Beers in Malta: Explore the best local beers, from iconic Cisk to craft favourites. Perfect for your next Maltese adventure!
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Are you a beer lover visiting Malta or a curious local looking to explore the island's beer scene? Either way, you're in for a treat. Malta's beer offerings are as diverse as its history, from classic lagers to experimental ales.
Whether lounging by the beach, attending a summer festival, or relaxing at a local bar, there's a beer for every moment.
Let's explore the best beers in Malta and what makes each one worthwhile.
Cisk Lager – The Classic Maltese Pint
What's more Maltese than Cisk Lager?
This golden gem is a classic for both locals and visitors. Crisp, clean, and with a hint of hops, Cisk is the beer of choice under the Maltese sun. It's refreshing and simple—perfect for lazy afternoons by the beach or a BBQ with friends.
Tasting Notes:
Light-bodied, with subtle malt sweetness and a crisp, slightly bitter finish.
Best Enjoyed:
On a hot summer day or while watching the sunset at Valletta Waterfront.
Food Pairing: Ftira with Tomato, Tuna, and Capers
Ah, summertime! The light, crisp nature of Cisk Lager complements the fresh, Mediterranean flavours of a traditional Maltese ftira. The beer's slight bitterness cuts through the richness of the tuna, while its clean finish enhances the salty capers and sweetness of the tomato.
Blue Label – Malta's Traditional Ale
If you're craving something with more depth, Blue Label is your pick. This traditional ale from Farsons carries a richer malt profile, a nod to Malta's British roots.
With its dark amber glow and flavours of caramel and roasted malt, it's slightly heavier than a lager and has much more character. It is best enjoyed at a slightly warmer temperature.
This is the perfect beer for those cooler Maltese evenings, ideal as the island shifts into the autumn and winter months when you want that cosy, comforting feel.
Tasting Notes:
Rich caramel, malt sweetness, and a hint of nutty bitterness.
Best Enjoyed:
At a pub during a cool evening or while enjoying a hearty meal.
Food Pairing: Braised Rabbit (Fenkata)
Blue Label's rich maltiness and caramel notes pair beautifully with Malta's national dish, braised rabbit. The beer's nutty bitterness enhances the savoury depth of the slow-cooked rabbit, and its malt profile balances the earthy herbs and wine sauce.
Hopleaf Pale Ale – A Maltese Favourite
Hopleaf is another local gem brewed by Farsons. It is criminally underrated. This pale ale combines the best of hops and malt, creating a refreshing and slightly bitter flavour profile.
With its amber colour and floral aroma, Hopleaf is the kind of beer you reach for when you're up for a laid-back drink with friends.
Tasting Notes:
Floral hops, slight citrus zest, and a balanced malty backbone.
Best Enjoyed:
At a beer festival in Malta (such as the Farsons Beer Festival) or with seafood by the harbour.
Pairing: Grilled Swordfish
The floral and citrus notes of Hopleaf Pale Ale perfectly match the fresh, slightly sweet flavours of grilled swordfish. The beer's light bitterness complements the fish's charred edges, and the zesty profile brings out the fish's natural sweetness.
Cisk Strong – For the Bold
Ok, the last one from the Cisk family, we promise. Cisk Strong is the powerful cousin of the classic Cisk Lager. With a higher alcohol content and a fuller flavour, this beer is for those who like a bit of punch in their pint.
It's got a rich, malty sweetness with just the right level of bitterness to balance things out. If you're after a more intense experience, Cisk Strong is the way to go.
Tasting Notes:
Deep malt, caramel undertones, and a strong, lingering finish.
Best Enjoyed:
During a lively night out or at a street food festival.
Pairing: Spaghetti with Sea Urchin (Rizzi)
Cisk Strong's bold, malty character pairs exceptionally well with the briny, intense flavours of sea urchin pasta. The beer's robust flavour and higher alcohol content enhance the creamy, umami-rich sea urchins. At the same time, its bitterness balances the dish's richness.
Huskie Mosaic Pale Ale – Malta's Craft Revolution
Malta's craft beer scene has been buzzing for the last few years (and we recommend one place in particular for your Craft Beer fix). Huskie Mosaic Pale Ale is one of its stars. Bursting with tropical fruit flavours and brewed with Mosaic hops, this pale ale is a must-try for craft enthusiasts.
The vibrant, hoppy aroma and refreshing taste make it the perfect companion for a sunny day.
Tasting Notes:
Tropical fruit, citrus zest, and a crisp, hoppy finish.
Best Enjoyed:
During a picnic at St. Peter's Pool or a chill afternoon at a beach bar.
Pairing: Pulled Pork Sliders with Mango Slaw
The tropical fruit and citrus notes of Huskie Mosaic Pale Ale complement the sweetness of pulled pork and mango slaw. The beer's hoppy bitterness cuts through the pork's fattiness. At the same time, the fruity tones enhance the slaw's freshness, creating a refreshing and satisfying pairing.
Huskie Chaos Stout – Dark and Delightful
Huskie's Chaos Stout is a treat for those who prefer their beer on the darker side. This stout is perfect for cooler days with its robust, smoky notes and creamy texture.
The roasted malt and dark chocolate flavours create a rich drinking experience that pairs well with hearty dishes.
Tasting Notes:
Roasted malt, dark chocolate, and a smooth, creamy finish.
Best Enjoyed:
In a cosy pub or during one of Malta's winter craft beer festivals.
Pairing: Chocolate Fondant
The deep, roasted malt and dark chocolate notes in Huskie Chaos Stout make it an ideal companion for a decadent chocolate fondant. The stout's bitterness balances the dessert's sweetness. At the same time, its creamy texture enhances the gooey richness of the fondant's centre, creating a luxurious combination.
