Spaten Optimator | Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu
Brewed by:
Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu
Germany | website
Style: Doppelbock
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.60%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by BeerAdvocate on 04-06-1999
Reviews: 1,318 | Ratings: 2,995
4.09/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From the 12 oz bottle in a snifter. This legend of a dopplebock
pours a lightly clear dark mahogany color with a nice head of off
white foam that settles to a thick ring with light lacing. Nose of
dark raisin bread, dark molasses, and nicely roasted malts. Flavors
lightly exceed the nose with nice breaded malts and raisins on the front
and middle of the taste, roasted malts and plum notes fall off on the sides
and rear, and a very subtle herbal hop appears and then sears into the
back with a nice warming booze. Nice mouth feel, slick, warming, and
delicious with a lightly bitter malt aftertaste. Overall excellence from a
great brewery.
Cheers
★ 659 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From the 12 oz bottle in a snifter. This legend of a dopplebock
pours a lightly clear dark mahogany color with a nice head of off
white foam that settles to a thick ring with light lacing. Nose of
dark raisin bread, dark molasses, and nicely roasted malts. Flavors
lightly exceed the nose with nice breaded malts and raisins on the front
and middle of the taste, roasted malts and plum notes fall off on the sides
and rear, and a very subtle herbal hop appears and then sears into the
back with a nice warming booze. Nice mouth feel, slick, warming, and
delicious with a lightly bitter malt aftertaste. Overall excellence from a
great brewery.
Cheers
★ 659 characters
4.02/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours a dark amber with a large foamy tan head. Light amount of spotty lacing.
S - Aroma is sweet malts and dark fruits.
T - The taste follows the aroma sweet bready malts, molasses, raisins and pllums.
M - Medium bodied with medium carbonation. Soft creamy mouthfeel with a sticky finish.
O - Very nice Doppelbock. Smooth and drinkable with great flavor.
★ 363 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours a dark amber with a large foamy tan head. Light amount of spotty lacing.
S - Aroma is sweet malts and dark fruits.
T - The taste follows the aroma sweet bready malts, molasses, raisins and pllums.
M - Medium bodied with medium carbonation. Soft creamy mouthfeel with a sticky finish.
O - Very nice Doppelbock. Smooth and drinkable with great flavor.
★ 363 characters
3.4/5 rDev -12.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A very good doppelbock. It is more flavorful, more malty (ah!!! did I say that??!!) than even I prefer, but it is good. Comparing to the Warsteiner Dunkel, this is about the same. I consider both to be "liquid bread" type beers. A little much for me, I would tend toward the lighter Doppebocks, like the Leinenkugel "big butt" offering. But the flavor of this is good. I drank it a little warmer than I do usually and enjoyed it immensely. I prefer this "overpowering" taste to the 75 lb bags of hops found in most, if not all, USA "craft" 12 oz. bottles. Hops are bitter and "crisp" (in that they dont have a lot of flavor, just spiciness) and only prolong shelf life, which most breweries prefer.
I do not. Give me an accent of hops, like what is found in a lot of German beers, but not the overpowering bitterness, which strangles whatever malt may be found in the beer, to death, which describes most or all USA craft offerings.
Thanks Spaten, a good brew! Will definitely buy more.
★ 1,000 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A very good doppelbock. It is more flavorful, more malty (ah!!! did I say that??!!) than even I prefer, but it is good. Comparing to the Warsteiner Dunkel, this is about the same. I consider both to be "liquid bread" type beers. A little much for me, I would tend toward the lighter Doppebocks, like the Leinenkugel "big butt" offering. But the flavor of this is good. I drank it a little warmer than I do usually and enjoyed it immensely. I prefer this "overpowering" taste to the 75 lb bags of hops found in most, if not all, USA "craft" 12 oz. bottles. Hops are bitter and "crisp" (in that they dont have a lot of flavor, just spiciness) and only prolong shelf life, which most breweries prefer.
I do not. Give me an accent of hops, like what is found in a lot of German beers, but not the overpowering bitterness, which strangles whatever malt may be found in the beer, to death, which describes most or all USA craft offerings.
Thanks Spaten, a good brew! Will definitely buy more.
