The Brewery Experience and beer tasting including transport

If you’re visiting Malta and have even a modest interest in beer, this Brewery Experience at the historic Farsons Brewery in Birkirkara offers a rewarding peek into Malta’s brewing world. Priced at just $37 per person, it combines education, tasting, and a dash of Maltese culture—all wrapped in a comfortable, well-organized package.

While it’s not a deep dive into brewing science, what makes this tour stand out is its focus on Malta’s beloved Cisk beers and the personal stories behind them. Plus, the included transport makes it easy to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about logistics.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour lasts around 3 hours, which is a decent chunk of time, but those with limited mobility or tight schedules might want to plan accordingly. This experience is especially well-suited for beer enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers eager to understand Malta’s brewing heritage in an engaging way.

Key Points

• Authentic Maltese Beer: Learn all about Malta’s most popular beers, especially the iconic Cisk lagers and ales.
• Historical Setting: Explore the beautifully restored 1950s Farsons Brewery, a blend of vintage machinery and modern restoration.
• Scenic Views: Sample beers at the rooftop bar, offering panoramic views of Malta, making the tasting even more memorable.
• Convenient Transport: Included pick-up and drop-off from major hotels and tourist areas reduce hassle.
• Audio Guide: Multilingual commentary enhances your understanding of the brewery’s story and brewing process.
• Value for Money: At $37, the combination of guided tour, tastings, and transportation offers excellent value for a cultural and culinary outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Inside Look at the Maltese Brewery Tour

We’ll start with the location—the 1950 Farsons Brewery in Birkirkara. This is no ordinary brewery; it’s a symbol of Malta’s brewing history, designed to produce the world’s finest beer efficiently. The building itself is a fascinating mix of industrial architecture and vintage machinery, including copper kettles that have been part of Malta’s brewing scene for over 60 years.

On arrival, you’ll be handed an audio guide available in several languages, including English, French, German, and more, to take you through the brewery’s story at your own pace. This self-exploratory element lets you linger over machinery, historic graphics, and audiovisual displays, giving you a real sense of how Malta’s beer evolved from grain to glass.

The tour is designed to showcase the innovations and traditions that contributed to Farsons’ reputation as Malta’s leading brewers. We loved the way the tour balances educational content with engaging storytelling—highlighting how Malta’s hot climate and British influence shaped local drinking habits. For example, the arrival of British armed forces introduced lager-style beers, which became Malta’s staple for decades.

Exploring the Brewing Hall

The core of the experience is a walk through the brewing hall, where original industrial machinery has been beautifully restored and still stands proudly. Seeing the copper kettles and vintage equipment up close is a highlight—these are the same machines that have brewed millions of liters over the years. This blend of history and craftsmanship offers a tangible connection to Malta’s past, something we appreciated as it contextualizes the beers you’ll taste later.

Beer Tasting at the Rooftop Bar

After exploring the brewing process, your tour culminates at a rooftop bar with panoramic views of Malta’s countryside and coast. Here, you’ll sample a pint of Cisk lager or a tray of various lagers and ales. The inclusion of this sampling experience at the rooftop enhances the visit—imagine sipping a cold beer with the island unfolding beneath you.

Guests consistently praise the quality and value of this part of the experience. One visitor described it as “a really great experience,” emphasizing the “many, many thanks” for the knowledge gained and the social atmosphere.

Additional Shopping and Souvenirs

Before leaving, you have the opportunity to browse the Farsons Brandstore, where you can pick up branded souvenirs, bottled beers, or other memorabilia. This helps extend the experience and offers a tangible memory of your Maltese brewing adventure.

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Practical Details and Value

The $37 price tag includes entrance, the audio guide, tastings, and transport. It’s quite reasonable considering the quality of the experience and the convenience. The small group size and guided nature mean you get plenty of personalized attention, making it suitable even for those who prefer a less crowded, more intimate experience.

The tour duration of around 3 hours strikes a good balance—enough time to absorb the history, see the machinery, enjoy the tastings, and savor the views without feeling rushed. The transport service from key hotels and tourist areas simplifies logistics, especially if you’re relying on public transport or organized tours.

What’s Not Included

Extra drinks or food are not included, but with the generous tastings, you’ll already have fulfilled your quota of refreshing Maltese beers. If you’re hungry after the tour, Malta’s cafes and restaurants are plentiful nearby.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This brewery experience is perfect for beer lovers wanting to learn about Malta’s most iconic brews. It’s also ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts interested in the restoration and industrial heritage of Maltese manufacturing. Travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic outing that combines education and indulgence will find plenty to enjoy here.

If you’re traveling with family, the tour’s relaxed pace and engaging presentation make it suitable for older children or teenagers interested in history and craft. However, those on a tight schedule or looking for a full-day activity may prefer to combine this with other Malta experiences.

The Sum Up

This Malta Brewery Experience offers excellent value, blending history, local culture, and flavor in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. The guided self-exploration of the historic brewery, combined with panoramic rooftop views and tastings, makes for a memorable outing for anyone interested in Malta’s brewing heritage or simply wanting a unique way to cool off in the Maltese sun.

The knowledgeable guides, vintage machinery, and scenic location elevate this from a simple tasting to a meaningful cultural experience. It’s a fantastic choice if you enjoy learning about local traditions, sampling quality beers, and taking in Malta’s scenic beauty—all without breaking the bank.

If you’re after a fun, authentic, and informative activity that combines Malta’s industrial past with its modern-day brewing pride, this tour hits the mark perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $37 fee covers entrance to the brewery, a multi-lingual audio guide, beer tastings at the rooftop bar, and transport from and to major hotels and tourist areas.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, allowing enough time to explore, taste, and enjoy the views without feeling rushed.

Are there different starting times?
Yes, check availability for the specific starting times when booking, as they may vary.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transport from and to selected hotel locations and tourist areas is included, making it easy and convenient.

What kind of beers will I taste?
You’ll sample a selection of Farsons lagers and ales, including Malta’s iconic Cisk beer, at the rooftop bar.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While the focus is on beer tasting, non-drinkers can still enjoy the tour’s historical and architectural elements. However, the tasting component is alcohol-focused.

Can I buy souvenirs?
Yes, the Farsons Brandstore offers a selection of branded souvenirs, bottled beers, and memorabilia to take home.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour good value for money?
Absolutely, considering the guided experience, tastings, transport, and scenic views, it’s a solid value for an authentic Maltese activity.

Whether you’re a beer aficionado or simply curious about Malta’s industrial history, this tour is a well-rounded, enjoyable way to spend a few hours learning, tasting, and soaking up the local vibe.

You can check availability for your dates here: