Funky Buddha Available in Jacksonville and North Florida Starting August 18

The northern part of Florida is about to get funky. Oakland Park's Funky Buddha Brewery is expanding their distribution reach into Jacksonville on August 18. 

On September 1, customers in Gainesville, Tallahassee, and the rest of North Florida will see Funky Buddha in stores beginning . And not just in stores, but a casual drink will now be able to grab a pint at their nearest watering hole or favorite restaurant. 

Expanded distribution range is always good, but this particular expansion has a special significance in that it now means that Funky Buddha is available throughout the entire state of Florida. Now people up north don't have to drive all the way down to Oakland Park to get a taste of Funky Buddha — though it's worth it for a visit to the recently redecorated tasting room. 

To celebrate the new launch, Funky Buddha is doing it in style with several events around Jacksonville between August 18 through 20: 

Tuesday, August 18th

Total Wine and More: Beer sampling between 2 and 4 p.m.

Alewife Craft Beer & Bottle Shop: Taste six Buddha beers on draft and pick up bottles a few bottles on your way out. Also, meet the Buddha crew from 5 to 7 p.m.

Blind Rabbit - Riverside: a la carte beer and bite pairings with Funky Buddha beers on draft at 7:30 p.m.

Kickbacks Gastropub: Hang out with the Buddha crew after 9:30 p.m. for a tap enlightenment. Hang out, talk beer and sip brews.

Beer:30 on King Street: Funky Buddha spotlight with growlers to go and bottles available.

Wednesday, August 19

ABC 191: Sample some Funky Buddha bottled beers between 3 and 5 p.m.

Royal Palm Wine and Tapas: This tapas spot will feature limited drafts paired delicious bites. Buddha crew will be on hand from 5-7 p.m.

Zeta Brewing Company: Limited release Funky Buddha brews starting at 7 p.m. 

Thursday, August 20

Beer:30 San Marco: The Buddha crew will be on site from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to showcase their beers and talk shop. Pints and growlers available.

Kitchen on San Marco: The Kitchen will be whipping up some a la carte pairings with Funky Buddha beers starting at 6:30 p.m. 

Grape & Grain Exchange/The Parlour: Starting at 9 p.m., Funky Buddha closes their launch with limited beers on tap.

More information about the official launch events is still pouring in. It's best that you visit the Funky Buddha website for an update. 

While Funky Buddha is rolling out its newest distribution launch, Ryan Sentz is already preparing for another year at the Great American Beer Festival at the end of September. With over 900 breweries making a showing this year, it'll be the largest GABF ever. This means more exposure for Florida beer and a chance for area breweries to pit themselves against the rest of the country. Funky Buddha will be pouring as well as entering a few brews into competition. Will the quality hold up? 

"I think most people would say that, as long as the beer is good that's being put out, it's a good thing for all of us and it makes people want to open a brewery," Sentz said. 

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