★ 1,000 characters
3.5/5 rDev -10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a very dark brown color.
Smell is sweet malt with a bit of dark fruit.
Taste is sweet bready malt with a strong rasin flavor.
★ 151 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a very dark brown color.
Smell is sweet malt with a bit of dark fruit.
Taste is sweet bready malt with a strong rasin flavor.
★ 151 characters
4.1/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
$ 1.89/12 oz bottle ($ 0.157/oz) at The Lager Mill, Frankenmuth, MI
Bottle dated 02.2017 at 42 degrees into hand washed and dried JK snifter
Aroma – lightly toasted malt, no hops
Head large (Maximum 5.5 cm, aggressive pour), light tan, creamy, slowly diminishing to a seven mm ring and layer of irregular thickness
Lacing fair – partial rings of tiny bubbles
Body – dark amber, clear
Flavor – begins sweet but not overwhelmingly so, toasted malt flavor predominates with just a trace of caramel, no fruity esters noted; no hops, no alcohol, no diacetyl
Palate full, creamy, soft carbonation
This is one from before I started my database in 2005 – sweet, smooth, an excellent example from my early non-BMC days that I haven’t revisited and rated until now. Not as good as I remember but those brain cells could have died.
Appearance 4, Aroma 4, Flavor 4.25, Palate 4, Overall 4
★ 893 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
$ 1.89/12 oz bottle ($ 0.157/oz) at The Lager Mill, Frankenmuth, MI
Bottle dated 02.2017 at 42 degrees into hand washed and dried JK snifter
Aroma – lightly toasted malt, no hops
Head large (Maximum 5.5 cm, aggressive pour), light tan, creamy, slowly diminishing to a seven mm ring and layer of irregular thickness
Lacing fair – partial rings of tiny bubbles
Body – dark amber, clear
Flavor – begins sweet but not overwhelmingly so, toasted malt flavor predominates with just a trace of caramel, no fruity esters noted; no hops, no alcohol, no diacetyl
Palate full, creamy, soft carbonation
This is one from before I started my database in 2005 – sweet, smooth, an excellent example from my early non-BMC days that I haven’t revisited and rated until now. Not as good as I remember but those brain cells could have died.
Appearance 4, Aroma 4, Flavor 4.25, Palate 4, Overall 4
★ 893 characters
4.4/5 rDev +13.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Look: Dark brown body, little to no white head.
Smell: Dark fruits and molasses. Kind of like a fruit filled rye bread.
Taste: Same as the above, but with a distinct kettle corn flavor.
Feel: Medium body and carbonation. The alcohol isn't hidden very well, and drinks like an 8%-9% beer.
★ 290 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Look: Dark brown body, little to no white head.
Smell: Dark fruits and molasses. Kind of like a fruit filled rye bread.
Taste: Same as the above, but with a distinct kettle corn flavor.
Feel: Medium body and carbonation. The alcohol isn't hidden very well, and drinks like an 8%-9% beer.
★ 290 characters
4.09/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nice and smooth , mildly bitter and smoky. Dark brown to black with small but substantial beige head. Aroma is roast grains, semi sweet chocolate, peat and dried fruit. Taste is mildly sweet with a touch of bitterness. Almost as good as Salvator.....
★ 250 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nice and smooth , mildly bitter and smoky. Dark brown to black with small but substantial beige head. Aroma is roast grains, semi sweet chocolate, peat and dried fruit. Taste is mildly sweet with a touch of bitterness. Almost as good as Salvator.....
★ 250 characters
4.35/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This one sells for $7.49 a sixer at my local. When it shows up I buy as much as I can carry. Remarkable sum of the parts beer beginning with rich deep color, full mouth filling flavor and texture, so lavish it's hard to swallow because you want to keep on tasting. Malt forward, hops supporting like a beautiful sonorous piano backed by a string orchestra. Fortunately the aftertaste is a receding diminishment of the same. Another one to seek out wherever found.
★ 471 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This one sells for $7.49 a sixer at my local. When it shows up I buy as much as I can carry. Remarkable sum of the parts beer beginning with rich deep color, full mouth filling flavor and texture, so lavish it's hard to swallow because you want to keep on tasting. Malt forward, hops supporting like a beautiful sonorous piano backed by a string orchestra. Fortunately the aftertaste is a receding diminishment of the same. Another one to seek out wherever found.
