Spaten Optimator - Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu

TLove

District of Columbia

2.83/5  rDev -27.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

I first had this in Germany on tap about 3 years ago and was aching to dip into it again when I was it at my local beer store. All in all, this beer tasted almost EXACTLY like regular Spaten with the exception of the orangish-brown color and the strength (a solid doppelbock at 7% ABV). It does not have the substance that I anticipate from a doppelbock and really does not bear the flavor all that well. It drank far better on tap and although vaguely differed from regular Spaten's crispness, the bite and refreshing finish really did it for me. It has some light fruit tones and a hint of sweetness, though it drinks like a lighter beer in that it goes down easier and the ABV strength is barely noticeable until it is down your throat.

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2008 21:14:28 | More by TLove

dhannes

Wisconsin

2.83/5  rDev -27.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

On tap, paired with Italian pasta, which might have been a mistake.

A=Nice dark amber, appealing

S=Slight wiff of hops

T=I haven't had one of these in years, but recall it being better than what I had. Not only did I find this beer somewhat lacking in flavor, but it was a bit sweet...not something I would go out of my way to get. I used to love bock beers, but have been disappointed in many to date, so maybe I've just lost my taste for bocks.

M=Good...bit too watery.

O=I simply did not enjoy this beer as much as others and will likely not try again.

Serving type: on-tap

06-30-2011 12:39:41 | More by dhannes

BedetheVenerable

Missouri

2.83/5  rDev -27.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Presentation: 12oz green (WHY??) pop top bottle. No freshness date that I can find.

Appearance: Walnut beer with copper highlights and a large dark ivory cap which fades to a thick, sticky ring.

Smell: Very grainy. At first, I thought I smelled a ghostly hint of skunk out of the bottle, but this seems to have (thankfully) disappeared. This is overall quite sweet and grainy, almost like boiling wort before the hops are tossed in. Maybe just a ghost of dark fruit, but this is very, very faint. This is pleasant, but a bit too one-dimensional.

Taste: The flavor sadly goes downhill. Quite sweet, and a bit caramelly, but without any real malt depth. There's a bit of sharp, almost bitter, booziness underneath, that definitely tastes more than it should for 7.4%. Almost a hot finish, hard to believe w/abv in this range.

Mouthfeel: Medium, a bit boozy

Overall: Not particularly offensive (although the heat's a bit annoying at this level) but this is definitely forgettable.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2011 02:29:29 | More by BedetheVenerable

Roguester

Oregon

2.9/5  rDev -25.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

I got this beer after having been recommended to me by workmates. This beer pours well, very small head that lingers a bit. Smell is sweet in that almost salty fermented way that I am not so fond of... Taste is much of the same... overly fermented sweetness. Mouthfeel is quite light however despite the heavy taste. This beer might make a good winter warmer, however I'll likely stick with Rogue's Santa's Private Reserve or a nice barleywine when the weather turns cold... Not a bad beer by any means, but I probably won't have it again due to personal preference.

Serving type: bottle

09-27-2007 06:05:09 | More by Roguester

bubseymour

Maryland

2.9/5  rDev -25.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

appearance - dark red/brown and semi-clear. Nice 2 finger head.

Smell - very heavy and sweet smells

Taste - Definitely not a style that I enjoy much. Taste is srong and heavy with molasses and caramel.

Mouthfeel - full bodied

Overall - I don't think this beer works for me very well. Too much molassas/caremel and boozy flavor.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2012 21:09:46 | More by bubseymour

marlinsfan4

Maryland

2.93/5  rDev -24.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Bought a single of this for about $1.50.

I've had a few doppelbocks in the past and didn't like them at all so I tried this main stream one... and my verdict is... I don't like doppelbocks. While this is the best of the ones I've had, I still don't enjoy them. A total lack of aroma except for a harsh alcohol smell and the taste is lackluster as well. Malty with more biting alcohol... just not what I want in a beer. At least this doppelbock I can finish unlike the others I tried.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2008 21:06:55 | More by marlinsfan4

JBogan

Nevada

2.95/5  rDev -24.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Had this a while back, but couldn't remember if I liked it so decided to revisit it again.