Lord Chambray – Craft Excellence from Gozo
Located on the island of Gozo, this brewery specialises in various styles, including IPAs and wheat beers. Each brew is crafted carefully, earning it a solid reputation among craft beer enthusiasts.
Lord Chambray offers a selection tailored to various palates, whether you prefer a light, fruit-forward profile or a bold, hop-intensive experience. There's a Lord Chambray beer for everyone, whether you like light and fruity or deep and hoppy.
Tasting Notes:
It varies by style, but expect high-quality craftsmanship in each sip.
Best Enjoyed:
During a brewery tour in Gozo or at a local food festival.
Pairing: Gozo Cheese Platter
Lord Chambray's range of styles means you can pair them with various cheeses. Still, they especially shine with Gozo's artisanal cheeses. The beer's hoppy bitterness cuts through the richness of gbejna (local sheep cheese). At the same time, the citrus and floral notes elevate the delicate flavours of softer varieties.
Stretta – The Premium Maltese Lager
Stretta Beer, while not classified as a craft beer due to its filtration and pasteurisation process, showcases a bright gold pilsner with a substantial head.
Malling and Saphir hops contribute a rich hop aroma and a balanced, soft bitterness that lingers. The precise blend of aroma and flavouring hop additions creates a refined, consistent profile ideal for lager enthusiasts.
Its clean, crisp taste and slightly bitter finish make it a refined option for any beer lover. Stretta's elegant branding and flavour profile stand out in Malta's beer scene.
Tasting Notes:
Crisp, clean malt with a refreshing bitterness.
Best Enjoyed:
At a trendy bar in Valletta or while watching the fireworks on Festa night.
Pairing: Calamari Fritti
Stretta's crisp, clean taste pairs perfectly with fried calamari's light, crunchy texture. The beer's slightly bitter finish balances the richness of the fried coating. At the same time, its refreshing nature cleanses the palate, making every bite taste fresh and satisfying.
Pinta English IPA Pale Ale – A Twist on Tradition
I'm a big fan of the classic bitterness that defines an English IPA. If you are too, Pinta English IPA Pale Ale is a must-try.
Its malty backbone and balanced hoppy finish bring a slice of traditional British brewing to Malta. The earthy, slightly floral notes capture the essence of those cosy British pubs, where the magic of an English IPA is all about that bitter, satisfying flavour.
It's a versatile brew that feels like a nod to the heritage of British ales—rich, flavorful, and timeless.
Tasting Notes:
Earthy hops, floral undertones, and a balanced malt character.
Best Enjoyed:
At the Farsons Beer Fest Malta or while indulging in local nibbles.
Pairing: Maltese Sausage and Peperonata
The earthy and floral notes of Pinta English IPA complement Maltese sausage's robust, smoky flavours. The bitterness cuts through the fat, while the beer's malt backbone harmonises with the sweet and tangy peperonata, creating a well-rounded and flavourful experience.
Phoenix Rust Rabat Ale – The Local Artisan Touch
Phoenix Rust Rabat Ale stands out for its artisanal approach. Brewed with a mix of local ingredients, this raw beer has a rustic feel, a malty richness, and a touch of spice.
It's the beer you want to try when looking for something Maltese.
Tasting Notes:
Rich malt, subtle spice, and a hint of bitterness.
Best Enjoyed:
In a traditional Maltese village square during a festa or one of those cosy bars or restaurants in Rabat.
Pairing: Beef Bragioli (Maltese Beef Olives)
Phoenix Rust Rabat Ale's rich maltiness and subtle spice work well with the hearty, savoury flavours of beef bragioli. The beer's bitterness balances the dish's richness, while the malt profile enhances the flavours of the slow-cooked meat and herb-filled sauce.
Bonus: Beer Festivals in Malta – Cheers to That!
If you’re planning a trip to Malta and love beer, time your visit right and you might just catch one of the island’s buzzing beer festivals. These events aren’t just about the pints – they’re a full-blown celebration of music, food, and Maltese summer vibes.
Here's a quick look at three local favourites:
🍻 FARSONS Beer Festival
One of Malta’s longest-standing and best-loved festivals, this 10-day event usually takes over Ta' Qali National Park in late July. With dozens of bars, local and international beer brands (including the iconic Cisk), live music from top Maltese acts, and a crowd that keeps the energy high – this is Malta’s beer scene at its most festive.
Official Website: farsonsbeerfestival.com
🍺 PINTA Beer Festival
Craft beer lovers, this one’s for you. Held in autumn, PINTA is a newer festival but already a cult hit with beer geeks and casual drinkers alike. Expect a well-curated selection of small-batch brews from Malta and beyond, paired with gourmet street food, tastings, and beer talks. Think chill vibes, trendy sips, and a fun, social crowd.
Official Website: pintabeerfestival.com
🎉 POPP Day Out
This one’s more of a lifestyle festival with a strong beer backbone. POPP Day Out blends independent brews, food trucks, live bands, and a stylish crowd into a one-day event that feels like a mini city break. It’s creative, colourful, and perfect if you like your beer with a side of cool.
Official Website: popp.mt
Pro tip: Malta’s beer festivals often double as showcases of local culture – so even if you're not a beer connoisseur, they're well worth a visit. Cheers (or as we say here, saħħa)!
Malta's Beer Tour: What's Your Favorite?
From iconic classics like Cisk to inventive craft brews like Huskie, Malta's beer scene has something for every taste.
These ten recommendations are just the beginning, whether you're hunting for the best beer in Malta or curious about what to sip on the islands.
Grab a pint, kick back, and dive into the flavours of Malta. And hey, let us know—what's your favourite? Did we miss any must-try brews?
Cheers to discovering your new go-to!
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