Spectra Trifecta
Founders Brewing Company


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- From:
- Founders Brewing Company
- Michigan, United States
- Style:
- Kölsch
- ABV:
- 5.9%
- Score:
- 82
- Avg:
- 3.63 | pDev: 13.22%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Retired
- Rated:
- Oct 07, 2019
- Added:
- Jul 20, 2015
- Wants:
- 7
- Gots:
- 55
SCORE
82
Good
82
Good


Notes:
Kolsch-style ale brewed with chamomile, ginger and lemongrass.
20 IBUs
20 IBUs
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4/5 rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
Bottled 8/21/15; drank 11/2/15 @ the Yarchives.
Semi-opaque orange/yellow appearance.
A rough pour yielded a small, noisy bright white head which quickly dissipated; decent lace.
Gingerbread, cinnamon & cream notes in the nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Cream & gingerbread flavors up front; cinnamon bite on the finish, which settled on my lips over the course of the quaff.
Nice Christmas vibes here; drinkable with a nice bite.
Oct 07, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
Bottled 8/21/15; drank 11/2/15 @ the Yarchives.
Semi-opaque orange/yellow appearance.
A rough pour yielded a small, noisy bright white head which quickly dissipated; decent lace.
Gingerbread, cinnamon & cream notes in the nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Cream & gingerbread flavors up front; cinnamon bite on the finish, which settled on my lips over the course of the quaff.
Nice Christmas vibes here; drinkable with a nice bite.
Oct 07, 2019
3.84 by MisterBookman from Illinois on Apr 28, 2017
4.39 by Commandophile from Illinois on Apr 14, 2017
3.44 by mmorris15 from Maine on Dec 20, 2016
3.89 by ummswimmin from New Jersey on Sep 02, 2016
2.46/5 rDev -32.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5
by Barton from Maine
Tastes like herbal tea and beer mixture. Drain pour
Aug 14, 2016
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5
by Barton from Maine
Tastes like herbal tea and beer mixture. Drain pour
Aug 14, 2016
3.34 by sourlinus from Massachusetts on Jul 10, 2016
3.56 by kuishinbo_tantei from New York on May 13, 2016
3.91 by Taphouse_Traveler from Florida on May 09, 2016
3.35/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
by Gregaroo from Pennsylvania
4-26-16 - Bottle at Sienna on the Square in Pittsburgh. A fine beer, but I'm not a Kolsh guy.
Apr 27, 2016
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
by Gregaroo from Pennsylvania
4-26-16 - Bottle at Sienna on the Square in Pittsburgh. A fine beer, but I'm not a Kolsh guy.
Apr 27, 2016
3.58 by mattmarka1 from Minnesota on Apr 24, 2016
3.91/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by TFB5 from Illinois
Think beer infused with chamomile tea.
Apr 19, 2016
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by TFB5 from Illinois
Think beer infused with chamomile tea.
Apr 19, 2016
3.56 by Jordanmtate from Illinois on Apr 18, 2016
3.26 by PhillyNole from Pennsylvania on Apr 13, 2016
3.71/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by MikeZ9654 from Michigan
Spicy kolsch. Not too shabby. Kind of similar to horchata by blue moon
Apr 01, 2016
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by MikeZ9654 from Michigan
Spicy kolsch. Not too shabby. Kind of similar to horchata by blue moon
Apr 01, 2016
3.4 by ejimhof from Pennsylvania on Mar 28, 2016
3.13/5 rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
by Dankenstein716 from New York
Had this on tap. Was very earthy. Quite floral and has an odd ginger finish.
Mar 26, 2016
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
by Dankenstein716 from New York
Had this on tap. Was very earthy. Quite floral and has an odd ginger finish.
