The Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience

If you’re a beer lover or foodie visiting Malta, the Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience promises a taste of local brewing heritage combined with mouthwatering – and beer-infused – bites. Set inside the historic Farsons Brewery in Birkirkara, this tour offers a blend of history, craftsmanship, and delicious flavors, all wrapped into a compact 2-hour package that’s perfect for a quick but memorable activity.

Our review of this experience highlights the engaging guided tour, the variety of beers you get to sample, and the creative food pairings that elevate the whole event. One of the best parts? The friendly, knowledgeable staff who make the whole process smooth and enjoyable. On the flip side, since the experience is only available on Tuesday evenings, it’s not ideal for spontaneous plans or weekend explorers. Still, if you’re after a genuine taste of Malta’s brewing scene paired with great food, this tour hits the mark.

What We Love & What to Consider

What’s really appealing about the Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience is its blend of storytelling and sampling. You’ll explore the historic brewery, see vintage equipment, and hear about the families behind Malta’s most iconic beer, Cisk. Then, you’re treated to five generous 100ml beer tastings paired with beer-infused bites that are both inventive and satisfying. The inclusion of a full pint of your favorite beer from the tasting tray and a souvenir Cisk glass to take home adds value to the experience.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour is quite focused on beer and Maltese brewing history, so if you’re not into beer or have limited time, it might feel somewhat niche. Also, the activity’s limited to Tuesdays at 7:00 PM means planning ahead is essential.

This experience is best suited for beer enthusiasts, foodies eager to explore local flavors, or travelers interested in Malta’s cultural side through its brewing history. It’s a relaxed, informative outing that doesn’t require prior knowledge—just a curious palate and a sense of fun.

Key Points

Historic & Fun: Combines a guided tour of Malta’s famous brewery with beer tasting and food pairing.
Authentic Flavors: Tasty bites made with beer, including vegetarian options on request.
All-Inclusive: 5 beer samples, a full pint of your choice, and a souvenir glass.
Accessible & Multilingual: Tour offered in English, with audio guides available in multiple languages.
Limited Availability: Only held on Tuesdays at 7 PM, so plan accordingly.
Ideal for: Beer fans, foodies, culture seekers, and groups looking for a memorable Maltese experience.

A Deep Dive into the Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience

The Guided Tour: Discovering Maltese Brewing Heritage

The core of this experience is a roughly 60-minute guided tour inside the historic Farsons Brewery. As you step into the former brewery building, you’ll find yourself in a space that’s both modern and filled with vintage charm. You’ll explore exhibits showcasing old brewing equipment, vintage advertising, and multimedia displays that bring the story of Cisk and Maltese brewing traditions to life.

The guides are praised for their knowledgeable, friendly manner—a crucial element that makes the story engaging. One reviewer mentioned the tour as “interesting” with “lots of beer,” highlighting that the staff, including the tour guides, are super friendly and approachable, making even complex history accessible.

The Beer Tasting: Sampling Malta’s Best

Post-tour, the fun really begins. You’ll be presented with a tasting tray offering five 100ml beers, allowing you to sample some of Farsons’ most popular brews, like Cisk, Blue Label, Green Hop IPA, or Double Red. The variety ensures you get a good snapshot of Malta’s brewing diversity, from light lagers to richer ales.

A standout feature is that you get to choose one full pint from your tasting tray as part of the package—so if you find a favorite, you can savor it longer. The souvenir Cisk glass with a vintage logo is a nice touch, giving you a tangible memory of the experience.

Beer-Infused Food Pairings

What makes this tour particularly special are the beer-infused bites that accompany the tasting. The selection includes:

Beef sliders with Farsons Double Red onion jam and Cisk beer cheese sauce
BBQ fried chicken wings coated in Farsons Blue Label BBQ sauce
Mini beef stew made with Farsons Lacto Stout
Cisk beer-battered prawns with smoked chilli mayo
Pumpkin and sage arancini with Cisk beer cheese sauce

Vegetarian options are available if requested at least 24 hours in advance, including halloumi sliders, falafel, and pumpkin arancini. The focus on beer as an ingredient elevates the flavors and offers a unique dining twist. Reviewers appreciated the delicious, well-thought-out food pairing, noting their dishes as “bite-sized and flavorful,” adding an extra layer of enjoyment.

Practical Details & Logistics

The tour starts at The Brewhouse Malta, identified by a large white building with a yellow bridge—an easy landmark. Guests are asked to arrive by 6:45 PM for a 7:00 PM start, ensuring smooth entry. The activity lasts exactly 2 hours—enough time to enjoy the tour, tasting, and food without feeling rushed.

It’s wheelchair accessible and available in English. For international visitors, audio guides in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Maltese, and Polish are included, making the experience accessible regardless of language.

The Value Proposition

Considering it includes a guided tour, five beer tastings, five food items, a full pint, and a souvenir glass, the price offers good value—especially for those wanting a comprehensive, enjoyable experience of Maltese brewing. The opportunity to learn about local brewing traditions while tasting and eating makes it a well-rounded activity for a relatively short time.

What We Noticed from Reviews

One reviewer described the “modern brewery” and “great exhibition,” praising the friendly staff. They loved the roof terrace, which although not specifically mentioned in the core info, hints at additional pleasant surroundings. The positive remarks about the delicious food and beer show that the experience genuinely delivers on taste and atmosphere.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for beer enthusiasts eager to understand Malta’s brewing history, food lovers curious about beer-infused cuisine, and those wanting a fun, social activity in Malta’s cultural landscape. It’s also ideal for small groups or couples, thanks to its intimate setting and engaging storytelling.

However, it’s less suitable for those under 17 years or travelers who prefer daytime activities, given the evening schedule. Also, since it’s only on Tuesdays, you’ll need to plan ahead.

Final Thoughts

The Farsons Brewery & Gastro Experience offers a lively, authentic look into Malta’s brewing tradition through a well-organized tour, a generous sampling of beers, and inventive food pairings. It’s a perfect way to spend an evening if you’re interested in local culture, craft beer, or simply want a relaxed, flavorful outing.

The combination of history, tasting, and food makes it genuinely satisfying for those who appreciate craftsmanship and good eats. The guides’ friendliness and the quality of the food and drinks shine through, creating a warm, engaging atmosphere.

If your Malta trip includes a Tuesday evening, this experience deserves a spot on your itinerary—especially if you want a taste of Malta’s brewing soul paired with some well-made bites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if you request them at least 24 hours before the tour. The vegetarian dishes include options like halloumi sliders, falafel, and pumpkin arancini.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, including the guided tour, tasting, and food.

What time does the tour start?
It starts at 7:00 PM on Tuesdays, with guests advised to arrive by 6:45 PM for guaranteed entry.

Can I choose my beer for the full pint?
Yes, you can select your favorite from the tasting tray to enjoy as a full pint at the end of the experience.

Are the tours available in languages other than English?
Yes, audio guides are available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Maltese, and Polish.

Is the activity accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a wider range of visitors.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just your curiosity! All tasting glasses, food, and guide services are included—no need to bring extra.

Is this activity suitable for children?
The experience is not suitable for those under 17 years old, mainly because it involves alcohol tasting.

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