If you’re a beer lover or simply curious about Malta’s drink culture, this Brewery Experience and Beer Tasting Tour offers a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and stunning scenery. The tour takes you behind the scenes of the 1950 Farsons Brewery in Birkirkara, with an audio-guided journey through Malta’s most celebrated brewing site, topped off with refreshing samples and panoramic views.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the insider insights into Malta’s most popular beers, especially Cisk, which has become a Maltese staple. Second, the opportunity to walk through vintage industrial machinery and learn how beer has been brewed here for more than 60 years. Third, the convenience of transport, ensuring a stress-free visit from major hotels and tourist areas.
One potential consideration is that the tour is quite focused on beer tasting and history, so if you’re not a beer enthusiast or prefer a more active sightseeing experience, this might feel a bit niche. That said, it’s ideal for those interested in local traditions and authentic Maltese flavors.
Overall, if you’re looking for an engaging, educational, and tasty insight into Malta’s brewing scene—along with great views and good value—this tour is a smart pick. It suits travelers who appreciate cultural stories, enjoy trying local drinks, and want a relaxed, guided experience with transportation included.
- Authentic Experience: Behind-the-scenes look at Malta’s leading brewery, dating back to the 1950s.
- Educational: Learn about the history of Cisk beer and Maltese brewing traditions.
- Scenic Finishes: Enjoy a pint or tasting tray at a rooftop bar with panoramic views.
- Convenience: Includes transport from major hotels and tourist hotspots.
- Value for Money: At $37, you receive a detailed tour, tastings, and transport, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Multilingual Guides: Tour audio guides available in multiple languages including English, French, German, and more.
This three-hour journey begins with a comfortable bus pick-up from your hotel or a nearby tourist hub. The transport service ensures you don’t have to worry about logistics, which is a real bonus, especially in Malta’s sometimes tricky traffic. Once you arrive at the imposing 1950 Farsons Brewery, you’ll step into a building that’s both a tribute to industrial design and a hub of brewing tradition.
The tour kicks off with an audio-guided exploration of the brewery’s historic brewing hall, where vintage machinery and copper kettles still stand as proud relics of Malta’s brewing past. As you walk through, you’ll uncover stories of three families who transformed a small operation into Malta’s leading beer producer. The blend of old and new machinery showcases decades of innovation, with restored equipment that has produced millions of liters of beer.
The highlight of this part of the visit is discovering how beer was brewed in the past compared to today’s modern methods. Our sources mention that the copper kettles, over 60 years old, are still in use, which is fascinating for any beer history buff. The tour also touches on Malta’s unique drinking culture, influenced heavily by British military presence, which helped establish lager as a local favorite. This historical context enriches your appreciation for the beers you’ll later taste.
After the historical tour, it’s time to unwind at the rooftop bar, where you’ll be sampling some of the finest Malta has to offer. The tour includes your choice of a pint or a tasting tray featuring several Farsons beers—perfect for trying a bit of everything. The rooftop setting is particularly memorable, offering panoramic views of Malta’s picturesque landscape—a delightful backdrop to your refreshment.
Reviewers have praised the quality of the tastings, noting that the beers are fresh and flavorful, with the Cisk lager being a clear standout. The friendly staff and knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, often sharing little-known facts about each brew. Several travelers appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, making it easy to chat and soak in the views.
The beer selection includes lagers and ales, all crafted by Malta’s leading brewers. For many, this part of the tour is the highlight, as it seamlessly combines tradition with modern brewing excellence. The shop at the end offers souvenirs—perfect for bringing home a taste of Malta, whether as a gift or a personal keepsake.
The tour is priced at $37 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the included transport, guided narration in multiple languages, and tastings. Compared to other activity prices in Malta, this is a well-balanced offering that emphasizes value.
The duration of three hours means you get a thorough experience without feeling rushed. The tour is available at various times (check availability), making it flexible for different itineraries. The transportation is especially convenient, picking up from several major hotels and tourist areas, so you won’t need to worry about getting there.
The audio guide in multiple languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Maltese) ensures clear, tailored narration, accommodating international visitors. This multilingual approach is appreciated by travelers, making the experience more engaging and informative.
Many reviewers have lauded the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with one comment highlighting “the magnificent copper kettles that have brewed millions of liters of brews for over 60 years.” The value for money is also a common theme, with travelers feeling they received a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at Malta’s brewing world for a reasonable price.
A guest from March 2024 said, “A really great experience. Many many thanks.” This straightforward praise underscores how enjoyable and worthwhile the journey was, especially coupled with the scenic rooftop bar and the chance to sample authentic Maltese beers.
This Brewery Experience is perfect for beer enthusiasts, history lovers, and travelers who appreciate authentic, hands-on cultural experiences. If you’re curious about Malta’s drink culture and enjoy tasting local brews in a relaxed setting, this tour hits the right notes.
It’s also ideal for those who prefer organized, hassle-free outings—the transport and multilingual guides make it accessible and straightforward. The scenic rooftop bar adds a special touch, making it suitable for couples, groups, or solo travelers looking to combine sightseeing with a refreshing break.
However, if craft beer or non-alcoholic options are your main focus, this might not cater to all tastes. Also, those seeking a more physically active or diverse sightseeing tour may want to explore other options, as this one centers primarily on beer and history.
- Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes transport from and to major hotels and tourist areas in Malta, making it convenient and stress-free.
- How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with a mix of guided exploration and tasting.
- What languages are the audio guides available in? The audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, and Maltese.
- Can I choose different beers to taste? The tour includes a sampling tray or a pint of Maltese beer, with a selection of Farsons lagers and ales.
- Is this experience suitable for non-drinkers? The main focus is on beer tasting, so non-drinkers may find it less appealing unless they enjoy sampling and learning about beer.
- Are additional drinks or food available? Extra drinks and food are not included and can be purchased separately at the brewery or bar.
To sum it up, this Brewery Experience and Beer Tasting Tour in Malta offers a compelling mix of history, craftsmanship, and scenic views—all at a reasonable price. It’s an ideal outing for those wanting an authentic taste of Malta’s brewing heritage, coupled with the ease of organized transport and expert-guided insights. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking to add a flavorful chapter to your Maltese adventure, this tour delivers a memorable, authentic experience.
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- Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour With Tasting & Transport
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