The Brewery Experience and beer tasting including transport

Exploring Malta’s Beer Heritage: The Brewery Experience and Tasting Tour

If you’re curious about Malta’s most iconic beverage and want to combine a dose of history with some well-deserved refreshment, the Brewery Experience and Beer Tasting tour at the historic 1950 Farsons Brewery in Birkirkara offers just that. This tour is an excellent way to gain a deeper appreciation for Malta’s brewing traditions while enjoying a scenic view from the rooftop bar. It’s suitable for beer lovers, history buffs, and travelers looking for a practical, fun way to spend a few hours.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the well-organized transport from major hotels makes the logistics hassle-free. Second, the audio-guided tour provides a detailed look into the story behind Malta’s favorite beer, Cisk, and the brewery’s evolution. A potential consideration? The tour lasts around three hours, which might be tight for those with busy schedules or tight connections. Overall, it’s a relaxed, informative outing perfect for those keen on authentic Maltese flavors and industrial heritage.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy guided experiences, want a taste of local culture through one of its most recognizable brands, and appreciate a combination of tasting, history, and scenic views. Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a group, or on a family holiday, this experience offers both value and insight into Malta’s brewing scene.

Key Points

• Historical Insight: You’ll learn about the origins of Malta’s favorite beer, Cisk, and the story of the families behind the brewery.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Explore the original brewing hall and see vintage industrial machinery still in place.
• Scenic Rooftop Bar: Enjoy a beer or tasting tray with panoramic views of Malta, providing a relaxed end to your tour.
• Inclusive Transport: The tour includes convenient transport from major hotels and tourist areas.
• Authentic Experience: The mix of vintage machinery, audiovisual guides, and real brewing equipment makes this truly unique.
• Good Value: The combination of guided tour, tastings, and transport offers a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Malta Brewery Tour

Starting Point: Comfortable Transportation to the Brewery

The tour begins with pickup from major hotels and tourist areas, making it an easy, stress-free start. The transportation is a big plus, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Malta’s bus routes or want to avoid the hassle of arranging your own way there. The vehicle is typically shared, providing a social element, but not so large that it feels impersonal.

Arrival at the Historic 1950 Farsons Brewery

Once at the brewery, you’ll step into a building that is as much a monument to industrial architecture as it is to Maltese brewing. Designed with the goal of brewing the world’s finest beer as efficiently as possible, the brewery showcases a blend of vintage and modern engineering. Its copper kettles, dating back over 60 years, are still in place—silent witnesses to the millions of liters brewed here.

The Audio-Guided Tour: Grain to Bottle

The core of the experience is an audio tour available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, and Maltese. This allows you to explore at your own pace, absorbing details about the brewing process, the machinery, and the history.

We loved the way the tour highlights the evolution of Malta’s drinking habits, especially noting how the British Armed forces influenced local preferences. The story of three entrepreneurial families joining forces to build this brewery offers a compelling narrative of local enterprise and resilience. The vintage machinery—like the copper kettles—remains beautifully restored, giving a tangible feel for the brewing history.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Brewhouse

Walk through the historic brewing hall and see preserved industrial equipment. It’s fascinating to visualize the scale of production and appreciate the craftsmanship involved. While many of the machines are no longer in active use, their preservation offers a glimpse into Malta’s industrial past and the craft that has sustained the brewery for decades.

Tasting and Scenic Rooftop Bar

Following the tour, you ascend to the rooftop bar—an excellent spot for unwinding. You’re offered a pint of Cisk lager or a tasting tray featuring several of Farsons’ beers. The panoramic views of Malta’s countryside and cityscape become the perfect backdrop for your drink. Many reviewers have expressed that this is a highlight—combining tasting, scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Shop for Souvenirs and Further Exploration

Before leaving, you can browse the Farsons Brandstore for souvenirs, including bottles, branded apparel, and memorabilia—great for remembering your Maltese beer adventure.

Practical Details and Value

This experience lasts about three hours, balancing informative content with relaxed sampling. The price point reflects good value, considering the transport, guided tour, tastings, and scenic setting. The inclusive nature means you don’t have to worry about extra costs unless you choose to buy additional drinks or souvenirs.

The tour’s multilingual audio guide is a thoughtful touch, making it accessible for international visitors. The small group size (implied by the structured, guided nature) ensures you get personalized attention and can ask questions.

What Travelers Are Saying

One reviewer summarized it perfectly: “A really great experience. Many many thanks.” The combination of knowledgeable guides, authentic machinery, and good value has earned praise, making it a highly-rated activity on platforms like GetYourGuide.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in local traditions, industrial heritage, or craft brewing, this is a wonderful choice. It also suits those who enjoy scenic views paired with a cold drink, and travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and insider stories. The tour is ideal for those wanting a balanced mix of education and entertainment in a safe, comfortable setting.

The Sum Up: Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time

This experience offers a well-rounded look into Malta’s brewing past and present, perfectly blending history, taste, and scenic beauty. The guided audio tour makes the visit engaging and informative, while the on-site machinery and vintage brewing equipment add authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. The rooftop bar provides a scenic, relaxing environment to cap off your journey, with a chance to sample Malta’s most famous beer.

For beer lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a taste of local culture, this tour delivers excellent value and memorable moments. The comfortable transport, friendly guides, and variety of tastings make it a smart choice for travelers wanting an authentic, enjoyable Maltese experience.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transport from and to major hotels and tourist areas, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3 hours, including the visit, tastings, and scenic rooftop time.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The audio tour comes in multiple languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, and Maltese.

Can I buy extra drinks during the tour?
Extra drinks are not included in the package, so any additional beverages would be paid for separately.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly mentioned, the experience’s relaxed nature and educational focus make it suitable for families with older children interested in history and beer.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking. If visiting the brewing hall, consider closed shoes as a sign of respect for industrial environments.

Are there any age restrictions?
The data does not specify age restrictions, but since alcohol tasting is involved, minors likely cannot participate in the tasting.

Is this experience good value for the price?
Yes, considering the guided tour, tastings, scenic views, and transportation, many travelers find it offers good value.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I do after the tour?
You might want to browse the souvenir shop or explore nearby attractions, knowing you’ve enjoyed a unique taste of Malta’s brewing craft.

In brief, the Brewery Experience and Beer Tasting tour in Malta combines history, scenery, and great beer into a compact, enjoyable package. Perfect for travelers who want to deepen their understanding of Malta’s local culture while savoring a refreshing pint in a scenic setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: