 64 degree closet and it took off. Then, I screwed up again and racked it too early so it finished the rest of the active fermentation in the secondary. I was nervous because it sat on the trub longer than it really should have. We also tossed some Irish Moss in the pot for safe measure for clarification. I missed the mark a little and it came out around 6.1% ABV. So far, it's my favorite beer so far that I've done.

This was bottled a little over a month ago and it's really drinking well right now, nice head retention, perfect carbonation, and the floral aroma and bitterness is pretty big. A friend of mine fell in love with this beer and wants me to brew more but I'm taking it one step further and will be teaching him how to brew with this batch. (Minus all my previous mistakes this time!) (Posted on 1/30/11)

Loved It Review by X

Rating

If you like Three-Hearted Ale then you will like this kit. It smells and tastes almost identical to the real Bell's beer.

Even though I messed up my first batch by making too much wort - it was still very drinkable.

This kit will be in my permanent rotation! (Posted on 1/21/11)

Tasty Review by tunaboat captain

Rating

Far and away my favorite extract kit beer to date. Will make more very soon. (Posted on 1/19/11)

Fantastic Review by lcstech

Rating

A friend of mine made this and I enjoyed it so much I made a batch for myself. All descriptions are accurate, this is a great recipe. It really improves over time (as others have indicated) I kegged 1/2 of it and bottled the rest. I saved a few bottles, and at 9 weeks it is so good I wish I had the rest back. I6f you want something special condition this until you can't stand it anymore, and then hold off for another month. Fantastic! (Posted on 1/11/11)

turned out great Review by Tyler

Rating

I was a little worried as I always am. Overall everything turned out great. This beer even seems a bit more smooth than the Bell's that it is trying to replicate. Non-IPA drinkers (or APA, american pale ale) enjoyed it as well. Only problem is I have the moochers coming for it. (Posted on 12/20/10)

high hops, sweet finish Review by Conor

Rating

Liked this quite a bit, but not my fav IPA. Brewed with Safale 05 good strong fermentation, then 2 1/2 weeks in secondary. Looks great in the glass, good carb with lacing. Smell is strong hops bite with a little sweetness. Taste is strong bitter hop start and a sweeter malty finish. Mouthfeel was good, could be better perhaps with some added specialty grains. Overall I would brew this again but somewhat disappointed in the sweeter malty finish, this is more of a highly hopped British IPA than a San Diego style bitter, citrus IPA. (Posted on 11/30/10)

Great! Review by Brian

Best beer I've brewed yet. I love it, and everyone who's tasted it has been impressed. I did add a pound of orange blossom honey with 15 minutes left in the boil. The hops are noticeable but not overwhelming. Highly recommended. (Posted on 11/12/10)

Mind blowing good beer! Review by HopMonster

Rating

This is was the third NB kit I brewed - first was Chinook IPA and second ESB - and it rocked the house. Buddies came over and killed the batch in one night ... and a bunch of brain cells to boot. Two weeks primary, two weeks secondary and one month in bottle ... unbelievable taste hits you at first and mellows on the way down. Did I mention this is a strong beer? Couple of pints will get on you quickly ... three to four pints and even the daily drinker is bouncing off the walls. Will brew a double batch next time and extend the time in the secondary by a week or two. (Posted on 11/4/10)

Be Patient Review by Chris

Rating

I bottled this so I cannot speak to kegging. I cracked the first bottle at two weeks and it was undrinkable. Cracked the second at 4 weeks and it was very good. Tried the third at 6 weeks in the bottle and it was amazing! Won't have a chance to try at 8 weeks because they are all gone. Definately doing this one again soon! (Posted on 11/1/10)

excellent Review by richkev

Rating

This is the first time I have brewed this kit. It is easy to make and tastes great. I have been trying to buy the Bells 2 Hearted Ale for a comparison, but the only grocery store in town that carries it always seems to be out. Must be good stuff, because it is around $10 for a 6 pack. Anyway, this kit is highly drinkable and my neighbors have raved about it. (Posted on 10/8/10)

Best Valued Kit / Great Brew Review by TK 421

Rating

A great kit and a great value for the $$$. But it you like this kit as much as i do, you can order a 33 lb. LME bucket of Gold, and two 8 oz. packs of Centenial hops. It does three batches for $82 (no yeast) and leaves sugar and a oz. of hops to spare. Saves some on the shipping too depending on how many kits you buy. A great beer, easy to brew, what's not to love? (Posted on 9/26/10)

Holy Hops Batman Review by Novice but getting there

Rating

This is now my favorite beer period!!!!!! That includes commercial beers that I like. I am really into IPAs and hoppier ales. This one will blow you away. I was lucky enough to find the 2 Hearted "parent" to this one and I have to agree with the opinion that the clone is better. If you like a higher ABV and huge hop flavor and aroma this is your beer.

