If you’re visiting Malta and looking for a blend of history, culture, and a good dose of fun, the Farsons Brewery Experience is a must-do. This 3-hour tour takes you inside the iconic 1950 Farsons Brewery in Birkirkara, where you’ll explore the brewing process, learn about Malta’s beloved Cisk beers, and sample a range of freshly brewed lagers and ales. The tour includes convenient transport from major hotels and tourist hotspots, making it easy to include in your Malta itinerary.
What sets this experience apart? First, the chance to walk through a beautifully restored industrial building with vintage machinery, like copper kettles that have brewed millions of liters over six decades. Second, the rooftop bar with panoramic views of Malta, where you can enjoy your tastings in a relaxed, scenic setting. A potential consideration? The tour is relatively short—just three hours—so if you’re a serious beer aficionado looking for an in-depth session, you might want to combine it with other activities.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic stories behind local products, enjoy learning in a relaxed environment, and love trying local flavors in a scenic setting. If you enjoy guided experiences that combine history and tasting, this one will hit the spot.
Key Points
- Historical Setting: The tour takes place in Malta’s oldest operational brewery from 1950, blending industrial charm with historical significance.
- Authentic Taste: Sample a variety of Farsons beers, including lagers and ales, at the rooftop bar with stunning views.
- Educational Experience: Learn about Malta’s brewing history, including how British influences shaped drinking habits.
- Transport Included: Convenient pickup and drop-off from major hotels make it easy to join and focus on enjoying the experience.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and engaging storytelling.
- Value for Money: With access to the brewery, a guided audio tour, tastings, and transport, this experience offers great value.
A Look Inside the Farsons Brewery Experience
For more beverage-focused experiences, here's what we've covered in Birkirkara
The Location: A Gem in Birkirkara
We start our journey at the historic Farsons Brewery in Birkirkara, Malta’s most prominent brewing house. The building itself is a stunning example of mid-20th-century industrial architecture—designed with efficiency and craftsmanship in mind. The exterior hints at the stories within, with vintage signage and restored machinery that hint at decades of brewing history.
The Guided Tour: From Grain to Bottle
Your visit begins with an audio guide in your preferred language—English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, or Maltese—that takes you through the brewery’s story. We loved how the narration intertwined technical details with anecdotes about the families behind the brand, giving us a sense of pride in Malta’s brewing heritage.
The tour explores the brewing hall, where original industrial machinery—copper kettles, filters, and fermenters—has been meticulously restored. Seeing these massive, gleaming vessels up close was impressive, especially knowing they’ve been brewing millions of liters over more than 60 years. We appreciated the balance of vintage and contemporary elements, which highlighted both tradition and ongoing innovation.
The History and Stories
What makes this tour special is the way it ties in Malta’s history into the brewing story. Discover how the arrival of British armed forces introduced lager drinking habits that still influence Maltese beer culture today. The tour explains how three entrepreneurial families united to create what is now Malta’s leading brewing company, cementing the Cisk brand’s status as a national icon.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Tasting: Rooftop Relaxation
After the exploration, it’s time to relax and sample some of the brewery’s offerings. The rooftop bar provides an excellent backdrop—panoramic views of Malta’s landscape, including the distant sea and surrounding countryside. You have your choice of a pint of lager or a tasting tray featuring several of Farsons’ beers.
Reviews rave about this part of the experience. One traveler simply said, “A really great experience. Many many thanks,” summing up how enjoyable and authentic the tasting was. The beers are freshly brewed, and the variety allows you to compare different styles—perfect for understanding what makes Malta’s beers unique.
Practical Details and Value
The tour includes transportation to and from key hotels or tourist areas, removing the hassle of logistics and letting you focus on the experience. The entire activity lasts about three hours, making it suitable for most travel schedules. The cost is a good value considering the guided tour, tastings, transport, and the chance to shop at the Farsons Brandstore afterward for souvenirs.
While extra drinks and food aren’t included, the generous pint or tray of beers more than satisfy the thirst of even the most enthusiastic drinker.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour appeals to a wide range of travelers. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see historic brewing equipment and taste authentic Maltese beers. History buffs will enjoy learning how the British influence shaped Malta’s drinking culture and how local entrepreneurs built a national brand. The scenic rooftop bar makes this a relaxed outing, perfect for those who want a laid-back, informative experience. Families, groups, or couples looking for a taste of local craftsmanship in a friendly setting will find it rewarding.
Final Thoughts
The Farsons Brewery Experience offers a captivating blend of history, craftsmanship, and scenic enjoyment. It’s a well-organized, authentic activity that combines the educational appeal of a brewery tour with the fun of tasting fresh, local beers in Malta’s most iconic brewing house. The inclusion of transport and a knowledgeable guide makes it accessible and engaging, especially for those unfamiliar with Maltese beer traditions.
For anyone curious about how a small island nation has crafted a beer that’s recognized worldwide, or simply wanting to enjoy great views while sipping a crisp lager, this tour hits the mark. It’s a perfect choice for beer lovers, history buffs, or travelers who appreciate a good story paired with good drinks.
FAQ – Your Practical Questions Answered
Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes transport from and to major hotels and tourist areas, making logistics hassle-free.
How long is the tour? The activity lasts approximately three hours, giving you enough time to explore, learn, and taste without feeling rushed.
What languages are available for the audio guide? The audio tour is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, and Maltese.
Do I need to book in advance? Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
Can I buy more drinks during the tour? Additional drinks are not included in the package but are usually available for purchase at the rooftop bar.
Is it suitable for families? While primarily focused on beer tasting, the experience is informative and scenic, making it suitable for older children and families with interest in local culture.
Are there any age restrictions? The tour is meant for adults, as it involves beer tastings. Age restrictions are typically in place for alcohol consumption.
Can I visit the brewery without the tour? The experience is designed as a guided tour with tastings; visiting without booking isn’t available.
Is there shopping available after the tour? Yes, there’s a Brandstore where you can purchase souvenirs, bottles, and branded merchandise.
What should I wear? Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and exploring the brewery. No special attire is required.
In essence, the Farsons Brewery Experience in Malta offers a genuine, enjoyable glimpse into the island’s brewing legacy, paired with stunning views and excellent value. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, history lover, or simply seeking a relaxed, scenic activity, this tour is well worth considering.
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