★ 471 characters
4.02/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Look (3): Minus points for using a green bottle. Pours a rich mahogany brown color with very small carbonation bubbles that forms a lightly tanned topper. Head disipates quickly.
Smell (4): Dark malty bread and dried fruit aroma (like raisons or what I'd imagine chocolate covered figs would smell like if they smelled). Brings me back to my awakening beer, Trogenator.
Taste (4.25): Everyone has heard or used the term liquid bread, but that term definitely goes hand in hand with doppelbocks. Raison bread with caramel malt and candy. Sugary chocolate with plums or dried cherries.
Mouthfeel (3.75): I expected a bit more body, but when comparing this classic example to one of my all time favorite beers (Trogenator!!) it can't compare. Not as much body, not as big of a finish. It all kind of falls short.
Overall (4): A beautiful example of what a doppelbock is. I could have fun trying to blind this beer up against porters and eisbock brews in the future!
★ 967 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Look (3): Minus points for using a green bottle. Pours a rich mahogany brown color with very small carbonation bubbles that forms a lightly tanned topper. Head disipates quickly.
Smell (4): Dark malty bread and dried fruit aroma (like raisons or what I'd imagine chocolate covered figs would smell like if they smelled). Brings me back to my awakening beer, Trogenator.
Taste (4.25): Everyone has heard or used the term liquid bread, but that term definitely goes hand in hand with doppelbocks. Raison bread with caramel malt and candy. Sugary chocolate with plums or dried cherries.
Mouthfeel (3.75): I expected a bit more body, but when comparing this classic example to one of my all time favorite beers (Trogenator!!) it can't compare. Not as much body, not as big of a finish. It all kind of falls short.
Overall (4): A beautiful example of what a doppelbock is. I could have fun trying to blind this beer up against porters and eisbock brews in the future!
★ 967 characters
3.5/5 rDev -10%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I wish Hofbrau and Spaten would start bottling in brown not green. That being said, this one doesn't smell skunked. It pours a deep, dark, mahogany color with a nice tan head. Scents of toffee, caramel, and plums on the nose. Tastes of coffee and dark chocolate. A bit over carbonated as the sweet balance literally fizzles out from the carbonation. Leaves a bit of an off taste because of it. Still, very quaffable and a decent beer but has a macro quality to it that misses the mark. Many better American versions are available.
★ 538 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I wish Hofbrau and Spaten would start bottling in brown not green. That being said, this one doesn't smell skunked. It pours a deep, dark, mahogany color with a nice tan head. Scents of toffee, caramel, and plums on the nose. Tastes of coffee and dark chocolate. A bit over carbonated as the sweet balance literally fizzles out from the carbonation. Leaves a bit of an off taste because of it. Still, very quaffable and a decent beer but has a macro quality to it that misses the mark. Many better American versions are available.
★ 538 characters
4.14/5 rDev +6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Pours a dark brown color with a small head, which dissipates quite quickly.
Smells of sweet bread, caramel, and candy. The smell is definitely nuanced, but the sweetness is key here.
Taste is more bitter than expected from the smell, with quite a large degree of bitter malts, and grains. Also quite a bit of molasses. Mouthfeel is medium-light, with very little carbonation. Just the way I like it.
This is a fascinating beer, and it keeps surprising you after every sip you take. It's not complex the way, say a Russian Imperial Stout is, but whenever you think you've got this beer figured out, you realize something new. That's why this has me coming back to it time and time over again.
★ 695 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Pours a dark brown color with a small head, which dissipates quite quickly.
Smells of sweet bread, caramel, and candy. The smell is definitely nuanced, but the sweetness is key here.
Taste is more bitter than expected from the smell, with quite a large degree of bitter malts, and grains. Also quite a bit of molasses. Mouthfeel is medium-light, with very little carbonation. Just the way I like it.
This is a fascinating beer, and it keeps surprising you after every sip you take. It's not complex the way, say a Russian Imperial Stout is, but whenever you think you've got this beer figured out, you realize something new. That's why this has me coming back to it time and time over again.