I have the 115th Dream Hopbursted IPA kit on deck so I may have a new favoite after that one is finished but as of now this one will be extremely hard to beat. (Posted on 9/23/10)

fantastic beer Review by chefbrewer

Rating

This was one of the first clone kits we made from NB, and the result can be summed up as "AWESOME!!!" We have had the 2 Hearted from Bells, and although I can't quite agree with some others that this kit was better than the original, it does make a fantastic beer. We served it in a blind tasting alongside of a couple of our other home brews, including the Lefse Blonde, also yummy, and the 3 Hearted was decidely a favorite, even over Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Harpoon IPA!! We are working on some of our own recipes now, modeling it after this kit. Highly recommended!!! (Posted on 9/22/10)

Fantastic Review by Brad

Rating

Followed the instructions with this schedule: 2 weeks primary, 3 weeks secondary, dry hopping for the last week. Kegged and forced carb. So all in all ready in 5 weeks + one day and this brew is easily the best IPA I've made, and possibly the best over all, have been brewing for 6 years now. Will brew again, and again. (Posted on 9/20/10)

Very very good. Review by Tom from NY

Rating

This was the second beer I made, and my first departure from the 'truebrew' kits. It blew my mind. I've made a few beers since that first batch now, and I now know just how special this beer really is. Great beer to have around the house if you enjoy IPA's. Next time I'm going to get the wyeast american ale instead of the safale option. (Posted on 9/17/10)

Fantastic IPA Review by Charles

Rating

This kit made a fantastic IPA. The character was quite a bit more floral than citrus, which made it stand out from the usual American IPA. This batch went a lot faster than I wanted it to - I was hoping to see how it would taste once it was aged! Maybe next time I'll have better luck keeping it around! (Posted on 9/13/10)

Better than the Bells Review by Morel Hunter

Rating

I was hoping to get a Bell's type clone when I brewed this one. What I got was better than the original. Niclely balance hops and malt. My best description would be a clean balanced ale.I followed NBs instructions and it was perfect. My hardcore beer friends drink it all so I would say a big thumbs up! (Posted on 7/2/10)

now my second batch Review by scott

Rating

well a couple of reviews down you will see my name again this is the second time i have brewed this. this time around i decided to change the yeast to dennys fav 50 and i dry hopped it with 2 oz of cent. i think if i did it again i would only use 1oz for dry hopping seemed like i ended up with alittle more of a grassy taste. still taste amazing also couldnt get my fg down any lower then 1.020 and i have read that about this yeast it does better then 2nd 3rd and so on times that you reuse the yeast. will be buying again. (Posted on 6/27/10)

To share or not share?? Review by Brandon

Rating

This was my first dive into homebrewing and I wish there were better words to describe the scrumdidlumpsiousness of this kit. A friend of mine brewed this kit and we compared the results...equal parts of awesomeness all the way around. Can't say enough about the help from NB either!!! They were always there to help and couldn't have done it without them. If I were to brew one beer for all time...this would be it! (Posted on 6/22/10)

good brew Review by jonnie b

Rating

Just brewed my second kit. The first one didn't last too long. I have too many family and friends who love a great beer and this is a great beer. No deviations necessary. Just brew and drink and enjoy! (Posted on 6/20/10)

Best beer weve brewed Review by rick

Rating

The best thing about brewing this was we brewed a double batch of it and now have 10 gallons of the stuff to drink! We took some to the Jimmy Buffett concert last week and got rave reviews from the Parrot heads. We will brew this again. (Posted on 6/2/10)

Great kit Review by tlazaroff

This is a great extract kit. It isn't totally accurate to Bell's Two Hearted Ale, I wish the hops were more pronounced, but maybe I am being too harsh on it. It is an excellent beer. One of my friends asked "Did you squeeze grapefruit into this?" Oh yeah, it's good! (Posted on 5/27/10)

brew this one, it's amazing Review by Kim

Rating

I left this one in primary for two weeks, secondary for two weeks (dry hopped with 10 days to go), and bottle conditioned for three weeks. I then tried it side by side with Bells Two Hearted Ale and I like this clone kit better! The hop aroma is more citrusy and intense with this kit than the beer it's based on. I will be brewing this one again and again. (Posted on 5/11/10)