Bells Two Hearted Ale mini-keg and a near disaster
November 28, 2007
Bells released their Two Hearted (IPA) in mini kegs this past week. Mini-kegs are 1.32 gallons, which equal out to 10 pints.
I’m fortunate enough to have a wife that understands these special beer occasions only come once a year. Since she works in Dearborn, she is close to one of the finest beer stores in Michigan – Merchant’s. They received a shipment of these last weekend, she said it looked like they had 20 or so left. They retail for $20.99. (I’m not sure if anyone local has these – please post a comment if you’ve seen them in Monroe).
The picture you see here, was taken in my kitchen. I positioned the keg on top of the refrigerator, and brought it a little over the edge for a better picture. I was in a hurry, so the photo didn’t come out all that well.
Last night I was watching television, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw the freezer door swing open. It was slow motion – the bells mini-keg came crashing down on the floor. Like an idiot, the first words out of my mouth were “OH NO – is my beer O.K.?!”.. It was, thank goodness. And if you’re wondering, so was my wife. She now calls it “The Bells mini-keg that almost killed me.”
So, to wrap this up – a couple of mini-keg tips:
1. Drink the mini-keg in one evening. They’ll stay carbonated for about a day in the keg.
2. Ask a friend or friends to join you, I wouldn’t suggest attempting one of these by yourself. If you do, you’re a trooper (or just crazy). I’m saving mine for New Years, and I’m sure I’ll have no problem finding someone to assist me.
3. If a mini-keg falls on your wife, ask her if she’s O.K. first – then check the beer. 
Posted in Beer News
November 28th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Can I just be adopted by Michigan…please. That is a fabulous packaging option.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:36 am
Damn, it sounds like you got yourself a keeper if she handled a mini keg to the dome like that. I’m drinking off of one of these as I type this. By far one of my favorite beers. We are lucky to be Michiganders especially when it comes to beer!
January 12th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Just picked one of these up over in Green Bay for the Packer game… 17.99… Can’t beat that with a stick… Love this beer!
March 11th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Just found these at the store here in MN for 18.99. Not bad considering the 6 pack of bottles goes for 8.99.
Good beeeeer….
March 19th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I’m drinking off one too. I found mine in Florida at Wild Oats but it was 24.99. 6-packs here cost 9.99 when you can find them. Cheers to this fine ale!!
November 16th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Seriously, how awesome of a find is is this? I’m in Bay City MI and a sixer here goes for $11.99. What a joy it was to see this at the local party/wine store, Ideal Party Store is tops! Two Hearted is my favorite IPA by far. I also grabbed a 12oz Bell’s Oracle DIPA(12oz Double IPA 10.4% abc) WOW! What a great brew also. If you get the chance, try it!
Peace out beer lovers!
November 22nd, 2009 at 7:58 pm
I found your post while searching for a picture of the mini keg. I actually polished off one of my own last night after finding it at Jungle Jim’s near Cincinnati (which is a fantastic supermarket for basically anything whatsoever), though I’m pretty jealous of everybody who’s talked about the prices of theirs…22.99 here in Ohio. I probably should have run down to KY to get it for less, but oh well. It was terrific, and I felt like it was loads more enjoyable once I started drinking it straight of the mini keg.