★ 695 characters
4.03/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I've had this often because it goes with so many foods, particularly good at starting and ending winter meals. The malt works its way into lots of foods to complement, some of them spicy (always a pleasant surprise to me who likes spice.)
Some bottles seemed to be too carbonated... but I confess to inconsistency in mouthfeel and notes.
It is not in the top 5 dopplebocks for me, but is always welcome.
Beer is listed in the "1001".
MJ's 1999 edition gave it only 2 stars of 4 calling "creamy and nutty, but unmemorable."
★ 523 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I've had this often because it goes with so many foods, particularly good at starting and ending winter meals. The malt works its way into lots of foods to complement, some of them spicy (always a pleasant surprise to me who likes spice.)
Some bottles seemed to be too carbonated... but I confess to inconsistency in mouthfeel and notes.
It is not in the top 5 dopplebocks for me, but is always welcome.
Beer is listed in the "1001".
MJ's 1999 edition gave it only 2 stars of 4 calling "creamy and nutty, but unmemorable."
★ 523 characters
5/5 rDev +28.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
One of the best Doppel Bocks i have ever had, I cant believe i payed 9 bucks for a six pack of 12 once bottles.. Considering the price and the quality of the beer i'd say it doesn't get much better than this, I got to say that this beer deserves a higher rating that 87, Maybe it's the green bottle maybe some people have gotten a few skunky beer, Thankfully i haven't
★ 368 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
One of the best Doppel Bocks i have ever had, I cant believe i payed 9 bucks for a six pack of 12 once bottles.. Considering the price and the quality of the beer i'd say it doesn't get much better than this, I got to say that this beer deserves a higher rating that 87, Maybe it's the green bottle maybe some people have gotten a few skunky beer, Thankfully i haven't
★ 368 characters
3.09/5 rDev -20.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Good doppelbock, and its exactly want you think of when you drink one. One of the best at this style, if your into this style brew. Good beer with a lot of Cherry notes. B- for me. Good beer
★ 192 characters
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Good doppelbock, and its exactly want you think of when you drink one. One of the best at this style, if your into this style brew. Good beer with a lot of Cherry notes. B- for me. Good beer
★ 192 characters
3.66/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
What I love about this beer (and Germans) is that they never change. THis is as close as I could get to a microbrew before I turned 21 (in 1989) so it has sentimental value...
It looks and pours great, with a dark caramel color that resembles coca-cola with a tighter head
smells malty, alchoholic and german - unforgettable (offensive, but not the same as) a BMW 320i with a leaky sunroof
taste is not much different from any other german beer, which makes you wonder when they bottled it. Still, it satisfies and helps one consider other cultures as they relate to brewing.
I've had this come across way too carbonated - it's almost as if the bubbles are bigger - I don't know if that's a thing, but there's a time and a place for it.
Thankfully, my local corner store owner's wife likes this beer, so I'll always have it close by for the foreseeable future...
Peace!
★ 876 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
What I love about this beer (and Germans) is that they never change. THis is as close as I could get to a microbrew before I turned 21 (in 1989) so it has sentimental value...
It looks and pours great, with a dark caramel color that resembles coca-cola with a tighter head
smells malty, alchoholic and german - unforgettable (offensive, but not the same as) a BMW 320i with a leaky sunroof
taste is not much different from any other german beer, which makes you wonder when they bottled it. Still, it satisfies and helps one consider other cultures as they relate to brewing.
I've had this come across way too carbonated - it's almost as if the bubbles are bigger - I don't know if that's a thing, but there's a time and a place for it.
Thankfully, my local corner store owner's wife likes this beer, so I'll always have it close by for the foreseeable future...
Peace!
★ 876 characters
3.9/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
From a bottle: dark amber color, transparent. Prominent sweet smell typical of a dopplebock. This is one sweet malty beer: lots of caramel, brown sugar. Restrained hop presence. The beer is very viscous. From a bottle, I thought it was a bit flat and didnt retain its head very long. I initially tried this beer on tap and thought it was divine; the carbonation and head retention was excellent and the deep malty flavors perfect for the style. I have tried it in bottles afterwards and I think it is underwhelming by comparison. The first bottle had weird off metallic phenol flavors. The second wasn't obviously spoiled but didn't have the feel of the beer on tap. I think the bottom line is, this beer is pretty average in a bottle. Probably the style just doesn't store well. If you can find it on tap, go for it!
