Anchor Humming Ale - Anchor Brewing Company

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First had: pitcher shared by the folks from Anchor, at Capone's, Norristown, PA

It's nice to see some beers other than the typical flagships from larger craft brewers like Anchor pop up every once in a while. Humming Ale poured a clear amber color with a small cap of frothy white head. Hop-forward aroma, citrus and melons, slight herbal presence, with promises of a bready malt base. Similar taste, good balance of sweet bready malts and citrusy hops, notes of grains and fresh grass, and a touch of honey. Light-medium body, not bursting with flavor, but very easily drinkable nonetheless.

Serving type: on-tap

09-09-2012 15:47:01 | More by Rifugium

Hopswagger

Oklahoma

3.75/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

P:  Bright clear orange copper body with active effervescence and a dollop of white bubbly head. 

S:  Great nose that delivers a a bouquet of tropical fruits. Mango, papaya, pineapple, grapefruit and  cinnamint Orbitz gum.  Pronounced citrus hops and herbal hops along with spiced bread and hints of pine round out the nose. 

T/M:  Pale malt base that bring a timid sweetness to balance the pronounced grapefruit and fresh pine needle hops.  Humming serves up a good amount of fresh hops that pack a delicious punch. Body is light and similar to melted butter with a stingy carbonation on the tongue. Finish is semi dry with lingering tart apple peels and pine needles. An echo of alcohol cascades off the palate once warmed.

O:  The smell of this is outstanding. I actually spent almost more time smelling this than drinking it.  The taste has a nice balance of pale malts, delicate sweetness and pine/ citrus bitterness. Super refreshing and easy to take down several in a short setting. 

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2012 02:37:45 | More by Hopswagger

horshack7

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Clear and brassy on top is a very thick,frothy and a little bit rocky head a solid inch in height.

Aroma: Citrus hops, tropical fruits, light biscuity notes, hints of piney.

Taste: Grapefruit notes at the start. As it mellows it has a light buteriness. Fairly smooth mouthfeel with decent carbonation. Biscuity notes, with a twinge of honey.

Notes: Sessionable with a nice smooth finish I will pick this one again. Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

08-27-2012 02:16:08 | More by horshack7

Nerudamann

Arizona

3.78/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a bottle into a pint glass.

Look - light amber color, clear, with good carbonation and about half a finger's worth of off-white colored foam that dissipates quickly.

Smell - good mix between malty and hoppy, but in the end a bit more hoppy.

Taste - tinge of bitterness to start and to follow through with into the rest of the taste. The bitterness is ever present but is never overwhelming. In the middle, there seems to be a slight sweetness that helps to balance it all out.

Mouthfeel - pretty well-balanced, but may lean just a bit on the creamier side.

Overall - not a bad brew at all. Good-tasting, and decently intriguing.

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2012 03:02:57 | More by Nerudamann

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Pours a light honey color with tons of creamed froth. Head doesn't dissipate much. Mostly clear. Plenty of lacing.

S-Nose is very pleasant. Sweet caramel and moist biscuit malt. Floral and citrus rind hops. Smells quite English by design. Intensity is medium. Balanced with a pretty overall aroma.

T-Quite like the nose with a little more citrus zest. Balance is key here. The orange and flowery hops pair up very well with the solid malt. Sweet bread and citrus rind. An attractive little Pale Ale.

M-A bit creamy. Light bitterness. Carbonation is moderate and set to a solid pitch. Would be a nice session brew.

O/D-This is a pleasant Pale Ale. Not unique, but balanced and well crafted. I would not be unhappy with a six pack of these for a night. Smooth and easy going but doesn't leave you wanting more.

Serving type: on-tap

08-15-2012 21:30:53 | More by VelvetExtract

Jaynuze

District of Columbia

3.73/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a nice thick head with a great golden hue.

A: clear and golden
S: nose is really nice, much more hoppy than any of the other Anchor styles.
T: the taste is as subtle as the nose. Light and refreshing with just the right balance of hops.
M: light and refreshing. I could drink quite a few of these and not feel full.
O: what a great style. I've been dying to try this for quite some time and finally had the chance to pick up a single. I should have trusted my judgement and picked up a case, one never loses with beer from these masters. Another great style to add to their solid portfolio!

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2012 23:38:16 | More by Jaynuze

bump8628

Oklahoma

3.6/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Bottled about 1.5 months ago. Great looking beer. Bright gold with a dense, sticky white head. Nose is rather mild - some light citrus and yeastiness. The palate is better. Malt is slightly bready with an almost sourdough twang to it, hop bitterness isn't shy. Unfortunately the hops aren't as vibrant as I was hoping in a 100% Nelson Sauvin beer. In fact, somehow they have pulled some coarse, herbal notes from the hops as opposed to the citrus and tropical notes I was expecting. Sharp, dry, mineral edge on the finish. A good pint, but not something I will go for very often when there are so many better options these days.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2012 19:37:34 | More by bump8628

StaveHooks

Oklahoma

3.68/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle served into a Sam Adams perfect pint glass.

