Beer tasting has a bit of an image problem.
People hear it and imagine someone swirling beer like wine and saying things like “notes of grass”. In reality, beer tasting in Malta is actually just a relaxed way to figure out what you like, without having to pretend you know anything about hops.
Wouldn’t it be nice to know what brew works best with a fresh ftira or a plate of pasta amatriciana? We think so!
Let’s dive into 4 places in Malta where you can start your beer education the fun way.
1. Lord Chambray
We have to kick off this list with Lord Chambray, because, to give credit where credit is due, they proudly own the bragging rights of being Malta’s first craft brewery.
Established in 2014, the Italian D’Imperio family may have single-handedly ignited the craft beer revolution that later swept over the islands.
Their headquarters in Xewkija, Gozo, is where they currently produce over 20 different styles, from crisp lagers to robust stouts, with vegan and gluten-free options too. With names like ‘Blue Lagoon’ and ‘Fungus Rock’, each bottle is a delightfully balanced creation that draws inspiration from the local landscape and will keep you wanting more.
For €20pp, you’ll get a 1 hour behind-the-scenes guided brewery tour into how they make their delicious craft beer, from ingredients to final pour. Hosted by one of their brewers, the tour ends with a tasting of 4 x 150ml servings of their fresh beer on tap. It’s definitely worth its own day trip.
Check out their beers for yourself here: https://www.lord-chambray.com/craft-beers-from-malta.html#
2. Huskie
We never drank a Huskie we didn’t like.
Brewing duo Jean and Miguel are self-taught beer artists who first got nerdy about brewing back in 2017, starting out in their parents’ garage like a punk-rock rock band with something to prove.
They often quote their fascination with the science of beer as the driving force behind Huskie. The foundations of each new recipe start there. They prioritize quality, and work to perfect each sip to delight beer lovers and convert non-believers.
In their standard selection you’ll find a well-balanced assortment of brews, including their internationally-distributed Mosaic, a S.M.a.S.H Pale Ale, standing for ‘Single Malt and Single Hop’.
If this is all starting to make your mouth water, the good news is that for groups of 10+ people and €35pp, you can book a private beer tasting session at their production hub in Qrendi. This includes a 2-3 hour tour of their operation, as well as an in-depth taste of 6 of their beers with nibbles.
For bookings, reach out through [email protected] or visit their website: https://huskiecraftbeer.com/
3. The Cisk Tap
It’s right there in the name – The Cisk Tap serves Cisk. Lots of it.
Perched at the top of The Brewhouse, the restored former Farsons Brewery, The Cisk Tap is perhaps one of the most aesthetically beautiful venues in Malta. From the moment you encounter its megalithic-inspired bar centerpiece, to the panoramic view of the island from the outdoor terrace, it’s a unique visitor experience on its own. It’s bright, elegant and very, very Cisk-y.
Here, a flight of 5 x 100ml samples of Cisk Lager, Cisk Pilsner, Green Hop IPA, Blue Label, and Double Red costs just €5.80.
For beginners to beer tasting, this is probably the best place to start, because you likely already know these household-name beers! Sampling them in succession, from light to darker, is the fastest way to learn the key differences between the various categories of beer.
As you contrast the hoppy bitterness of a Cisk Lager against the malty sweetness of an Amber Ale, all that beer jargon to describe flavour that once sounded intimidating will suddenly make perfect sense. Next time you encounter these brands at the supermarket, you’ll know which one pairs perfectly with your dinner.
By the way – This tasting tray is included for FREE as part of The Farsons Brewery Experience
ticket: https://farsonsexperience.com/buy-tickets
4. The Chapels
When we asked Master Brewer Konrad DeGabriele to describe the beers he creates for The Chapels, he answered with 3 words: Raw, Unfiltered, Unpasturised.
With over 20 years of experience in beer production and quality under his belt, he’s a mastermind in experimenting with unconventional ingredients like dark chocolate and pumpkin spice to create an ever-changing range of alternative craft brews.
For just €4.40, you’ll enjoy a taster tray with 4 x 100ml samples of whatever’s currently in the tanks. It’s all seasonal and brewed in-house, exclusively for The Chapels’ patrons.
When stopping here, you never know what you’re going to get, and that’s part of the fun. However, if you do want to take the fun home, there’s also the option to fill up your own 2L growler.
What’s set for the coming months is a winter/spring range that includes a Red Lager, a traditional Pilsner, a rye IPA, and a Porter, amongst other seasonal flavours.
Besides that, The Chapels also hosts a bi-annual Craft Beer Festival every April and October, bringing together vendors from across Malta to celebrate the growing collective of awesome brewers.
Follow The Chapels here to make sure you don’t miss out on the next addition: https://www.facebook.com/thechapelsmalta
Why Beer Tasting Is Winter’s Best Indoor Activity In Malta
Even though beer tasting can be done all year round, there’s something extra special about doing it on colder days, when rich flavours and good company feel even more comforting. It’s a laid-back way to spend time with friends without having to plan anything complicated.
Just choose one of these places to start, and before you know it, you’ll be confidently ordering beer, pairing like a pro, and low-key impressing your friends.
You’re welcome.
Plan your visit