Mar 26, 2016
3.5 by red94tt from Michigan on Mar 25, 2016
3.77/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by ONUMello from Ohio
12oz bottle dated 8/31/15 poured into a stange
A: Golden color with a 1/2-finger head that quickly settles
S: Lots of chamomile/lemongrass as described along with solid light malts
T: Matches the nose though the chamomile is a bit overwhelming
M: Light and crisp, would be good on a warm summer day
O: Can't say I love this as it's one-dimensional but still nice to try & still fresh given the age
Mar 24, 2016
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by ONUMello from Ohio
12oz bottle dated 8/31/15 poured into a stange
A: Golden color with a 1/2-finger head that quickly settles
S: Lots of chamomile/lemongrass as described along with solid light malts
T: Matches the nose though the chamomile is a bit overwhelming
M: Light and crisp, would be good on a warm summer day
O: Can't say I love this as it's one-dimensional but still nice to try & still fresh given the age
Mar 24, 2016
3.68/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by mfnmbvp from Illinois
12 oz. bottle, bottled on date 08/19/2015. Acquired a single bottle of this stuff at the local bottle shop.
Poured into a Duvel tulip snifter.
A - Golden body on the pour, very cloudy with yeast sediment. Conjures only about a finger of white foam head that falls to a ring. Looks very nice.
S - A floral and spicy nose - ginger zest is very apparent, which evokes a citrusy / lemony aroma. The ginger definitely dominates. Notes of bread / cinnamon emerge.
T - Taste is the same - huge blast of tart, juicy, and spicy ginger flavor. Evokes flavors of lemon & citrus. Not entirely sure how to feel here; it's nice, but not really traditional of the style. Mildly bready. The ginger definitely dominates.
M - Feel is smooth, crisp, tart, and easy-drinking. Light-bodied with good carb.
Overall, not really identifiable as a kolsch style ale. Definitely a nice summer beer; crisp & refreshing. Very juicy, but the ginger dominates the other ingredients.
Founders Spectra Trifecta -----4/5
Mar 22, 2016
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by mfnmbvp from Illinois
12 oz. bottle, bottled on date 08/19/2015. Acquired a single bottle of this stuff at the local bottle shop.
Poured into a Duvel tulip snifter.
A - Golden body on the pour, very cloudy with yeast sediment. Conjures only about a finger of white foam head that falls to a ring. Looks very nice.
S - A floral and spicy nose - ginger zest is very apparent, which evokes a citrusy / lemony aroma. The ginger definitely dominates. Notes of bread / cinnamon emerge.
T - Taste is the same - huge blast of tart, juicy, and spicy ginger flavor. Evokes flavors of lemon & citrus. Not entirely sure how to feel here; it's nice, but not really traditional of the style. Mildly bready. The ginger definitely dominates.
M - Feel is smooth, crisp, tart, and easy-drinking. Light-bodied with good carb.
Overall, not really identifiable as a kolsch style ale. Definitely a nice summer beer; crisp & refreshing. Very juicy, but the ginger dominates the other ingredients.
Founders Spectra Trifecta -----4/5
Mar 22, 2016
3.25 by Cotton_27 from Michigan on Mar 20, 2016
4.5/5 rDev +24%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by DonnieHops from New York
Luv this beer. Germany meets Japan meets Hippies....Bright yellow flavor bomb. Drinks like strong soda pop for grownups.... If ya dig ginger, but don't want the sugar rot of ginger beer, this will do wonderfully. 5.9% is perfect ABV to give a buzz but not wobble.... Hints of chamomile, honey and lemongrass pair perfectly with the substanial ginger chew..... So unique in a crowded beer world that's getting derivative and redundant... Great with Asian food, or just to pound on a sunny day!
Another home run from Founders.....and another Founders funky cool label..... Great stuff!!
Mar 18, 2016
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by DonnieHops from New York
Luv this beer. Germany meets Japan meets Hippies....Bright yellow flavor bomb. Drinks like strong soda pop for grownups.... If ya dig ginger, but don't want the sugar rot of ginger beer, this will do wonderfully. 5.9% is perfect ABV to give a buzz but not wobble.... Hints of chamomile, honey and lemongrass pair perfectly with the substanial ginger chew..... So unique in a crowded beer world that's getting derivative and redundant... Great with Asian food, or just to pound on a sunny day!
Another home run from Founders.....and another Founders funky cool label..... Great stuff!!
