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An island steeped in naval history is bound to have a famous brewery. For many a decade, Malta was in fact the major watering hole for thousands of Royal Navy sailors and officers of the Mediterranean Fleet.
The brewery, originally known as Simonds Farsons Cisk, was also responsible for keeping the ships well stocked with its different brands prior to embarkation. In the process, the locals soon took a liking to it, particularly indulging in it during the "festa" days when it was time to celebrate patron saints in the towns and villages. Today, beer vies with wine as the favourite alcoholic drink.
A new brewery was inaugurated in 1950, which still stands today at Mriehel. In 1995, in yet another milestone, Simonds Farsons Cisk became the first company completely held by the private sector to list its equity on the Malta Stock Exchange. The brewery is being continually upgraded, and production facilities now extend over an area of 24,000 square metres. A state-of-the-art Brewing Process Block was inaugurated in 1990 and a further investment of Lm14 million will see a new Brewhouse, a new Distribution Centre and a new Soft Drinks Packaging Hall completed by the end of 2010.
A tour of the Farsons Brewery, which can be arranged with the public relations and marketing department of the company, is both an educational experience and a highly interesting opportunity to watch Malta's favourite - and historic - beers under production. There's only one word for it: Cheers!
To find out more about tours of Farsons brewery call them on (+356) 2381 4114 .
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