Spaten Optimator

On tap at the flying saucer in KC. Pours a thinner looking brown with a off-white head. Hint of alcohol smell with notes of berry candy and light hops. Tastes of sweet caramel malts, toffee, a little bit of roast, and berries. Pretty dry and breadlike with a lighter body. Ends with a tiny hint of bitterness. Overall, a solid doppelbock, but just not up to Ayinger Celebrator quality. I would get it again though.

On tap at Resi’s Bierstube. I was happy to see this on and so I had to get a couple of these. Pours a dark black/brown with a beige head that lasts through most of the glass. Straight forward roasted malts and a touch of sweetness in the aroma. The molasses and roasted flavors are strong in the flavor with an edge of charred burnt malts. As this gets too warm the malts start tasting somewhat cola like and a little sweet. But this is otherwise a solid doppelbock that’s so drinkable and I’ll grab whenever I see it.

You can certainly smell the maltiness of this beer from the start. The appearance is similar to Coca Cola, as noted by another user. Pretty smooth for the ABV, with a slightly fruity flavor, hints of apple especially. The palate is slightly lively, pretty pleasant. A nice beer overall, not too dark for the summer, either.

Pours exactly like a Coca-Cola. Strong malt/molasses taste. No subtlety whatsoever, it’s pure malt. I am absolutely unable to detect the strong alcohol presence in the taste but this one hits you like a sledgehammer if you attempt 6 in one sitting. NOT sessionable at all is what I mean, at least not for me. A poor substitute for Celebrator or Samuel Adams Double Bock in my book.

I don’t think it’s safe to say that this isn’t an excellent beer. It’s complex and contains rich flavors with a beautiful amber appearance. Nice job Spaten.