Beer of the Week: Funner

As Southern California’s only craft-beer concern that is owned and operated by a Native American tribe, Rincon Reservation Road Brewery’s ales and lagers are about more than refreshment. The business’ offerings also celebrate the Band of Luiseño Indians from that faction’s native land in Valley Center. Monikers like Chief, Rez Dog and Mulegé (the name of an oasis-like Baja town where indigenous people thrived) are emblazoned on cans of 3R Brewery (as they’re affectionately called) along with colorful, tribally inspired artwork. Seeing beer used as a vehicle for honoring a people and their heritage is something special. So, too, is seeing 3R’s latest beer give a nod to something less serious but just as significant – the literal place it calls home and that locale’s vibe. Enter this week’s featured beer, Funner. A recently released session IPA, it’s named for an adjective coined by Harrah’s Resort SoCal, which was converted to a noun when the tribe renamed the plot of land where their hotel-casino is located and began employing honorary celebrity mayors such as David Hasselhoff, Jane Lynch and Martin Short to promote the property. 3R has been producing beer from a brewery-and-taproom enclave on the southwest edge of the resort for the past decade, but this is the first beer sharing Harrah’s deep-purple branding and whimsical lingo. That goes a long way to ensuring Funner fits the venue’s amusing, relaxed, good-times vibe, as does the selection of a style of beer that’s low in alcohol, meaning it can be enjoyed in large quantities over a lengthy period of, say, lounging by the pool or floating down a lazy river on an inner tube. Funner comes in at just 4.5% alcohol-by-volume, delivering a quick punch of tangerine-like citrus flavor before segueing into more herbal, earthy territory, all without coming across shallow or watery as session IPAs all too often do. It’s a nice addition to 3R’s portfolio and one well-suited for R&R-minded vacationers (or staycationers).

This session IPA is brewed to be light, refreshing and easy to enjoy without sacrificing flavor. Built on a base of Rahr 2-row malt, it provides a clean and crisp backbone that lets the hops shine. Motueka hops bring bright notes of fresh lime, citrus and a hint of tropical fruit, while Cascade Cryo hops add layers of grapefruit, pine and floral aromas that jump from the glass. The aroma is vibrant and inviting, with a balanced blend of citrus and hop character. A smooth malt profile keeps the beer approachable while supporting the bold hop flavors. Moderate bitterness provides structure without overwhelming the palate. The finish is clean, crisp and refreshing, making the beer perfect for any occasion. Its lower alcohol content allows for full flavor while maintaining exceptional drinkability. In short, Funner delivers bright hop character, balanced bitterness and a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back for another sip.”

Dustin Hendrick, Head Brewer, Rincon Reservation Road Brewery

Rincon Reservation Road Brewery is located inside Harrah’s Southern California Resort at 777 South Resort Drive in Valley Center