Drink of the Week: Shiner FM 966 Farmhouse Ale

Texas may be an ocean away from Belgium, but today’s Drink of the Week—Spoetzl’s FM 966 Farmhouse Ale—proves that Lone Star locals can tap into inspiration from anywhere around the globe. A new seasonal release from the century-old Spoetzl Brewery (founded in 1909, they stayed afloat during Prohibition by brewing birch beer, though some allege they didn’t fully cease production of their regular brews), this easy-drinking farmhouse ale is reminiscent of traditional European saisons, but with a few flavorful twists all its own. Combining a trio of hops (including the recently discovered Meridian variety), Imbibe contributing editor Joshua Bernstein calls it “a refreshing, wheat-fueled saison with a sweet, lightly fruity flavor.” And as a spring seasonal, it won’t be on shelves for much longer, so pick up a 6-pack while you can. Shiner.com for distribution info.

And for more on Texas' growing beer scene, check out "Big in Texas" in our March/April issue.