Mar 18, 2016
3.8 by jcluth from Missouri on Mar 04, 2016
3.75 by chillin from Indiana on Mar 03, 2016
4.21/5 rDev +16%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by WoodBrew from Ohio
*****I am rating this beer against the brewers intentions.....not for my specific taste****** The Spectra Trifecta was good....but for me one was enough. There is a lot going on with this beer. It poured a golden yellow with white head and floaties. The scent carried ginger and chamomile. The taste was heavy with lemon grass and ginger with hints of chamomile. The mouthfeel was medium in body with good carbonation. Overall it was ok.
Feb 28, 2016
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by WoodBrew from Ohio
*****I am rating this beer against the brewers intentions.....not for my specific taste****** The Spectra Trifecta was good....but for me one was enough. There is a lot going on with this beer. It poured a golden yellow with white head and floaties. The scent carried ginger and chamomile. The taste was heavy with lemon grass and ginger with hints of chamomile. The mouthfeel was medium in body with good carbonation. Overall it was ok.
Feb 28, 2016
3.9 by SMH_NWI from Texas on Feb 28, 2016
3.79 by vader06 from Michigan on Feb 27, 2016
4.01 by sjones5045 from Pennsylvania on Feb 26, 2016
4.3 by Jackalope1977 from Michigan on Feb 26, 2016
3.22/5 rDev -11.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
by Ri0 from Wisconsin
Poured 12oz bottle into weizen glass. Goldenn color with a white 3 finger head and suspended floaties. The aroma has a strong ginger and tea like scent with some malt and lemon grass. Too much ginger upfront, would be better if it was subtle and more of an afterthought. Some herbal tea like and floral notes with the lemon grass. Finishes with a bit of malt, but is kind of messy overall. Should have focuses more on the Kolsch style with a clean finish.
Feb 26, 2016
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
by Ri0 from Wisconsin
Poured 12oz bottle into weizen glass. Goldenn color with a white 3 finger head and suspended floaties. The aroma has a strong ginger and tea like scent with some malt and lemon grass. Too much ginger upfront, would be better if it was subtle and more of an afterthought. Some herbal tea like and floral notes with the lemon grass. Finishes with a bit of malt, but is kind of messy overall. Should have focuses more on the Kolsch style with a clean finish.
Feb 26, 2016
3.75 by ShawnL from Wisconsin on Feb 15, 2016
3.61 by Loudog1411 from Michigan on Feb 12, 2016
3.81/5 rDev +5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by brewskifan55 from Mississippi
Poured into a taster glass.
A: A hazy gold with off white one finger head. Decent lacing.
S: Wow, do those scents set you off. The chamomile, ginger and lemongrass take center stage over a light malty backbone.
T: Founders has taken an ordinary Kolsch and perked it up with some fun flavorings. Everything in the nose pops as the lemongrass and ginger fight for attention. Chamomile relaxes the drinker for a nice summery feeling.
M: Low to medium with medium carbonation.
O: A fun take on the kolsch that makes it memorable.
Feb 09, 2016
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by brewskifan55 from Mississippi
Poured into a taster glass.
A: A hazy gold with off white one finger head. Decent lacing.
S: Wow, do those scents set you off. The chamomile, ginger and lemongrass take center stage over a light malty backbone.
T: Founders has taken an ordinary Kolsch and perked it up with some fun flavorings. Everything in the nose pops as the lemongrass and ginger fight for attention. Chamomile relaxes the drinker for a nice summery feeling.
M: Low to medium with medium carbonation.
O: A fun take on the kolsch that makes it memorable.
Feb 09, 2016
3.84 by Dustin_A_Stoutdrinker from Michigan on Feb 07, 2016
3.69 by ClavisAurea from New York on Feb 05, 2016
3.83 by MiamiWeiss from Iowa on Feb 04, 2016
3.7 by Billydoughnuts from Michigan on Feb 03, 2016
3.02 by ArtZan from New Jersey on Feb 01, 2016
4.75 by csliv from Pennsylvania on Feb 01, 2016
3.65 by oldvines from Illinois on Jan 31, 2016
Spectra Trifecta from Founders Brewing Company
Beer rating:
82 out of
100 with
283 ratings