A - Pours a hazy golden amber with 2 fingers of frothy off-white head. Good retention pretty nice lacing.

S - Lemon pith, wintergreen, pine needles, honey, fresh grain, lavender.

T - Bright citrus, minty wintergreen, honey covered grains, cantaloupe, fresh basil. Starts to get peppery toward the finish. Finishes skunky, herbal and minty.

M - Heavy side of medium weight, lush feel, moderate creamy carbonation.

Very fresh flavors with an interesting hop profile. Good pale malts provide just the right amount of sweetness.
Not a knockout, but plenty here to keep you occupied.

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2012 21:05:45 | More by StaveHooks

notchucknorris

California

3.58/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a clear golden color with a fluffy cream colored head. Nice lacing down the glass.

S: Honestly, not a ton to be found here. Some light citrus hops and cereal malt. Maybe a hint of lemon.

T: Starts with just a light touch of citrus hops. Some unripe orange and lemon come through the most. The then flavor fades to a toasted malt and bready finish. Well balanced and simple. Another solid beer from Anchor.

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2012 21:51:16 | More by notchucknorris

BrownNut

Florida

3.76/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

The main thing I took away from this was yeast. Smelled like yeast, tasted like yeast. There was a little sour tang. There was an almost floral smell that I think was really a facet of the yeast. I was surprised to learn this is classed as an APA. I wasn't sure what to call it before I read that. Sometimes you crave malt and sometimes you crave hops. I'm not sure if I have craved yeast before, but I don't know too many others that deliver on the yeast like this one. If I have that craving, I'll know what to get. And otherwise it's a perfectly fine beer to just session with.

Like other Anchor beers, I feel it is solid. You can taste the experience of the hands that made it, sort of like Sierra Nevada's consistent quality but maybe a notch or two down. Also like the others, I think it doesn't particularly stand out in any category other than overall solidness. And also like the others, one sort of odd note defines it, in this case the yeast. Overall it's a beer I'd be happy enough to session if you served it, but isn't one I'd think to keep on hand or in most cases specifically go out to buy.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2012 01:39:01 | More by BrownNut

Mattamue

Iowa

3/5  rDev -19.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle into a pint. No bottle/expire date. 1L5 punched into the back of the label.

a Golden tan with some brown on the edges. Half an inch thick cigarette-stain white head. Lacing clings in Arches National Park-esque lines. Mild carbonation.

s Citric hops invade the front of the smell. Sweet and toasty malt finishes with a hint of apple and citric lingering.

t Mild hops floral bitter wraps around and goes right to the middle of the tongue at the beginning. Ester tang aftertaste starts small then crescendos with a toasty grain background.

m Light taste. Full. Surprised at the fullness compared to the relatively weak carbonation.

o Would personally chose another ale style over APA for regular purchases, but would buy this again to share or have variation occasionally.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2012 23:49:24 | More by Mattamue

NiceTaps

New Jersey

3.8/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pured from a bottle into a room-temp pint glass.

A- pours a hazy golden orange color with a one-finger fluffy head and some lacing. There is nice carbonation well-masked by the haziness.

S-A citrus aroma right up, orange and lemon. Not an overpowering or strong smell here.

T-How good does an Anchor ale taste? Very good.
Nice citrus and spice flavor. Well balanced hop/malt mix.

M- Very nice body; good carbonation, strong presence without any alcohol notes. A little oil on the lip and bite on the tongue. Tangy.

O- No surprise, another solid effort by Anchor.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2012 21:55:59 | More by NiceTaps

MatthewWilde

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Sample: 1 bottle 2012

A: Nice yellowish orange with the slightest amount of cloudiness throughout, pours a small foamy head which quickly becomes decent lacing, only slight internal carbonation

S: solid citrus, definite orange/coriander notes, some hops and even traces of lemon, but not overly fragrant

T: Very nice balance between sweetness and bitterness, taste follows the smell, citrus fruits, orange, some spice notes as well, hops certainly present

M: Incredibly smooth and easy to drink, very light, not overpowering on the palate, only a slight non-lingering aftertaste

O: Great all-around, perfect combination of fruit and hops, delicious and smooth

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2012 01:30:00 | More by MatthewWilde

CwrwAmByth

United Kingdom (Wales)

4/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 350ml bottle into a Chimay goblet glass.

Pours a hazy golden colour with a foamy smooth head.

Smells fairly strong of piney hops.

Tastes nice and refreshing, hoppy but not too overpowering, those piney and citrusy tastes coming through.

