Funky Buddha Hop Gun IPA
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Tasting Notes
Hop Gun leads with a straightforward hop-forward aroma of citrus peel and light pine resin, common to Florida-brewed American IPAs aiming for broad appeal. On the palate, expect grapefruit and orange zest up front, backed by a moderate bitterness that doesn't overpower. The body is medium, with a clean malt backbone that keeps things balanced rather than aggressive. The finish is dry and moderately bitter, fading without much linger.
About the Brewery
Funky Buddha is based in Oakland Park, Florida, and has been one of the more prominent craft breweries in the state since the early 2010s. They built their name largely on Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, a pastry-adjacent dark beer that became something of a cult item. Their lineup spans a wide range from hop-forward ales to dessert-influenced stouts, and they have solid regional distribution across the Southeast. Constellation Brands acquired them in 2017, which expanded their reach but also positioned them firmly in the larger craft-industrial space.
Food Pairings
The citrus-driven bitterness works well against rich, fatty foods — a thick cheeseburger or pulled pork sandwich lets the hops cut through the fat without fighting each other. Spicy dishes like Nashville hot chicken benefit from the moderate bitterness acting as a mild counterpoint rather than an amplifier. Hard, salty cheeses like aged cheddar complement the dry finish by echoing the beer's sharper edges. Grilled fish tacos with lime crema mirror the citrus notes naturally.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by its assertive hop character — typically citrus, pine, or tropical fruit aromas derived from American or New World hop varieties — balanced against a clean, relatively neutral malt base. The style emerged from the West Coast in the 1980s and '90s, drawing on the English IPA tradition but pushing bitterness and dry-hopping much further. At 7%, Hop Gun sits comfortably within the standard ABV window for the style, which typically runs 6–7.5%. It differs from a Double IPA in restraint — less malt sweetness, lower alcohol, and a cleaner rather than saturated hop profile.