★ 832 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
From a bottle: dark amber color, transparent. Prominent sweet smell typical of a dopplebock. This is one sweet malty beer: lots of caramel, brown sugar. Restrained hop presence. The beer is very viscous. From a bottle, I thought it was a bit flat and didnt retain its head very long. I initially tried this beer on tap and thought it was divine; the carbonation and head retention was excellent and the deep malty flavors perfect for the style. I have tried it in bottles afterwards and I think it is underwhelming by comparison. The first bottle had weird off metallic phenol flavors. The second wasn't obviously spoiled but didn't have the feel of the beer on tap. I think the bottom line is, this beer is pretty average in a bottle. Probably the style just doesn't store well. If you can find it on tap, go for it!
★ 832 characters
3.94/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Poured with a nice white head short-lived no lacing. Nice dark amber red, great clarity. Nothing really stirring on the nose. On the palate rich sweet malty.
★ 157 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Poured with a nice white head short-lived no lacing. Nice dark amber red, great clarity. Nothing really stirring on the nose. On the palate rich sweet malty.
★ 157 characters
3.75/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
when you get sick off a beer as a kid (or in fact sometimes as a grown up), it can be hard to go back and fully appreciate. this one though, its not so hard at all. i recall this being one of the first craft beers i ever had, and one of the first strong ones too, way too young. not knowing anything about ABV, this really got the best of me back then. trying it again now, its very impressive, but thank goodness i took ten years in between. the flavor is so distinct and strong, one of the boldest takes on the style that exists, and its awfully memorable. big dark grain build on it, strong and sweet. molasses and cherries and booze and brought together in a huge syrupy consistency. not like other beers, thats for sure. its stick to the guts beer, winter warmer without the spices, and hard to tell its a lager. lots of sweetness on the back end with the heat, and almost a concentrated flavor profile. not much carbonation, but not much is needed. this is one of the craziest german beers out there, reminds me in some ways of the sticke alts of the world, chewy. not for everyone, and certainly about as intense a dopplebock as exists in the world. a couple is enough for me, and when its on tap at one of those beer halls that pours liters, its a lot to get through. have to appreciate it though.
★ 1,305 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
when you get sick off a beer as a kid (or in fact sometimes as a grown up), it can be hard to go back and fully appreciate. this one though, its not so hard at all. i recall this being one of the first craft beers i ever had, and one of the first strong ones too, way too young. not knowing anything about ABV, this really got the best of me back then. trying it again now, its very impressive, but thank goodness i took ten years in between. the flavor is so distinct and strong, one of the boldest takes on the style that exists, and its awfully memorable. big dark grain build on it, strong and sweet. molasses and cherries and booze and brought together in a huge syrupy consistency. not like other beers, thats for sure. its stick to the guts beer, winter warmer without the spices, and hard to tell its a lager. lots of sweetness on the back end with the heat, and almost a concentrated flavor profile. not much carbonation, but not much is needed. this is one of the craziest german beers out there, reminds me in some ways of the sticke alts of the world, chewy. not for everyone, and certainly about as intense a dopplebock as exists in the world. a couple is enough for me, and when its on tap at one of those beer halls that pours liters, its a lot to get through. have to appreciate it though.
★ 1,305 characters
4.59/5 rDev +18%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
dark dark brown color, almost black. This beer is delicious, but at times overwhelmingly alcoholic. I feel like this is the kind of beer Thor would drink as a night cap. Incredible German flavors and craftsmanship!
★ 217 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
dark dark brown color, almost black. This beer is delicious, but at times overwhelmingly alcoholic. I feel like this is the kind of beer Thor would drink as a night cap. Incredible German flavors and craftsmanship!
★ 217 characters
4.28/5 rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
The pour is ruby-brown with a tall, fluffy, light tan head. Right away you notice the rich malts in the aroma. Light notes of caramel and chocolate, followed by a huge wave of dark fruit. You get some toasted malts in the flavor, then a light caramel and fruity sweetness. My favorite thing about this beer is how smooth it is. Incredibly clean and shows very little sign of its strength. It's medium bodied and the carbonation is perfect. I had this bottle with dinner tonight and it went really well with some grilled burgers and veggies.
