Review of Stellar Fuzz by Funky’s Hot Sauce: Too Much ACV

Alright, let’s dive into Stellar Fuzz by Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory, straight out of Washington, USA. This sauce grabbed some spotlight on Season 23 of Hot Ones. Crafted with a mix of Habanero peppers, garlic, and carrots, it promises a unique blend of flavors.

It’s not going to blow your head off with heat, but it does pack a punch with a noticeable apple cider vinegar tang. The sauce is also quite watery and thin. Not really my cup of tea but let’s get into this review.

Introducing: Stellar Fuzz by Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory

Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory hails from Bellingham, Washington, and has been spicing up the hot sauce scene since 2019. They pride themselves on using organic and non-GMO ingredients, ensuring every bottle is 100% vegan and gluten-free. Their commitment to quality snagged them a spot on Season 23 of Hot Ones, landing Stellar Fuzz right in the mix at the number 3 spot.

Now, let’s talk about Stellar Fuzz itself. With a lineup of Habaneros, carrots, onions, and garlic, you might expect something extraordinary, but it lands pretty squarely in the realm of typical. The kicker here is the strong presence of apple cider vinegar, which, for me, doesn’t quite hit the mark. It overshadows the other flavors and, frankly, dampens the experience a bit. That said, it does bring a sharp heat that some might appreciate. If you’re curious, a bottle goes for about $10 on Heatonist or directly from Funky’s Hot Sauce.

Manufacturer: Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory
Made In: USA
Heat Rating: 4/10
Size: 148mL
Price Range: $10USD

Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Onion, Cane Sugar, CArrots, Habanero Peppers, Garlic, Lime Juice, Sea Salt, Ginger

Appearance

Stellar Fuzz shows up in a standard 150ml Woozy bottle capped with a black lid, a classic look for any hot sauce aficionado. The label is a standout, wrapping most of the lower half of the bottle and sporting a whimsical design featuring a cartoon fox decked out in a space suit. The Funky’s logo claims its spot at the top, while the sauce name anchors the bottom. All the essential info is tidily placed along the sides of the label.

Visually, the sauce itself has a vibrant carrot-orange hue, suggesting a good blend of its main ingredients. Tiny bits are visible throughout, but they’re well distributed, giving it a homogeneous look. It pours smoothly from the bottle, a definite plus as it doesn’t clog the lid. Overall, the presentation does its job nicely, making it a good-looking addition to your hot sauce collection.

Smell

When you first crack open a bottle of Stellar Fuzz, you’re hit with a strong whiff of apple cider vinegar—arguably too strong. It’s the dominant aroma, and for me, it’s a bit much. Alongside the vinegar, you can catch the earthy notes of carrots, which add a touch of sweetness to the mix.

However, if you’re searching for that fiery scent of peppers, you might find yourself disappointed. There’s hardly a hint of spiciness in the smell, and it certainly doesn’t tease the nostrils with any promise of heat. Honestly, the overpowering presence of the vinegar makes the scent less inviting, dampening the urge to dive in for a taste.

Taste and Flavour

Tasting Stellar Fuzz can be a bit of a jolt if you’re not a fan of apple cider vinegar, which, in this case, seems to have been added with a heavy hand. It’s the first and most overpowering flavor that hits you, overshadowing everything else in the bottle. For someone like me, who isn’t keen on vinegar, it’s a tough pill to swallow.

The other ingredients like carrots, onions, and even the habanero peppers are pretty much lost in the sea of vinegar, making it hard to appreciate the complexity or potential balance they could bring. It’s a missed opportunity to experience the subtle or sharp notes these components usually contribute.

On the plus side, the texture of the sauce is quite pleasing—it’s smooth, akin to a finely pureed apple sauce, which makes it easy to pour and mix. If only the vinegar was dialed back a bit, this could really let the other flavors shine through and likely make for a much more enjoyable tasting experience.

Heat Level

The heat level of Stellar Fuzz is where this sauce manages to redeem itself a bit. I’d place it at a solid 4 out of 10 on the heat scale. It’s got that characteristic sharp, stingy burn you’d expect from habanero peppers, which does a decent job of bringing some excitement.

This sauce made my cheeks and hairline sweat—a sure sign of a good kick—but stopped short of making my nose run, which means it’s punchy but not overpowering. The burn on the tongue is noticeable while you’re eating, but it fades quickly once you stop, not lingering too long or becoming uncomfortable.

It’s a nice level of heat, honestly, and this aspect of Stellar Fuzz could have been a real winner if the flavor of the habaneros themselves were more pronounced instead of being masked by the vinegar.

Conclusion: Overall Thoughts

Overall, Stellar Fuzz from Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The overwhelming taste of apple cider vinegar dominates the sauce, masking the subtler flavors of carrots, onions, and even the habaneros. While the heat level is decent—providing a nice sharp sting that I did appreciate—it’s not enough to make up for the lack of balance in flavor.

Given this, I probably won’t be finishing the bottle. It’s likely to end up as a gift for someone who might appreciate it more. If you’re a fan of Hot Ones and are curious to try all the featured sauces, you might want to give Stellar Fuzz a shot. But if you’re like me and not a fan of strong vinegar flavors, this sauce might not be for you.

Please remember that taste is subjective and everyone will experience hot sauce uniquely. These reviews contain my own thoughts and opinions. If you think you’ll enjoy a hot sauce then you should definitely try it out.