Maltese brewery Farsons won three awards at this year’s edition of the International Beer Challenge (IBC) Tasting Awards for its deliciously local brews.

“Being a part of the IBC carries with it numerous significant benefits. Not only does the competition acknowledge the skill of the brewer, but an IBC medal is an internationally recognised symbol of quality,” Farsons stated.

Cisk Lager and Cisk Excel Low-Carbohydrate Lager were awarded bronze and silver respectively in the Lagers category, while the Blue Label Ale was awarded bronze in the Ales section. 

This year’s competition saw the entry of more than 30 countries from brewing heartlands – like the UK, Germany, Belgium, and the US – and emerging beer nations – like Taiwan, Bolivia, Mongolia, and South Korea.

Awardees were chosen through a rigorous and highly controlled judging process which included blind tastings by panels of over 70 industry experts ranging from retailers, importers, publicans, brewers, writers, and flavour analysts.

Samples of cans, bottles, and mini kegs are delivered to the judging area in groups of numbered tasting glasses for the experts to assess. The aim is to reward a both well-made and interesting beer that deserves to be consumed.

So, judges particularly look out for the brew’s aroma, appearance, taste, and finish.

“Being recognized and awarded by a prestigious international competition like the IBC is an outstanding achievement and our brewers remain proud and resolute in their unwavering commitment to consistently delivering quality beers,” Chief Operations Officer at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc Eugenio Caruana said.

“Our portfolio of beers has garnered several prestigious international awards over the years, and these latest awards from the IBC reinforce the pride not only of our brewers but that of our entire workforce, especially when considering that we are competing with global brands. It is indeed a testament to true quality and consistency.”

Which is your favourite Farsons brew?