Beer Head: Exploring the Flavours of Craft Beer in Malta

The craft beer movement recently revolutionised the local beer scene, offering a diverse range of flavours and styles that were previously unheard of here in Malta.

Beer Head - the craft beer bottle shop and tasting room, and Brew Haus - the craft beverage import company, both played a significant role in this transformation, bringing unique and exceptional beers to the forefront of the Maltese beer culture. Let us take you on a journey through the world of craft beer and the remarkable offerings that Beer Head has introduced to Malta.

At the heart of the craft beer movement lies the concept of choice. Unlike commercial breweries that focus on a single beer as their main product, craft breweries like the ones on offer at Beer Head offer a vast array of beer styles, constantly pushing the boundaries of taste and innovation. Embracing this philosophy, Brew Haus imports new beers every week and stocks over three hundred different beers at any go, ensuring an ever-evolving selection to cater to all beer enthusiasts.

The local beer scene in Malta had long been stagnant, dominated by a single commercial brewery and a limited range of lagers. Recognizing the need for variety and inspired by his experiences abroad, the founder of Brew Haus established the company in 2015 with a simple yet powerful vision: to provide the Maltese population with a diverse choice of beers, akin to the thriving craft beer markets in Europe and the United States. Brew Haus initially focused on importing the much-loved India Pale Ale (IPA), a beer style that was neglected by the local brewery.

The introduction of quality craft beers by Brew Haus had a profound impact on the local beer landscape. Leading hospitality establishments were able to elevate their beer offering, matching the excellence of their wine, whiskey, and gin selections. For the first time, the people of Malta had access to an extensive range of beer styles, including IPAs, wheat beers, dark ales, barrel-aged beers, and many more. Brew Haus swiftly gained popularity, captivating the taste buds of beer enthusiasts and becoming a go-to destination for those seeking unique and exceptional craft beer tasting events.

Starting off purely as a wholesale and distribution operation, in 2019 it was felt that Malta desperately needed a craft beer bottle shop and Beer Head was born. This allowed the company to expand its portfolio, showcasing and for the first time retailing beers and ciders that are often overlooked by larger importers. Although cider is a very popular drink in Malta, there was still a lot of space in the market with Beer Head focusing on dry and medium-dry ciders, offering a refreshing alternative to the predominantly sweet options available locally. Moreover, Beer Head also introduced the delightful sour ale to Malta, an invigorating and tangy beer style that defies expectations. With over twenty sour ales in stock, including flavours like cherry, mango and passionfruit, beetroot and pear, and even margarita, Beer Head pushes the boundaries of taste and challenges preconceived notions of what a beer can be.

The world of beer is truly remarkable and Beer Head takes pride in its selection of rare, barrel-aged beers, which are normally extremely hard to find locally. These unique brews mature in wooden casks, previously used for ageing wines and spirits, resulting in rich and complex flavours. Offering over twenty different barrel-aged beers, ranging from tequila and bourbon to cabernet sauvignon and cherry ales aged in maple syrup barrels, Beer Head provides a truly exceptional experience for beer connoisseurs.

In addition to importing and showcasing international craft beers, Beer Head plays a pivotal role in supporting and promoting local craft breweries. With only three such breweries in Malta and Gozo, Beer Head stocks their products and showcases them alongside their international counterparts. Although the clientele is mainly local, Beer Head creates a platform for the local breweries to gain exposure and recognition. When these breweries release new seasonal beers, Beer Head becomes a hub of excitement and anticipation, fulfilling the cravings of their customers who are always on the lookout for fresh and intriguing flavour.

Beer Head understands the significance of Malta's rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. To enhance the overall experience for customers seeking a taste of Malta, they organise craft beer tastings that incorporate local elements. These guided sessions, accompanied by paired foods such as cheese and chocolate, allow participants to explore unique taste combinations and expand their understanding of beer. Through these events, Beer Head aims to change Malta's perception of beer one person at a time, celebrating the harmonious fusion of Malta's culinary delights with the diverse world of craft beer.