If you can't tell, I loved this beer. One of the best doppelbocks I've ever had.
★ 622 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
The pour is ruby-brown with a tall, fluffy, light tan head. Right away you notice the rich malts in the aroma. Light notes of caramel and chocolate, followed by a huge wave of dark fruit. You get some toasted malts in the flavor, then a light caramel and fruity sweetness. My favorite thing about this beer is how smooth it is. Incredibly clean and shows very little sign of its strength. It's medium bodied and the carbonation is perfect. I had this bottle with dinner tonight and it went really well with some grilled burgers and veggies.
If you can't tell, I loved this beer. One of the best doppelbocks I've ever had.
★ 622 characters
4/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Wenn ich nach Munchen bin, drinke ich viel Spaten Optimator. Diese Bier smecht am bestens mit Blut und Zahne Wurst. Die farbe ist dunkel braun. Ich finde das Bier ist sehr gut fur eine dobbelbach. Komm! Drinken Spaten Optimator mit mir!
Prost!!!
... and, this is really a very fine Dobbelbach. Brings back memories of Munich... anyway, pours a rich dark brown with a creamy 1/4" head. Rich sweet flavor; very smooth. This is just bond warming on a chilly autumn night. Would share this with friends or guests any day of the week.
★ 536 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Wenn ich nach Munchen bin, drinke ich viel Spaten Optimator. Diese Bier smecht am bestens mit Blut und Zahne Wurst. Die farbe ist dunkel braun. Ich finde das Bier ist sehr gut fur eine dobbelbach. Komm! Drinken Spaten Optimator mit mir!
Prost!!!
... and, this is really a very fine Dobbelbach. Brings back memories of Munich... anyway, pours a rich dark brown with a creamy 1/4" head. Rich sweet flavor; very smooth. This is just bond warming on a chilly autumn night. Would share this with friends or guests any day of the week.
★ 536 characters
4.39/5 rDev +12.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This beer pours a very deep brown with a thick light brown head.
The aroma is smokey with a hint of raisins.
The initial taste of the beer is sweet with toasted malt in the middle. The beer finishes smooth with a smokey raisin aftertaste.
The mouthfeel is extremely smooth almost to the point of being creamy.
Overall this is a very good dunkel. It is smooth and very drinkable with a complex taste that you would expect from the style.
★ 442 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This beer pours a very deep brown with a thick light brown head.
The aroma is smokey with a hint of raisins.
The initial taste of the beer is sweet with toasted malt in the middle. The beer finishes smooth with a smokey raisin aftertaste.
The mouthfeel is extremely smooth almost to the point of being creamy.
Overall this is a very good dunkel. It is smooth and very drinkable with a complex taste that you would expect from the style.
★ 442 characters
3.44/5 rDev -11.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Bought from Liquor Collection. Very dark brown color, slightly heavy mouth feel, you can taste a feel the alcohol in it so it is a sipping beer but is smooth, strong malt taste.
★ 178 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Bought from Liquor Collection. Very dark brown color, slightly heavy mouth feel, you can taste a feel the alcohol in it so it is a sipping beer but is smooth, strong malt taste.
★ 178 characters
4.11/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.75
stronger than expected while hittin very very clean yumi I first tasted it in 2011 it put me down within 4 12oz beers would rather drink it from a stein I say damn good
beer
★ 175 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.75
stronger than expected while hittin very very clean yumi I first tasted it in 2011 it put me down within 4 12oz beers would rather drink it from a stein I say damn good
beer
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Spaten Optimator from Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu
3.89
out of 5
based on 2,995 ratings.
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Brown pour, lighter brown head 1/2". Plenty of nuts, aluminum, toffee and dark fruit in the aroma. Plenty of alcohol too.
Taste was a hotter less hoppy brown ale, thicker, stronger. A lot of that prune, fig and raisin thing with dark bitter roasted malt that isn't that thick actually. Not a fan of what the lager yeast brings here, just doesn't meld with heavy roasted malt. I found it to be hot, bitter, expired dark fruit, reminded me a little of triple bock.
★ 470 characters