Exploring Malta’s Beer Heritage with The Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience
If you’re a fan of craft beers, food adventures, or just curious about Malta’s brewing roots, the Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience could be a highlight of your trip. From what we’ve gathered, this tour offers an engaging peek into the history of Cisk beer alongside tasting some delicious brews paired with beer-infused dishes. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that combines education, flavors, and a bit of Maltese brewing pride.
What really catches our eye about this experience is its blend of storytelling and hands-on tasting. You get a guided tour of the brewery—complete with vintage equipment and multimedia displays—and then settle in for a tasting tray of five different beers. Plus, the food served with each beer is crafted specifically to highlight the flavors, making it a satisfying journey for your palate.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that this experience is only available on Tuesday evenings, and the group size is limited to ensure a more personal feel. That might be a downside if you’re only in Malta for a short visit or looking for something more flexible in scheduling. Still, if you’re a beer lover or a foodie wanting to explore Malta’s brewing culture, this is a tour worth planning around.
This experience suits those who appreciate good beer, enjoy trying local foods, and want a guided insight into the Maltese brewing story. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening out, especially if you’re traveling without children or with friends who enjoy a good drink and conversation.
Key Points
- Authentic Brewery Setting: Inside a historic Maltese brewery, offering genuine insight into Malta’s brewing past.
- Comprehensive Guided Tour: About 60 minutes of storytelling, multimedia, and exhibits, with friendly, knowledgeable guides.
- Tasty Beer & Food Pairings: Five 100ml beer samples paired with small, beer-infused bites—vegetarian options available with notice.
- Great Value for Beer Enthusiasts: A full pint of your favorite beer from the tasting tray and a souvenir Cisk glass.
- Limited Availability: Only on Tuesdays at 7:00PM, so plan ahead.
- Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers audio guides in multiple languages.
The Experience in Detail
Starting Point: The Brewhouse Malta
Your evening begins at The Brewhouse Malta, with a meeting point easy to spot—a big white building with a yellow bridge. This familiar landmark sets a casual tone for the evening ahead. From here, you’ll head into the historic Farsons Brewery, which has played a key role in Malta’s brewing scene.
The Guided Tour of The Farsons Brewery
The main event is a roughly 60-minute guided walk through the brewery’s history and operations. You’ll learn about the three families that shaped Maltese brewing, and the story of Cisk, Malta’s most iconic beer. The exhibits are engaging, featuring vintage equipment and advertising, along with multimedia displays that bring Malta’s beer culture to life.
The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer described the tour as “interesting with lots of beer” and appreciated the modern brewery setup along with the exhibitions. It’s clear that the guides do a good job of making complex brewing processes accessible and fun, especially if you’re interested in how beer is made.
The Beer Tasting
After the tour, it’s time for the best part: the tasting. You’ll get a tray with five different 100ml beers—ranging from Cisk to other popular varieties like Blue Label, Green Hop IPA, and Double Red. The variety caters to different tastes, whether you’re into lagers, IPAs, or darker stouts.
One of the highlights is the ability to pick your favorite beer from the tray for a full pint to take home. This is a lovely touch, giving you a souvenir that keeps the memories alive. The Cisk glass with a vintage-inspired logo is included, so you can remember your Maltese beer adventure for years to come.
Beer-Infused Food
The tour doesn’t just stop at tasting drinks. It’s also a mini food adventure with five bite-sized dishes crafted with beer. The options are thoughtfully designed: beef sliders with beer cheese sauce, BBQ chicken wings coated in Blue Label sauce, mini beef stew with Lactose Stout, beer-battered prawns, and pumpkin arancini. Vegetarian alternatives are available—such as halloumi sliders and falafel—if requested beforehand.
Guests have shared that the food was “delicious” and complemented the beers well. The combination of flavors and the beer-infused dishes give you a real sense of Maltese culinary creativity—something you wouldn’t want to miss if you’re into food and drink pairings.
Additional Perks
Besides the tasting and food, you get a souvenir Cisk glass and the chance to enjoy the brewery’s roof terrace, which is praised for its relaxing vibe. While not every review mentions this, it sounds like a nice spot to unwind after the tour, with good views or just a pleasant atmosphere.
Practical Details and Tips
Timing & Duration
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, with the tour and tasting segments. The tour starts promptly at 7:00PM, so arriving 15 minutes early—around 6:45PM—is advised to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Price & Value
While the exact price isn’t specified here, the package includes a guided tour, five tastings, five food bites, a full pint, and a souvenir glass. Considering these components, it offers a good value for those interested in a full, immersive experience rather than just a tasting session.
Accessibility & Languages
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and for non-English speakers, audio guides are available in several languages including French, German, Italian, Spanish, Maltese, and Polish. This makes it suitable for an international crowd.
Booking & Cancellation
You can reserve now and pay later, which is a flexible option if your schedule isn’t set. Cancelation is free up to 24 hours in advance, giving peace of mind if your plans change.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience really shines for beer lovers, foodies, and those interested in Maltese culture. It’s informal enough for casual travelers but also offers enough detail to satisfy enthusiasts. Since it’s held in a historic brewery, it’s ideal for anyone keen to understand Malta’s brewing heritage in a relaxed setting.
If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who appreciates good drinks, you’ll enjoy the social atmosphere. Valued for its friendly guides and tasty bites, it’s perfect for an engaging evening out—without the formality or stuffiness of a traditional brewery tour.
That said, if you’re traveling with young children or after a daytime activity, this might not be the best fit since it’s an evening event and involves alcohol. Also, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer more flexible times, the Tuesday evening slot might require some planning.
The Sum Up
The Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience offers a well-rounded taste of Malta’s brewing scene, blending education, flavor, and local culture into a memorable 2-hour activity. The guided tour is lively and informative, making it a good choice for those wanting to learn about Cisk beer and Maltese brewing heritage without it feeling overly formal. The tasting process is generous and varied, allowing you to explore different beer styles, while the beer-infused bites round out the experience with delicious flavors.
This tour is best suited to adults who enjoy beer, food, and cultural insights. The limited availability means planning ahead is a good idea, especially if you’re visiting during peak times. It’s a fun, authentic way to spend an evening in Malta—whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or simply looking to try something different and local.
If you appreciate good guides, tasty food, and a chance to take home a souvenir, this experience ticks all the boxes. Just remember to book early and be ready for a relaxed, flavorful evening that celebrates Malta’s brewing traditions.
The Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience
“An interesting tour with lots of beer:) the brewery is modern and the exhibition is great, the staff were super friendly. After the tour we were ab…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the experience is designed for adults 17 and over, mainly because of the alcohol involved.
What languages are available for the guided tour?
The live tour is in English, but audio guides are available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Maltese, and Polish.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 2 hours, with the guided brewery tour lasting about 60 minutes.
Can I choose my favorite beer for a full pint?
Yes, you can select your preferred beer from the tasting tray to enjoy as a full pint to take home.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian alternatives are available if you request in advance, including options like halloumi sliders and falafel.
When should I arrive?
Guests should arrive by 6:45PM for the 7:00PM start to ensure prompt entry and avoid missing any part of the experience.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all guests.
Overall, if you’re looking for a laid-back, informative, and delicious way to learn about Malta’s brewing history while enjoying some great beer and bites, The Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience could be just what you need.
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