Poured a dark, almost cola like appearance with a solid two finger head which stayed for quite a while and left strong lacing.

Smelled of nuts and coffee, with some alcohol present.

Tasted of mild coffee and maybe some dark fruits. normally I don't like the taste of coffee but this was well integrated and was somewhat pleasing.

Mouthfeel was good. Smooth and a bit on the thick side.

All in all it wasn't my favorite offering from Spaten, but it was well done and something I'd consider having again.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2008 03:46:23 | More by JBogan

andyinsdca

California

2.95/5  rDev -24.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Appearance: Poured into a pint glass: Head is good solid and lasted a while. Color is a very deep red, almost opaque.
Smell: Some sweet smell.
Taste: Starts out with a great chocolate/carmel taste, lots and lots of flavor. As the glass wore on, the flavor left behind just a strong malty flavor without anything interesting.
Overall: Too bad the flavor didn't last. A good beer overall, I'd drink it again, but no go out of my way for it.

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2008 01:56:57 | More by andyinsdca

AwYeh

California

2.95/5  rDev -24.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A: Pours a clear, dark, cola red, with a good finger of fine off-white head; little to no lacing.

S: Smell is of sweet biscuity malts, almost like cola once again. Not much variety in the nose, but not bad.

T: Sweet, caramel malt flavors with a bit of black licorice. Somewhat watery and simple; not a huge fan of it.

M: Thin body, moderate carbonation; slightly syrupy/sticky mouthfeel.

D: The flavor is a bit too simple (not to mention, not spectacular) for me to really enjoy this one. Slightly cloying near the end of the glass, though the alcohol is hidden well and the thin body make it quite manageable.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2011 22:57:22 | More by AwYeh

SometimesIfart

Michigan

2.98/5  rDev -23.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured a transparent black, With a one finger head, Looks like a glass of Pepsi. the smell is of dark cherries, Cranberry fig newtons, And blueberries. Alright I guess, though I prefer nothing but the blueberries. the taste follows the smell, Except the cherry flavoring comes through a wee bit more. The mouthfeel matches both of the previous, And nothing else come's through. The beer was a large disappointment, Considering how highly my father and brother had talked about it

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2012 00:13:44 | More by SometimesIfart

Winter

Wisconsin

3/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

1 pint, 9 .oz bottle. Gold foil around the neck with the words "Imported" printed several times diagonally across it. The red Spaten logo also appears centered on the front. Poured a clear, very dark copper in color with a khaki-colored head. Decent aroma consisted of roasted malt, toffee, caramel and a hint of sweet spice. Medium-bodied mouthfeel. The taste is decent, yet very uninspiring. Not bad, just bland. Somewhat vinous finish. 7.2% alcohol is evident in the taste. As far as doppelbocks go, Optimator was a big let down for me primarily from a taste standpoint. I expected much more here.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2003 17:12:37 | More by Winter

theozag

Louisiana

3/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Optimator pours a deep amber brown with a head that takes on a shade of light-colored sand as it forms. It's smell was an interesting twist of bittersweet chocolate and sweetened tea. I suppose that sounds a little ridiculous, but it was quite appetizing. This beer starts gritty with a caramel bent, then turns bitter and nutty (walnut, maybe) as it rests on your tongue. It is a full-bodied brew with a finish that reminded me of cough syrup (not exactly as pleasant as the smell suggested). Luckily, Optimator's aftertaste faded quickly from a strong beginning, and the last hint on your tongue leaves a dry feeling that gives you no choice but to consume your whole bottle.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2004 05:40:22 | More by theozag

RedDiamond

Oregon

3/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Light chocolate malt aroma with a few off notes. Soft carbonation forming a scant head with no lace. Clear, tarnished bronze color. No sediment in the bottle. No expiration date.

The taste is thin though pleasing with hints at spice complexities that are never fully revealed. In fact, the flavor really doesn't go far, making ordinariness the most notable feature of this "malt liquor". The bitterness is mildly unpleasant, the finish is abrupt, and the mouthfeel somewhat dull.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2004 06:03:41 | More by RedDiamond

armock

New York

3/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

It poured poured a dark brown color with a thin head that quickly disapears rather quickly. The smell from my glass to me isn't all that good but it does have its own smell. To me the taste also doesn't get me going its not bad but just not my style. Its got medium carbonation so its pretty smooth in the mouth. Over all I could drink a couple pints of this beer but would switch it up after just a few.

Serving type: bottle

10-04-2007 02:19:36 | More by armock

ibbjamin

California

3/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A friend picked up a 6pack of 12oz bottles for my birthday. I pour into my Spaten Optimator mug to review on the first one of the pack.

An aggressive pour yields a nice quarter inch and rising frothy off white head. Almost no head retention. Decent lacing. Color is dark brown on the verge of black.

Aromas of malts and dark molasses. Sweet and candy-like with hints of over ripe banana.

Taste is similar to nose yet seems to be lighter in character.

Mouth is somewhat watery and beer is medium bodied. Good carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2009 05:11:13 | More by ibbjamin

onix1agr

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

On Tap

Spaten Optimaor is a dark ruby red that has brown blotches. Not much as even a cap even off of the tap, just some faint squigglies. Smells is dark fruit, plum, pear, roast, big malts, caramel and toffee. The taste is the same but maybe not in the above order. It's very sweet and caramel/tofee rich, too much for my liking. The feel is syrupy and above medium and it reminded me of fresh Mad Elf from the tap. Sweet and a bit cloying. Drinkability was low.

Serving type: on-tap

01-29-2010 06:22:01 | More by onix1agr

largadeer

California

3/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Draft at Gourmet Haus Staudt.

Mahogany hued, capped by a thin beige head. The nose is heavy on raisins and prunes, with nutty, bready malt beneath. There's a slight vinous aroma that lends some complexity. The palate is very similar; a lot of raisin and prune flavor above a backbone of toasted malt. Moderately sweet, fairly vinous toward the finish with some metallic astringency. This isn't bad, but it's far from my favorite doppelbock. Too reminiscent of prune juice.

Serving type: on-tap

01-04-2011 22:15:32 | More by largadeer

vickersspitfire

Texas

3.03/5  rDev -22.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

poured this one into a pilsner: it comes out looking black , but when you hold it up to the light you see the beautiful dark reddish/brown color topped off with a thick tan head thats slowly dissolves and only has a hint of lacing. it looks like a great tasting beer, but its flavor lacks something, i'm just not sure what it is.It taste like roasted malt and it quite smooth on the tongue; there's very little crispness to it, it's aftertaste isn't too bad a bit dry and a slight hint of alcohol.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2007 22:14:21 | More by vickersspitfire

BigJTrucker

Oregon

3.03/5  rDev -22.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2

Pours a deep deep ruby color(when held up to the light). Very nice indeed. Thick tan head, settles extremely quickly.Aroma is a bit of sweet caramel and grain. Taste is somewhat lacking. I had high hopes after the beautiful color and not displeasing aroma, but this left me wanting more. Taste is malty sweet, but with hints of metallic. Maybe it's past it's prime, hmm. not sure. Mouthfeel is not bad, not to thick, not to watery thin. But doesn't appear to be much depth to it. As far as drinkability is concerned, i doubt very much i'd try this one again.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2007 08:08:55 | More by BigJTrucker

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

3.03/5  rDev -22.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Brown pour, a bit more than than expected for something kinda revered. Nuts and toffee aroma a little metallic feel.

