Family Strong Beer Style Doppelbock
Country Germany ABV 7.2%
Producer Spaten-Löwenbräu-Gruppe (InBev)
Price $$ Packaging 12oz/355ml, 16.9oz/500ml bottle
Characteristics Malty, strong, unusual

Overview Optimator is Spaten’s strongest beer, and with a name that drips with deadpan cool, we expect it probably gets more attention than some of the other imported doppelbocks, even if the label is rather plain.

Flavors and aromas A somewhat muted nose suggests sweet malt, medium-dark caramels, and some baking spices and fruit aromas, but generally holds back. This shows much better in the mouth, where it is rich and full-bodied, with restrained alcohol, dark dried fruits. Compared to the standard notion of a doppelbock as a big bruiser of a beer, this is restrained and calm. We liked the complexity of this beer, but there is room for more intensity.