A Taste of Malta’s Beer Heritage at Farsons Brewery & The Chapels Gastrobrewpub
If you’re looking to get a genuine feel for Malta’s brewing traditions—and enjoy some seriously good craft beer—then the Farsons Brewery Experience combined with a visit to The Chapels Gastrobrewpub is worth considering. This 3-hour tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Malta’s most iconic breweries, along with the chance to sample some award-winning beers and savor a meal with killer views.
What I appreciate most about this experience is how it balances education and enjoyment. The tour dives into the story of Cisk, Malta’s favorite beer, revealing how decades of innovation and consistent quality turned it into a national staple. Then, there’s the chance to taste a flight of beers at The Cisk Tap, overlooking the harbor—an unbeatable combination of history and scenery.
One small caveat is that the tour is somewhat limited to those who can physically access the brewery, as it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Still, if you’re a fan of craft beer, Maltese culture, or simply enjoy sitting down for a good pint with a view, this tour hits the mark. Plus, the option to pair your beer with a pizza or burger makes it a more complete experience than just a simple tasting.
Key Points / Takeaways
- Authentic Maltese Brewing Heritage: The tour explores the story behind Malta’s favorite beers, emphasizing decades of tradition.
- Scenic Views & Atmosphere: Tasting at The Cisk Tap offers stunning vistas of Malta’s coastline, enhancing the experience.
- On-site Microbrewery: You get to see where craft beers like Lager, Amber Ale, IPA, Porter, Helles, and Marzen are freshly brewed.
- Flexible & Informative: With a duration of about 3 hours, the experience includes a guided tour, beer tastings, and a meal, balancing education and leisure.
- Inclusive Options: You can choose between a pizza, Angus beef burger, or vegan burger, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Language & Accessibility: The experience is offered in multiple languages including English, Italian, French, and more, though it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues.
Exploring the Farsons Brewery Experience & The Chapels Gastrobrewpub in Detail
Ready to keep the party going? More drinking tours we recommend in Birkirkara
Entering Malta’s Brewing History at Farsons Brewery
Starting at the historic Farsons brewery, you’re immediately immersed in a place central to Malta’s beer scene. I love the way the tour begins with a friendly guide—who might be a local Maltese or a multilingual host—sharing the story of how this brewery became a household name. You’ll learn about the company’s decades of dedication to quality and innovation, making Cisk an integral part of Maltese life.
The brewery itself is large and has an old-world charm, echoing Malta’s industrial past while embracing modern craft brewing. The guide’s storytelling style makes the history accessible and engaging, adding context that elevates the tasting experience. One reviewer mentions that their guide, who was “very knowledgeable and personable,” made the tour both educational and fun.
Inside the Microbrewery: Witnessing Craftsmanship in Action
A highlight is the on-site microbrewery, where you can see the process of brewing fresh craft beers like Lager, Amber Ale, IPA, Porter, Helles, and Marzen. Watching the brewmasters at work, you realize just how much skill goes into producing these beers, which helps you appreciate the tasting even more.
This part of the experience is not only visually interesting but educational; you learn about the ingredients and brewing techniques that set Maltese beers apart. The fact that the beers are brewed on-site means you’re tasting some of the freshest options available, adding value to your visit.
Tasting at The Cisk Tap: Views and Flavors Combined
After the tour, you’re invited to The Cisk Tap, perched with stunning views of Malta’s coast and harbor. Here, you can sample a flight of the brewery’s award-winning beers, which many guests find refreshing and well-crafted. The views are often described as “killer,” making the tasting a memorable part of the visit—perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
One guest noted, “I loved trying the different beers while watching the sunset over the water—truly a special experience.” The beer flight includes several favorites, giving you a taste of Malta’s brewing excellence.
The Chapels Gastrobrewpub: Food, Beer, and Relaxation
Next, a short walk takes you to The Chapels Gastrobrewpub, where you can enjoy a half-pint of their own crafted beer alongside a pizza or burger. The pub’s cozy yet modern atmosphere is perfect for unwinding after the tour. Vegan options are available, making it accessible to different dietary needs.
The fact that the pub brews its own beer—ranging from lighter styles like Helles to darker options like Porter—means you get to enjoy fresh, house-made brews. Several reviewers appreciated the pairing, with one saying, “The beer was excellent, and the pizza was the perfect complement.”
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Birkirkara
Practical Details: Timing, Cost, and Tips
The experience costs about $43 per person, which covers the 60-minute brewery tour, beer tasting flight, a half-pint of the in-house beer, and your choice of food. The tour lasts roughly 3 hours, with available starting times depending on the day. It’s worth checking availability in advance, especially if you want to align it with your Malta itinerary.
The experience runs Monday through Friday from noon to 6:30 pm, with the last entry at 5 pm. You’ll want comfortable shoes, a camera for the views, and water—especially if you plan to sample several beers.
One point to consider: transportation isn’t included, so plan how to get there—public transport or a taxi might be your best bet. Also, the tour isn’t accessible for those with mobility impairments, so factor that in if needed.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This tour is ideal for beer lovers, curious travelers interested in Maltese culture, and those who appreciate a good view with their drink. It’s particularly suited for adults comfortable with walking and standing for a bit, as it involves a brewery visit and some on-foot exploration. Families with teenagers might enjoy the atmosphere, but remember the experience isn’t suitable for children under 17.
Food lovers will appreciate the option to pair local craft beers with a solid meal, transforming this from a simple tasting into a full cultural outing. If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative, and tasty activity that combines history, scenery, and craft, this is a solid choice.
Final Thoughts
The Farsons Brewery Experience paired with The Chapels Gastrobrewpub offers a well-rounded taste of Malta’s brewing scene, wrapped in a scenic package. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how Malta’s national beer, Cisk, came to be, along with a few good stories and a handful of delicious beers. It’s especially good for those wanting a behind-the-scenes look at craft brewing with the bonus of scenic views.
While it’s not the most accessible tour, for most beer enthusiasts or anyone interested in Maltese culture, this experience offers good value—combining history, quality beer, and a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the chance to sit by the water and enjoy a local brew makes it all the more memorable.
In the end, if you’re after an authentic Maltese experience that’s both educational and enjoyable, this tour hits the sweet spot. Just remember to check the availability and plan your transport in advance for a seamless visit.
FAQs
Is transportation included in the tour? No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to get to the brewery.
What languages are available for the tour? The tour is conducted in multiple languages, including Maltese, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Polish, and German.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues? No, the experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.
How long does the whole experience last? Expect around 3 hours, including the brewery tour, tasting, and meal.
What food options are available? You can choose from a pizza, Angus beef burger, or vegan burger, included in the price.
Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended—remember, smoking indoors isn’t permitted.
Are the beers brewed on-site? Yes, the microbrewery produces fresh craft beers like Lager, Amber Ale, IPA, Porter, Helles, and Marzen.