If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Malta beyond its ancient temples and stunning coastlines, the Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience offers a tasty journey into the island’s brewing scene. This two-hour tour combines history, local flavor, and excellent food — perfect for beer lovers, foodies, or anyone curious about Malta’s modern cultural tastes.
What makes this experience stand out? First, we love how it beautifully weaves together the story of Cisk beer with a tour of the historic Farsons brewery, giving visitors a sense of Maltese brewing evolution. Second, the combination of beer tasting paired with beer-infused dishes makes it a fun, flavorful experience that’s more than just a standard brewery tour.
One potential consideration is the limited schedule — it’s only available on Tuesday evenings. If your Malta trip doesn’t align, you might need to plan carefully. Nevertheless, it’s a perfect fit for travelers who enjoy immersive, authentic experiences that blend culture and cuisine. Whether you’re a dedicated beer fan, a curious foodie, or someone looking for a memorable activity, this tour delivers considerable value.
Key Points
- Authentic Maltese Brewing History: Learn about the three families who shaped Malta’s brewing industry through engaging exhibits.
- Tastings and Food Pairings: Sample five different beers and enjoy five dishes cooked with beer, including vegetarian options.
- Expert Guided Tour: An approximately 60-minute guided exploration inside the historic Farsons Brewery.
- Souvenir and Full Pint: Take home a vintage-inspired Cisk glass and enjoy a full pint of your favorite beer from the tasting tray.
- Accessible and Multilingual: The tour is in English, with audio guides in multiple languages, and is wheelchair accessible.
- Limited but Worthwhile: Only offered on Tuesday evenings, but ideal for those seeking a relaxed, experiential outing.
A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience
The Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience promises a well-rounded look into Malta’s brewing heritage, set within the walls of the former Farsons Brewery in Birkirkara. The journey begins with a guided tour lasting about an hour, where you’ll explore vintage brewing equipment, original advertising memorabilia, and multimedia displays that make Maltese beer culture come alive.
The guided tour is carefully designed to cater to a broad audience — whether you’re a beer novice or a seasoned enthusiast. The knowledgeable guides, reportedly friendly and engaging, help visitors understand how Cisk became Malta’s flagship beer and how three pioneering families influenced its legacy. For instance, one reviewer mentioned, “the exhibition is great, the staff were super friendly,” highlighting the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Once the history lesson winds down, the focus shifts to tasting. You’ll get a tray with five 100ml samples of Farsons’ most popular beers. These include staples like Cisk, Cisk Pilsner, Blue Label, Green Hop IPA, and Double Red. The tasting isn’t just about drinking; it’s an educational experience, helping you appreciate the different styles and flavors crafted by Malta’s iconic brewery.
The Beer-Infused Food
One of this experience’s biggest delights is the pairing of beer with food. The five bite-sized dishes are created with beer, adding depth and complexity to each bite. The menu typically features beef sliders with onion jam and beer cheese sauce, BBQ fried chicken wings coated in Blue Label BBQ sauce, and beer-battered prawns with smoked chilli mayo. For vegetarians, options include halloumi sliders, pumpkin and sage arancini, and falafel with beer shandy and mustard dressing — all available with advance notice.
The food’s quality and creativity have been praised, as reflected in a review stating, “after the tour, we were able to try 5 beers while enjoying a delicious meal.” The beer infusion elevates the dishes, making each bite a little more memorable and helping you understand Malta’s culinary versatility.
The Full Pint and Souvenir
After the tasting, you get to pick a full pint of your favorite from the tray. Whether you prefer a crisp Cisk Pilsner or a more hop-forward Green Hop IPA, this is a great way to enjoy your preferred flavor at the end of the tour. Plus, you’ll receive a Cisk glass with a vintage-inspired logo to take home — a cute memento of your Maltese beer adventure.
Practical Details and Accessibility
The tour departs from The Brewhouse Malta, marked by a large white building with a yellow bridge — easy to spot. Guests should arrive at 6:45 PM for a guaranteed spot, with the tour starting promptly at 7:00 PM. The activity lasts around two hours, making it an easy evening plan.
Accessibility is well thought out, with wheelchair access and multilingual audio guides available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Maltese, and Polish, accommodating international visitors. This ensures everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably.
Pricing is competitive, especially considering what’s included — a guided tour, five tastings, five food items, a full pint, and a souvenir glass — which together offer excellent value for a two-hour experience. Keep in mind, private transportation isn’t included, so plan your route accordingly if you’re staying outside walking distance.
More Great Tours NearbyAuthentic Experiences from Past Participants
Reviewers repeatedly highlight the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the experience. One traveler called it “an interesting tour with lots of beer,” praising the modern brewery and engaging exhibits. Another added, “the roof terrace was really nice,” suggesting you might enjoy some relaxed outdoor views if the setting allows.
This feedback underscores that the tour is both informative and enjoyable, particularly for those who appreciate good beer and local stories. It’s not overly commercial but feels genuine and immersive, making it a memorable part of any Malta visit.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal if you’re a beer enthusiast eager to learn about Maltese brewing, or a food lover wanting to explore beer-infused dishes. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy guided tours that offer a little of everything — history, taste, and culture — all within a friendly setting. Those with dietary restrictions should note that vegetarian options are available with prior notice, ensuring everyone can partake comfortably.
Given its limited schedule (Tuesdays only), it’s best to book in advance. It’s a relaxed, social activity, perfect for couples, friends, or even solo travelers looking for a meaningful way to spend an evening.
The Sum Up: Who Will Love the Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience?
This tour offers a nicely balanced glimpse into Malta’s modern brewing heritage, paired with delicious food and welcoming guidance. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a taste of local culture through its beers and culinary creativity, all within an engaging, educational format. The inclusion of a souvenir glass and the opportunity to enjoy a full pint make it feel like good value for money.
If you have an interest in food, drink, or Maltese craftsmanship, and enjoy social, guided experiences, this tour will tick your boxes. It’s especially suited for visitors who want a relaxed yet informative activity that breaks away from typical sightseeing.
However, remember it’s only available on Tuesday evenings, so plan ahead. For anyone with a curiosity about Malta’s brewing story or simply seeking a fun night out with excellent bites and drinks, this experience is well worth considering.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for vegetarians? Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested in advance, including dishes like halloumi sliders and falafel.
How long does the activity last? The entire experience takes about two hours, with approximately 60 minutes for the guided tour and an hour for tasting and food.
What languages are available for the tour? The guided tour is in English, but audio guides are available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Maltese, and Polish.
Are dietary requirements accommodated? Yes, but requests must be communicated at the time of booking and at least 24 hours prior to the tour.
What’s included in the price? The tour includes the guided brewery experience, five beer tastings, five beer-infused dishes, a full pint of your choice, and a souvenir Cisk glass.
Can I take the beer glass home? Yes, you’ll receive a vintage-inspired Cisk glass to keep as a souvenir.
Is the experience wheelchair accessible? Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.
What if I can’t make it on a Tuesday? Unfortunately, the tour only runs on Tuesdays, so plan your schedule accordingly or look for alternative Maltese experiences.
The Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience offers a refreshing, authentic way to enjoy Malta’s beer scene. It’s a perfect match for curious travelers eager to combine culture, history, and culinary delights in a relaxed, friendly environment.
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