Spaten Optimator - Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu

Georgiabeer

Georgia

3.88/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hadn't had one of these for a while and so picked up a sixpack. My mother-in-law was coming to town and she likes malty, dark, German brews, so I figured this was perfect- fits the bill without being too challenging. She had a couple before I realized that these were 7.2%! They certainly don't taste that strong and it had been years since I had any. Pours a very dark chestnut, not quite opaque and with very little head. Nice estery and malty nose with some light spiciness, malt, warming alcohol, and thin caramel. For me, what comes through mostly in the taste is the thin caramel rather than a rich maltiness. I like my Dopplebocks a little maltier tasting than this, but it does have a fairly elegant profile. Relatively thin in the mouth, but very smooth and way too easy to drink. I'd prefer a Celebrator if I'm having it alone, but this does pair very nicely with food with its smooth maltiness.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2008 17:59:53 | More by Georgiabeer

mactrail

California

4/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The aroma is quite distinctive-- something like stewed prunes and gummi worms, but I mean that as a compliment. Attractive brown-amber in the tulip glass. Very pleasant lacing and creamy mouthfeel. Quite sweet, like a malty pudding. Rich, warm flavors with lots of caramel. I hope it's from malted barley, but it's good. Hint of hops. Aftertaste of candy.

I wasn't expecting to like this as much. It grows on you if you like the sweet malty style. But I would say there are more interesting examples of Doppelbocks, including American-made versions, but for a widely-distributed major beer that actually makes the boat trip, it's a winner.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2011 04:52:57 | More by mactrail

Dogbrick

Ohio

3.6/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle at Winking Lizard. This brew is a deep mahogany color with a medium thin light beige head that dissipates fairly fast. Thin rings of lacing on the glass. Aroma of malt, molasses and a bit of plum. Medium body with a sweet toffee and malt character. Light fruit and hops are present as well but the sweetness dominates. The finish is sweet with caramel and roasted malt and leaves a molasses and brown sugar aftertaste. Decent overall, although it swings a little too far to the sweet side.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2008 21:29:51 | More by Dogbrick

JohnGalt1

Idaho

4.25/5  rDev +9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz picked up at the Coop for about $2.00.. poured into my New Belgium goblet.

Short lasting off white head.. with only spotty lacing.. brew is walnut with garnet highlites.

Aroma is all dark bready malts.. some toasted malts with a good whiff of cocoa.. dates and other dried fruits come through.. dark caramel becomes predominant as it warms.

This is my idea of a dopplebock.. I like them with a touch more malty sweetness. Dark malts at the front of the palate.. slides into a chocolate fig concotion.. with a light cocoa and dark malt finish... slightly chewy malt presence is apparent through the entire sip and adds greatly to the overall complexity... very smooth.. sorta creamy and long lingering flavors for a German lager... nuttiness as it warms... very very clean and super smooth... finish is very long.

I am a sucker for German lagers, and Optimator is great. For some reason, I rarely buy them.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2008 10:15:46 | More by JohnGalt1

tavernjef

Minnesota

3.85/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Clear ruby-copper color up to the light, amongst the shadows it lurks as chestnut brown. Thin tan cap delevops late after the pour, surmounting down quickly to a very thin collar. Minimal spotty lacing which melts away.

Aroma is mild and wavering of dark caramel, slightly roasty toffee, dark cherry notes, and touches of molasses.

Flavors are nice, starts a bit slow and wet but builds to some lightly chewy and medium richness of slender roasted caramel and toffee. Drops of sweet dark fruity things. Nice sticky finish of sweet caramel malts lingering.

Feel is about medium with a thicker sticking finish, a bit subdued and slim. Not as thick the whole way through nor as creamy as I would've liked to seen. This seemed just a bit weaker then I imagined it would be. Expectations sometimes are never met. Still good, just not great; so I'd have this again.

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2004 17:50:51 | More by tavernjef

Cyberkedi

Georgia

4.38/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a beautiful rich chocolate brown. Aroma is strong, mainly malty, and tempting. Flavor is rich and malty with hints of toffee and a smoky undertone. There is not the least bit of bitterness. Smooth, very pleasing, this beer is great all by itself, especially after a meal.

Serving type: on-tap

09-03-2007 01:51:49 | More by Cyberkedi

RoyalT

Ohio

4.35/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance – This came out a dark brown in color with a beautiful, gorgeous head. The off-white head on that almost-black body in the football-style German glass was absolutely gorgeous.

Smell – The burnt molasses and dark lagered grain worked well together, although the overall aroma was dull even as the bier warmed.

Taste – The molasses was super-strong just as I like it. The grain was expertly lagered and very dark. The luscious sweets were sharp but not attention-grabbing. All together this was damn near perfect.

Mouthfeel – This was just shy of medium-bodied and not bitter but still had a sharp, strapping molasses bite.

Drinkability – I had this with a brat and bread at Prost in Seattle with my good friend skyhand and boy did it remind me of the Fatherland.