Taste is warm, like a brown ale, aged a bit (this may have been unintentionally). Thankfully doesn't have the rubbing alcohol feel of a lot of doppelbocks. Has something prickly to it, maybe not hops, or those Euro hops I don't have too often, a nice subtlety. Mouthfeel too thin to get to into it, and neither is the price.

Serving type: bottle

06-16-2010 22:42:58 | More by Beerandraiderfan

e11iott

New York

3.05/5  rDev -21.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A: Bottle was 12oz, dark cherry red. 2 finger head, lacing that lasted the whole time.

S: Carmel and malt smell.

T/M: Enjoyed when very cold, as it warmed up it got sweeter, soild after bit.
Carbonation is perfect, hids alcohol level.

D: Thought the beer would be thicker based on the color, prefered it when colder.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2011 03:42:20 | More by e11iott

Shrews629

Kentucky

3.05/5  rDev -21.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance - Dark brown/maroon color with some ruby highlights when held to the light. Also has some burnt orange and yellow highlights around the bottoms and sides. An off white head with average size and retention. It settled to a decent film and left some pretty good lacing.

Smell - In the aroma, I picked up a dark, earthy, almost burnt grass or grain. Never quite smelled anything like it thus far. Not particularly my favorite smell, but I got used to it. After a while, it started to remind me of a more robust Dunkel.

Taste - The taste also has a very dark, earthy robust type of flavor. Reminds me of a "Black" Lager as well as a Dunkel. I picked up subtle hints of lard with the earthy grain. A touch of sweetness even. Just a hint of alcohol at the very end.

Mouthfeel - Medium mouthfeel. Left adequate amounts of flavor on the palate. Relatively smooth, but just a wee bit watery.

Drinkability - This beer would take some getting used to for me. It's nothing really bad. It's just different. I do love the color of this brew, but I personally don't think I could make a night of it. Doppelbocks just must not be my thing.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2011 19:59:28 | More by Shrews629

blakelive784

Colorado

3.08/5  rDev -21%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

11.2 fl oz bottle served in a pint glass:
\
A - Pours an incredibly dark ruby/amber color that's transparent when held to the light. It has a soapy head of 2 fingers, and retention is solid.

S - Strong malty goodness, cotton candy, and fruity esters abound. Medium strength.

T - Full malt foundation gives way to candy, fruity and peppery notes. Finishes with a nice ethanol bite. Not as yeasty as the nose predicted, but built well for the style. I wish it had a bit more character though.

M - Nearly full bodied, slick and smooth, Carbonated rather highly. Contradicts the flavors.

D - A good beer within the style, but I think it lacks character. I'd have it again, but certainly not a go-to.

Serving type: bottle

12-04-2011 23:30:40 | More by blakelive784

santoslhalper

Pennsylvania

3.1/5  rDev -20.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Had on tap at the Southside Saloon. This was the yeastiest tasting Doppelbock I've ever had. That almost made it undrinkable, but it wasn't. The other flavors were tasty, and had an odd fruitiness to them. I think this is an overrated doppelbock. I'll stick with my Troegenator thank you very much.

Serving type: on-tap

03-27-2005 17:16:39 | More by santoslhalper

shbobdb

Indiana

3.1/5  rDev -20.5%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A Benchmark beer for the style. It has all the qualities of a good Doppelbock . . . it just somehow falls flat. It pours a deep, dark grape colour with a delicate head that quickly falls into a ring around my MaB . . . Mass . . . So tricky with the symbols.

Anyway, it tastes of cherries, and prunes and tobacco . . . all good flavours, but they are somehow marred and I can't give justice as to why. There is something out of balance here and I can't put my finger on it. The mouthfeel is the same way, where it is smooth and rich but somehow wrong.

All of the traits of a good Doppelbock, just not as well executed as others. I don't often say this, but perhaps a pinch of chocolate malt to bitter it up a tad? I don't know.

Good, but by no means great.

Serving type: on-tap

03-04-2006 05:40:17 | More by shbobdb