Spaten Optimator

Brewed by Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu (InBev)
Style: Doppelbock
Munich, Germany

Serve in Dimpled mug, Stein, Stem glass

The quest continues for cheap strong beer from Europe. Smell is sweet malt, a bit nutty, with a suggestion of slight tartness, like decaying fruit, and a bit of cola. Taste is clean, toasty, nutty, slightly sweet, with some fresh bread and caramel. Light medium body, a bit of bitterness in the aftertaste. Dopplebocks are usually quite handsome with their deep red brown color, and this one fits the type. Not much head though, and what there was faded quickly. Lacks richness and depth of flavor, particularly in the finish. Not bad flavors, but they seem a bit thin.

Nice dark brown with reasonable head. Malty flavor with a touch of sweetness.

Very good dopplebock, and at a decent price. This is not the best dopplebock out there, IMHO, but there is nothing about this beer I do not like. It’s a big mouthfull of malty goodness with just enough hop to balance it out. The color and aroma is fantastic.

I love this beer. Its full of flavor and body. It does come a bit heavy after a couple glasses, but the taste really doesn’t fade.

Bottle. Great malty, spicy, well balanced by sweet and robust carbonation. nice doppel example, terrific standard.

Transparent chestnut brown with a medium beige crown. From a green bottle, so I was expecting a skunky aroma, but luckily was spared this time. Aroma of caramel, molasses, mild alcohol and dark fruits. Taste of caramel, light sugar, toasted malts and light alcohol. Kind of a bland aftertaste and compared to other dopplebocks this one is a few rungs below.

Pours brown with ruby tinges. Aroma is malty. Sweet roasy malt with a slight bitterness in the finish.

On tap. Poured dark, chestnut brown with a good tan head. Malty nose with fruity hints. Full bodied with good mouthfeel. Malty, alcohol flavors, slightly bitter. Overall, a good doppelbock.