International Beer Day in Malta
The first Friday in August marks International Beer Day (IBD). But what does this celebration have to do with Malta? Well, depending on how you look at it, quite a bit. Anyone can celebrate International Beer Day, but doing so on Malta—with its guaranteed sunshine and picturesque sea views from countless pubs—is something truly special. Not only do we drink beer on Malta, but we also brew it. Heavily influenced by its British heritage, Malta boasts neighborhoods and cities like Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Portomaso, where pubs line the streets. Beer is as much a part of Malta as the sun and the sea.
Visitors to Malta have many opportunities to enjoy this beer-lover’s holiday. You can savor local brews such as Cisk and Farsons, or visit some of the island’s most scenic pubs and eateries offering a wide variety of international beer brands.
International Beer Day – Quick Facts for Busy Readers:
- Malta celebrates International Beer Day in numerous pubs.
- Maltese beer is internationally acclaimed.
- Use beer-rating apps to explore beer varieties and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
What Is International Beer Day?
International Beer Day (IBD) was established in 2007 by a group of Americans: Jesse Avshalomov, Evan Hamilton, Aaron Araki, Richard Hernandez, Tyler Burton, and Ryland Hale. Since August 2008, it has been celebrated on the first Friday of August. Today, more than 200 cities around the world participate in International Beer Day festivities.
How do you celebrate International Beer Day?
Core Principles of International Beer Day:
- Meet friends and enjoy beer together.
- Honor the men and women who brew and serve beer.
- Celebrate beers from all nations and cultures to unite the world.
- The IDB is therefore the World Beer Day
The German Beer Day on April 23 and the Purity Law
In Germany, Beer Day has been celebrated on April 23 since 1994, commemorating the Bavarian Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) of 1516. This regulation, decreed by Duke Wilhelm IV, limited beer ingredients to water, malt, and hops, ensuring a natural brewing process.
Interestingly, yeast wasn’t included in the original law as its role in fermentation wasn’t yet understood. Brewers eventually began cultivating yeast as a key ingredient.
The Reinheitsgebot is one of the world’s oldest food safety laws. However, Beer Day in Germany remains a celebratory rather than a legal holiday, meaning it is not a day off work.
Which Beers Are Brewed in Malta?
The largest brewery on Malta, Farsons, produces a variety of beers, including its iconic Cisk brand and other labels such as Hopleaf, Blue Label, Double Red, Green Hop IPA, Shandy, and Lacto. Additionally, smaller craft breweries and brewpubs, such as the Brewery Pub Montekristo, contribute to Malta’s vibrant beer scene.
Farsons was formed from the merger of the Scicluna family brewery with Cisk, Simonds, and Farrugias (Farsons), creating Simonds Farsons Cisk Ltd. The company has been listed on the Malta Stock Exchange under the symbol SFC since December 20, 1995.
The brewery’s first beer was brewed in 1920/1921, and in 2021, Ħamrun celebrated Farsons’ 90th anniversary.
Farsons and Cisk: International Acclaim
Farsons continues to brew beer using a “naturally matured” process and without preservatives. It’s no surprise that Cisk has won numerous international awards for its brewing excellence. In 1980, Cisk earned two world championship titles (Awarded International Championship Trophy). It was recognized as the best lager beer and the best overall beer.
In 1995, Cisk triumphed at the Australian Beer Awards, taking first place in the “Best International Lager” category. Many more accolades followed over the years, with a recent honor being the World Brand Design Society Award in 2024. A full list of Cisk’s achievements can be found on its official website.
In 2019, Malta exported beer valued at $2.39 million USD, placing the island among the world’s 80 largest beer exporters. This is a remarkable achievement for a country with a population of just around 500,000 people.
Is Alcohol-Free Beer Available on Malta?
Yes, Cisk Alcohol-Free Lager is an award-winning non-alcoholic beer brewed in Malta. In 2021, it earned a Gold Medal at the International Brewing Awards. Available in three categories—non-alcoholic, low-alcohol, and ultra-low-alcohol—it uses ingredients such as water, barley, unmalted grains, hops, natural flavors, and yeast.
Where to Celebrate International Beer Day in Malta?
August is peak tourist season in Malta, ensuring that all pubs and eateries are open.
World of Malta Insider Tip: Brewery Pub Montekristo
Located near Malta’s Luqa Airport (Triq Ħal Farruġ), the Brewery Pub Montekristo is a standout. This brewpub produces house-made beers and is a favorite during Malta’s annual Oktoberfest. On International Beer Day, the pub opens at 5 p.m.—a great spot to toast the occasion.
Not keen to drink your beer alone on International Beer Day? These apps make it a social experience!
With the Beer-With-Me app, you can share your current location while enjoying your beer. A chat feature allows nearby beer enthusiasts to contact you. You can also update your friends every 15 minutes with your “beer location,” and a counter keeps track of the beers you’ve had.
If you’d like to rate the beers you try, Untappd or the German-language app Beer Tasting are excellent options. These apps provide detailed information about each beer, including alcohol content, fermentation type, bitterness, and manufacturer. They also offer label recognition and the chance to connect with the beer community.
To test the app and meet new friends, visit Malta on International Beer Day. Enjoy the festivities amidst the island’s sun, sea, and beaches.
You can find more events in Malta in the WoM Events Calendar.
Thank you for taking the time to read!
