Beer Review: Human People — Tax Season
West Coast IPA | 7.0% ABV
Human People has quickly become one of Seattle’s most exciting breweries by blending Southern California hop intensity with a Pacific Northwest soul. Tax Season is a prime example of their “svelte” West Coast style: a 7.0% ABV IPA that manages to be both complex and incredibly high-speed in its drinkability.
Appearance
Tax Season pours a crystal-clear, brilliant straw gold. It is capped with a persistent, rocky white head that leaves beautiful, spider-web lacing as you work through the glass.
Aroma
The nose is a tropical powerhouse. Built on a foundation of Mosaic Cryo, Citra, Centennial, and the newer Nectaron and Krush hops, it offers an immediate burst of ripe mango, passionfruit, and bright tangerine zest. There is a clean, floral undertone that keeps the “dankness” from becoming too heavy.
Flavor & Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is where this beer truly shines. It is lean and crisp, lacking any cloying malt sweetness.
The Lead: Sharp citrus pith and fresh pineapple.
The Mid-Palate: A very light, cracker-like malt presence that serves only to carry the hops.
The Finish: Bracingly bitter and bone-dry. The bitterness is firm but clean, resetting the palate for the next sip.
The Verdict
Tax Season is a masterclass in modern West Coast IPA construction. It balances high-impact aromatics with a body that stays out of the way. It’s the kind of beer designed for “meaningful succession”, meaning you’ll likely want a second one before you’ve finished the first.
About Human People
Based in Seattle, Washington, Human People was founded by a trio of industry veterans: Tim Kamolz and Andrew Schwartz (both formerly of San Diego’s Modern Times) and supply-chain specialist Mallorie King. Operating out of their “Beer Cafe” on Roosevelt Way, the brewery draws inspiration from European “milk bars” and alpine cafes to create a cozy, inclusive space.
Their brewing philosophy centers on high-quality ingredients and technical precision. Whether they are brewing “West Coast crispy” IPAs, decocted lagers, or experimental collaborations, Human People emphasizes beers that are meant to be talked over, not just talked about.