Test your beer knowledge and explore brewing history, styles and Malta’s local beer culture.
Whether you reach for a crisp lager on a hot afternoon or sip a rich stout with dinner, beer is one of the world’s most widely enjoyed and historically significant drinks. With International Beer Day taking place on Friday, 7 August 2026, it is the perfect time to put your beer knowledge to the test.
This global celebration honours the enjoyment of beer as well as the brewers, bartenders and beer lovers who contribute to beer culture in pubs, restaurants, breweries and festivals around the world. Choose your favourite brew and see how well you really know what is in your glass.
Quiz
Quiz :
🍺 The Origins of Beer: Ancient Brew to Modern Craft
Beer is one of humanity’s oldest fermented drinks. Its exact invention cannot be traced to one person, place or moment, but early grain-based drinks were being produced thousands of years ago.
The Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia were among the earliest societies to leave detailed written records of brewing. They even composed a hymn dedicated to Ninkasi, their goddess of beer, which also provides clues about early brewing methods.
Brewing continued to develop alongside ancient civilisations. Beer formed part of everyday life and religious ceremonies in ancient Egypt, while European monasteries later helped refine brewing methods. Hops became increasingly important in medieval European brewing, adding bitterness, aroma and greater stability.
During the 19th century, advances in refrigeration, yeast research and transport made it possible to produce and distribute lagers and ales on a much larger scale. Today, beer is brewed across the world, with craft brewers reviving traditional styles and experimenting with new ingredients and flavours.
The main difference lies in the yeast and fermentation process.
Ales are generally fermented at warmer temperatures, often producing richer or fruitier flavours.
Lagers are fermented at cooler temperatures and usually have a cleaner, crisper character.
Stouts, pale ales and IPAs belong to the ale family, while pilsners and many popular golden beers are lagers.
🇲🇹 Malta’s Brewing Culture: From Cisk to Gozo Craft Beer
Beer has a well-established place in Maltese social life, whether it is enjoyed with a meal, at a village feast, during a summer event or beside the sea. Malta also has its own brewing history, combining longstanding local brands with a growing craft beer scene.
Malta’s first locally brewed beer was Farsons Pale Ale, launched in Ħamrun in 1928. The following year saw the introduction of Cisk, which has since become one of Malta’s most recognisable beer brands. The first bottle was sold during the Ħamrun feast in the summer of 1929.
The name Cisk also has a distinctly Maltese story. It developed from the local pronunciation of the English word “cheques”, which became associated with the Scicluna family and the nickname “Iċ-Cisk”.
More recently, Malta’s beer scene has expanded beyond its traditional lagers and ales. Lord Chambray, founded in Xewkija, Gozo, in 2014, helped introduce locally produced craft beer styles ranging from IPAs and blonde ales to stouts and sour beers.
Three important names in Maltese brewing:
Farsons
- Brewing in Malta since 1928
- Launched Malta’s first locally brewed beer, Farsons Pale Ale
- Known for traditional Maltese ales, lagers and stouts
Cisk
- First sold in Malta in 1929
- Best known for its classic golden lager
- One of Malta’s most recognisable local beer brands
Lord Chambray
- Established in Xewkija, Gozo, in 2014
- Malta’s first craft beer brewery
- Produces a wide selection of craft styles, including vegan and gluten-free options
Whether you are interested in brewing history, eager to try a new beer style or simply enjoy a cold drink with friends, International Beer Day is an opportunity to appreciate the people and traditions behind every glass.
International Beer Day is celebrated on the first Friday of August every year, which means its calendar date changes annually. In 2026, it falls on Friday, 7 August.
However you choose to celebrate, we hope this quiz helps you enjoy beer a little more thoughtfully. Please drink responsibly. 🍻
Summarise with AI:
Did you like this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
