"Beer Review: Spaten Optimator"

No, it's not a Transformer, although it certainly sounds like one. Spaten's Optimator is a Doppelbock straight out of Munich. Or as we colonials call it, a "Double Bock." Buying a 6 pack (roughly $10) comes at a pretty good review time as I just recently had (and still have) a Troeganator Double Bock.

Aside from both being a Double Bock (Bavarians see: Doppelbock), that's where the similarities stop. Whilst the Troegenator is spicy and strong, the Optimator is smooth and fruity. That's not to say that the Troegenator isn't smooth, but the two beers have uniquely different tastes.

Spaten's Double Bock rings in at a 7.2% ABV. The Optimator's ABV certainly explains why the beer isn't overwhelming in taste. As a matter of fact, it doesn't exactly have that "bite" that usually comes with Double Bocks. Drinking it for a bit you should start tasting raisins and other dark fruits. It also has a hint of caramel. After sitting back and drinking it for about an hour I started to notice that it has a very wine-like taste, which is mostly attributable to the dark fruits and minimal alcoholic bite. Even more interesting is that this particular beer does not taste terrible when it's warm. I don't know if I'd go as far to say that it tastes better warm, but it's pretty good. Here's a little information that I ganked from Troegs's site regarding Double Bocks:

Overall, I'm pretty impressed with Spaten's Optimator. I think I can conclude that it does not taste like a Transformer. On a scale of 1 to 5, I'd have to give it a 4.2. Very impressed.