Popular Maltese Beer Styles
Lagers: The Staple of Maltese Brewing
Lagers dominate the Maltese beer market, offering a light, refreshing option that suits the island’s warm climate. Maltese lagers are typically crisp and clean, with a mild flavour profile that makes them perfect for casual drinking or pairing with local dishes.
Cisk Lager is Malta's most iconic beer, widely regarded as the national beer of the island. First brewed in 1929, Cisk Lager is a pale lager with a light golden colour and a clean, slightly bitter taste. It has a crisp finish with subtle malt sweetness, making it an easy-drinking beer that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. In the UK, Cisk Lager is available in select stores and is appreciated for its refreshing quality and Mediterranean character.
Cisk Excel is a low-carbohydrate version of the classic Cisk Lager, offering the same crisp taste with fewer calories. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a lighter option without compromising on flavour.
Pale Ales: A Maltese Twist on a Classic Style
Maltese breweries have also embraced pale ales, adding a local twist to this classic beer style. Maltese pale ales often feature a balanced malt profile with a gentle hop bitterness, making them a versatile option for various occasions.
Hop Leaf Pale Ale is a notable example, offering a more robust flavour compared to the lighter lagers. Brewed by Farsons, one of Malta’s leading breweries, Hop Leaf Pale Ale has a medium body with a slightly caramelised malt sweetness and a well-balanced hop bitterness. It has a smooth finish with hints of fruit and spice, providing a more complex flavour profile. This beer is available in the UK and is appreciated by those who enjoy a malt-forward pale ale with a Mediterranean twist.
Specialty and Craft Beers: Innovation on the Island
In recent years, the craft beer movement has gained traction in Malta, leading to the production of specialty beers that showcase the island’s innovative spirit. These beers often incorporate local ingredients and offer unique flavour profiles that reflect Malta’s cultural and culinary heritage.
Lord Chambray, Malta’s first craft brewery, has gained recognition for its range of beers that combine traditional brewing techniques with local ingredients. One of their standout offerings is San Blas, an amber ale with a rich, malty flavour and notes of caramel and dried fruit. It has a smooth, slightly sweet finish with a touch of bitterness, making it a satisfying choice for those who enjoy a well-rounded ale.
Blue Lagoon, another popular beer from Lord Chambray, is a refreshing wheat beer brewed with orange peel and coriander. It has a light, citrusy flavour with a crisp, slightly spicy finish, making it an ideal choice for a warm summer day. Lord Chambray’s beers are starting to appear in the UK, particularly in craft beer shops and online, where they are appreciated for their quality and innovation.
Maltese Beers in the UK
In the UK, Maltese beers like Cisk Lager and Hop Leaf Pale Ale have found a niche market among beer enthusiasts who are eager to explore international flavours. The growing availability of these beers, along with specialty options from craft breweries like Lord Chambray, offers UK consumers a taste of Malta’s unique brewing culture.
Whether you’re enjoying a crisp lager on a hot day or savouring a malt-forward pale ale, Maltese beers provide a refreshing and flavourful experience that reflects the island’s rich heritage and Mediterranean charm. As more Maltese beers become available in the UK, they are sure to attract a wider audience looking for something distinctive and enjoyable.
Popular Maltese Beers