Overall a very solid decent beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2012 23:44:37 | More by CwrwAmByth

Atmosbeer

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I bought the six.pack from Jewel grocer at $9.99.
I disagree with the average or below average reviews of this beer.
I poured a cellar temp bottle. There is a slight amount of.sediment and decided to include it in the pour. Gloden in color, pillowy fat white head, plenty of lace left behind.
The aroma is hoppy, piney strong and bitter.
The taste is like honey at the first moment. It then becomes dry bitter. I find this positive. Quite along the lines of their Liberty Ale. Another version so it seems

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2012 17:30:04 | More by Atmosbeer

MaximalC

Illinois

2.98/5  rDev -20.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Pours a murky golden color with vigorous carbonation that yields a healthy white head. Aroma is floral and hoppy with a touch of banana and a hint of pepper. Flavor is similar to the nose, with hops leading the charge. Pepper comes through on the back end, and I can't say that I'm a fan. The flavor profile is somewhat volatile, as multiple elements jockey for position without ever achieving any real harmony. The front end is palatable, but the back end is peppery and cloying. The label refers to a humming ale as something of a mystery, and that much has certainly been achieved with this brew. Not my favorite offering from Anchor.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2012 02:18:32 | More by MaximalC

PEBKAC

New York

2.9/5  rDev -22.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2

Bottle from New Beer. Thought I put together a tasty Steam/Foghorn sixer, but this one snuck in somehow. Curious, as I've rarely seen this one around town.

Thick, pasty, off-white head. Whitewash lace. Dull(but not quite hazy), honey gold body.

Smells has a gentle citrus candy thing in front. Mild earthy & pine hops. White bread.

Taste has lots of cracker & low-key(though lingering) rindy/pine bitterness. Bit of an aspirin thing to it too. Solvent-like alcohol.

Dry, soft carbonation. Very reserved. Not even that refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2012 05:28:33 | More by PEBKAC

morebeergood

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Single from my fridge, poured into a regular pint glass. The body was hazy, and had a sunset orange color to it. One finger width sized head forms. No lacing at all on the glass. Smell was very piney and hoppy. Taste was pretty one note - all citrus-like hops. Hoppier than I was expecting. Mouthfeel was mild, but there was a slight hint of bitterness on the palate at the end. It's a good APA, but I prefer ones that have a bit more malt smoothness.

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2012 05:09:50 | More by morebeergood

phichifiji00

California

3.58/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Amber. Pours 2 inches of thick off-white head that fades slowly.

Smell: lime, malty.

Taste: malty, hint of lime, hoppy, hint of pine resin, grapefruit.

Mouthfeel: medium bodied, moderate carbonation.

Overall: A tasty beer. Not complex at all, but very drinkable. A good summer session ale.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2012 05:46:42 | More by phichifiji00

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle: Poured a light dirty amber color ale with a large foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of dry and lightly funky hoppy notes with dry malt notes. Taste is also a nice mix between some dry and light fruity and funky hops notes with non- descript dry caramel notes. Body is about average with good carbonation. Well done for a brewery that doesn’t disappoint.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2012 03:46:08 | More by Phyl21ca

Fcip78

Pennsylvania

4.53/5  rDev +21.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Very tasty, very unique beer. Reminds me of Coopers sparkling ale, only better!

Anchor are truly artisans with this offering, pours hazy golden with a nice foamy head, nice spicy notes, good use of balance in the ingredients. I wish they brewed this year-round.

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2012 14:57:27 | More by Fcip78

williamjbauer

West Virginia

3.88/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle served in a pint glass

A - Bright gold with 1 finger white head with poor retention and minimal lacing

S - Citrus, lemon with wheat and malt

T - A nice citrus flavor throughout with a bread wheat backbone and a little malt sweetness

M - Light body, moderate carbonation

O - Darn good APA

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2012 17:27:13 | More by williamjbauer

tone77

Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a pretty brown/orange color with a 1 inch head. Smell is of piney hops. Taste is hops up front, some pineyness, malts kicking in later with just a touch of sweetness. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall is a pretty good beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 16:38:47 | More by tone77

sfprint

Germany

4.18/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

exp. 7/12

A: Light, mostly transparent, lots of rising carbonation, 2 finger head, honey orange yellow.
S: Witbier like, floral, honey, a hair yeasty
T: With appearances and scent this good, the flavor never holds up, but this one does a pretty good job. somewhat creamy and a hair sweet. both a bit hoppy and fresh. quite good.
M: A hair soft and sparkly.
O: I need to try this one again. Pretty great.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2012 23:45:39 | More by sfprint

motorhed

Minnesota

2.1/5  rDev -43.7%
look: 4 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Served on-tap at a bar in a traditional pint glass.

A - Medium cloudiness, fairly orange/amber in color, with about a 1/2 inch of light tan head. No lacing.

S - I'm picking up a very strange combination of things here including banana, a strong herbal scents, and honey. Not at all what i was expecting for an APA. Passed it around and several people made comment "that smells awful".

T - I was conflicted about this beer. I didn't think it smelled particularly good but the taste kept me, at a minimum, interested. It had a lot going on and thought the herbal/mint/grassy notes were overpowering the sweetness. Don't really taste any hop/bitterness in the beer. It finished on the dry side.

M - Medium carb, dry finish

O - Overall, i commend Anchor for going out on a limb and trying something different. It certainly is an interesting beer and will catch you off guard if you're looking for a standard APA. I would go as far as saying that i would never buy it again but i would say that this beer is not for the faint of heart. It's definitely not a beer i would offer to others if i was hosting a gathering. That said, if you're looking for something outside the norm, give it a try.

Serving type: on-tap

01-27-2012 16:50:36 | More by motorhed