Serving type: on-tap

08-26-2006 01:41:36 | More by RoyalT

largadeer

Kentucky

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

avalon07

South Carolina

3.5/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: When I poured this beer from a bottle to a mug, it had a dark brown color and a slightly thin consistency. There was a small amount of head, but it lasted awhile.

S: There was a sharp aroma, with hints of coffee, sweets and malt coming in. Not overwhelming in this department, as most German beers aren't.

T: The flavor was just OK. Malt, some hops and barley, coffee and some sweets (toffee maybe?).

M: A fair amount of carbonation and a decently smooth finish. This is a medium-bodied beer.

D: Overall, this is an alright beer, though it didn't blow me away. There are better doppelbocks out there.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2008 13:13:13 | More by avalon07

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

3.13/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Poured into a Spaten tall half liter glass with a deep dark amber hue, a white head that that did not last too long. Aroma of dark fruits and slightly alcoholic. It has a lighter body and a nice bitterness to the dark fruit sweetness. The alcohol is not as noticable, but it does pack a punch.

Serving type: on-tap

06-08-2007 11:08:03 | More by OWSLEY069

scruffwhor

Illinois

3.73/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours a medicore tan head with pour retention. But a great, deep ruby, light leathery brown mixture which light can penetrate beautifully. There is a little hint of maple syrup in the nose of this lightly smokey and deply toasted malt dopplebock. The taste has plenty of ruby tasting malts. Hints of dark fruits and even a slight hint of licorice in the finish. Very smooth a mildly sweet palate. This is a very easy to drnk beer beer considerng the abv. I would definetlly think of this as a session beer if the alcohol content wasn't high.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2007 06:28:03 | More by scruffwhor

ZAP

Minnesota

4.03/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I'm working my way through some different doppels and this is another good one but not one of the top ones I've tried...It is dark brown in color...minimal head...malty aroma with some alcohol on the nose..I like the way it tastes...It's sweet but easy drinking...not as much taste complexity as Salvator or S.A. Double Bock Still a very good doppel...On the deep finish I do sense a bit of a hop bite trying to balance out the sweetness but it's hard to distinguish immediately...Overall this is solid, but not spectacular...

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2002 01:28:41 | More by ZAP

TheLongBeachBum

California

3.85/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Presentation: Picked up a mixed 6-Pack of Spaten Optimator and Premium Lager at Trader Joes. The Optimator comes in a 12 fluid ounce green glass bottle with a deep copper colored main label that has a metallic look about it.

Appearance: I thought this was lightly hazed at first, but once the carbonation released from solution after the rather vigorous pour settled and helped form the head, it revealed a dark, but lucid brown. The head was much smaller than expected given the high levels of carbonation, and it settled to a beige colored smooth covering.

Nose: What the….???....not the expected nose at all. The best way I can describe it is as a conglomeration of Malt Extract used in Brewing mixed with the odor of a partially baked loaf of Wholemeal Bread. Sweet and malty smelling in character, which at the same time is quite a restrained in strength.

Taste: A very sweet beginning, the sweetness never goes, it just fades in strength throughout the drink making way for a more malty profile that is much more appealing in the ending. It has a smooth body whose flavor profile includes molasses, malt extract, some dates and sweet dark chewy bonfire toffee that licks the ending with an average malty body. It’s fair to say that the tastes are never one-dimensional, or even overpowering – but they are rather middle-of-the-road. Just scrapes a 4.0. No surprises, or shocks, for a Doppelbock.

Mouthfeel: The sweetness invades all aspects of this beer it seems, the nose, taste and mouthfeel. But the malty character eventually wins the day and balances the beer well, effectively hiding the 7.2% ABV rather well. Above average strength.

Drinkability: The malts are nice, but the sweetness is just a little too high for my overall enjoyment to be anything more than the odd glass, or two, maybe. Still, that being said, it is still a very drinkable beer that I could see would have appeal for those that may not even enjoy Doppelbocks.

Overall: Not bad, but this would only ever be the occasional beer for me.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2003 01:51:29 | More by TheLongBeachBum

Bitterbill

Wyoming

3.68/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pors from 16.9oz bottle a deep amber with a medium sized head of foam that shrinks to just a ring around the edge of the glass and a little lacing.

The smell is of caramel malt.

The taste on first sip has a huge malt character. Lots of roastiness and grain with just a bit of caramel. Further sips in and I'm getting some of the alcohol but it's not intrusive; also, there's some chocolate and fruitness there, mostly a plum flavour that shows up mostly near the finish which itself ends up slightly on the bitter side. It certainly is smooth enough and easy drinking so I'll have to watch it...;^)

Bottom line: This is a good Doppelbock that is worthy of a try.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2007 00:19:10 | More by Bitterbill

kylehay2004

Florida

3.98/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: half finger head on a deep amber hazy body.

S: sweet caramel and chocolate malts and cocoa.

T: malts with dark fruit and lots of dark chocolate with some toasted malts.

M: medium body and moderate carbonation.

