My initial experience with this brew came in April during Chicago Craft Beer Week when I went to a meet and greet with Fritz Magtag.  It was on tap, along with almost all Anchors beers, so I decided to give it a try.

This Pale Ale was brew to be a new seasonal from August to November.  The name (according to their website and label) refers to the fact that since 1705 Anchor Brewing has been “humming” with activity.

In classic Anchor style this beer is typifies a quality well-crafted brew without presence.  Similar to their Liberty and Steam beers, the hops give off more of a piney aroma and taste which I enjoy.  While lending a nice hoppy nose I’d say this is a rather tame APA.  There is a minor floral and fruity citrus note, but for the most part it has a spicier, herbal, and piney aroma.

This clear golden ale, with a familiar egg-shell white head, comes in at 5.9% abv making it a great session beer for BBQs or just hanging out.  It provides a nice mixture of hoppiness with a substantial malt body.  They say 2-Row Pale malt is used, but I also get a hint of Vienna or Munich malt aromas and tastes as well.  I’m probably just reading too much into it.

The taste is well-balanced and smooth.  It has been a while since I’ve had an Anchor beer and the yeast character is noticeable.  I enjoyed the creamy mouthfeel common in most of their beers while getting a great hop kick at the finish that left a piney resinous aftertaste.  I’d say that the hops, while present throughout, deliver more in the later half of the palate.

I’m glad that they decided to put another style in their line up which falls in between their Steam and Liberty brews.  Humming Ale offers an interesting take on an APA without trying to be West coast hop-centric.

ABV: 5.9%

Grade: B+