Bells Light Hearted Ale

Bells Light Hearted comes as a six-pack of cans, and the name points to a lighter-bodied ale rather than a heavy or high-gravity beer. No ABV or IBU is listed here, so check the can for exact figures. Light ales in this vein usually run modest in strength, with a pale gold to straw colour, a clean malt base and only a gentle hop presence. Expect soft grainy or lightly bready malt, a touch of citrusy or floral hop aroma at most, and a quick, dry finish with little lingering bitterness. This is generally a beer built for easy drinking over several rounds, not for dissecting. That profile makes it flexible at the table. Light ales of this kind tend to suit salty, fried and grilled foods: fish tacos, chicken wings, burgers, bratwurst, soft pretzels and pizza. Their lower bitterness and restrained sweetness let them cleanse the palate without clashing with spice or smoke. They also work with salads, shellfish and mild cheeses such as mozzarella or young cheddar, where a stronger beer would dominate. Serve it cold, roughly 38 to 45°F (3 to 7°C), which keeps the body crisp and the malt from turning flat or sweet as it warms. Straight from the refrigerator is fine, and a few minutes on the counter will bring out a little more malt character. A standard pint glass or an American shaker pint suits a beer like this, and a pilsner flute or tall tumbler will keep the carbonation and any hop aroma lively. Pouring from the can into a glass releases more aroma than drinking from the can directly, even with a delicate ale. Because the style is light and low in intensity, it also holds up well to being chilled in a cooler for outdoor use, where cans travel and recycle more easily than bottles.