Overall: This is a nice beer but a little less spicey than I like for the style. Still a good beer to have routinely.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2012 01:28:22 | More by kylehay2004

cokes

Wisconsin

4.35/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Glowing brownish-scarlet with a pillowy dirty-white head that lasts.
Smells of the heavy malt load...some dried fruit. Raisin bread notes.
Taste come through with these flavors as well. Very malty and multi-tiered. Camel/toffee on one level. Raisin/plum on another. Tobacco, nuts, and vanilla all in here as well.
Maybe a hair on the thin side....but VERY drinkable.
A great DB choice when not looking for something thick or gigantic, yet still spot-on for the style.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2002 23:47:05 | More by cokes

TurdFurgison

Ohio

3.78/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle into a belgian goblet. Dark ruby color with frothy tan foam. Smelled malty like a doppelbock.

Taste was not as heavy as I expected, and a little skunked too. It's a nice doppelbock flavor but a little subdued. I prefer the richness of Salvator over this one.

Not bad and easy to drink. Just not the best of the style in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2006 20:25:25 | More by TurdFurgison

twiggamortis420

Texas

4.33/5  rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

500mL brown bottle with a stamp of L041936o, not even sure this is even a freshness date. Pours a clear, very dark shade of brown with some crimson highlights around the edges. Medium sized tan foam fades at a somewhat slow pace without leaving any lacing on the glass.

Lots of dark fruit and burnt caramel smacks you in the face on here. Very bready, smells a bit like a fruitcake.

This is one smoooth doppelbock. Creamy, toffee and caramel maltiness just glides through the mouth and down the hatch. The fruit that was so readily apparent in the nose fades to barely a whisper in the flavor. Some warming alcohol makes an appearance in the finish. This is a tremendously drinkable and flavorful doppelbock, there is always room for some Optimator in my fridge.

Serving type: bottle

10-20-2009 00:28:52 | More by twiggamortis420

bark

Sweden

3.56/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

The colour is brown (25 EBC), the liquid clear. The finger thick head is compact and off-white, it sinks into a thin lid leaving very little lacing.

The smell is a bit weak. Sweet malts, caramel and some flowery notes. Hints of old oak wood and smooth alcohol.

The taste is malty and smooth, the alcohol is well hidden. Tree/oak-flavours, earthy notes of mature whisky/brandy. Semi-sweet notes of caramel and brown sugar. Full bodied flavours. The aftertaste brings some more earthy notes as well as minerals and a touch of molasses. The finish is smooth with fine caramel flavours.

The carbonation is medium strong; the bubbles are mid-sized. The liquid is a bit light and somewhat sticky.

Not bad at all, but it might lack some complexity that I want in a Doppelbock.

Serving type: bottle

06-16-2013 19:00:01 | More by bark

BeerFMAndy

Wisconsin

3.6/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

12 oz bottle poured into a pilsner glass.

A - Very dark ruby/ amber with a big creamy head that goes down fairly quickly.

S - Insanely malty sweet with bread and molasses in the background.

T - One of the maltiest beers I've ever encountered. Intense toasted malts with a huge sweetness and every-so-slight bitter molasses.

M - Syrupy with a definitely smooth mouthfeel.

D - For a fuller bodied beer it's somewhat drinkable but it's thickness and sweetness knock this guy down a few pegs.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2009 19:13:14 | More by BeerFMAndy

francisweizen

Australia

4.6/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

An excellent doppel that is fit for year-round consumption if you ask me. The doppelbock pours a rich, dark reddish/brown colour with an ample beige head. The aromas are all malt, and plenty of it! The taste is malty as hell, with a nice alcoholic, spicy kick to it. The mouthfeel is thick and rich, but not over-the-top and the drinkability is excellent for a doppel.

High marks!

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2003 22:10:02 | More by francisweizen

LilBeerDoctor

New York

3.33/5  rDev -14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Reviewed on 05/14/2009. 12 oz. bottle. Pours a clear dark brown with a small tan head. Aroma of pizza dough and roasted lager malts. Flavor is nice and doughy with some sweetness in the finish. A touch vegetal. Nice and pleasant to drink. An ok beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-11-2009 19:16:57 | More by LilBeerDoctor

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

champ103

Texas

3.95/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: Clear dark red color. No head and no lace.
S: Lots of toasted and caramel malt. A pleasant bready aroma with some dark fruits. A soft and enjoyable nose.
T: Follows the nose. Loads of dark malt and fruit. The flavor is a bit metallic, but not enough to really detract from the overall experience.
M/D: I was a bit disappointed in the mouth. Very thin and watery. This is a good sipping beer though. Smooth and easy to drink, but you don't want to drink it to fast. The alcohol is well hidden and can sneak up on you.

I like this beer. Very malty and pleasant. This is something to look for.

Serving type: on-tap

02-21-2008 15:38:53 | More by champ103

Brent

Kentucky

4.05/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Toasted caramel aroma and solid malty caramel body. Finish is sweet and moderately bitter with nice separation between the flavors. Not as good as Celebrator IMHO, but pushes a close second.

Serving type: bottle

10-13-2001 23:24:18 | More by Brent