There is a massive difference between drinking a beer, and tasting it. For starters, drinking a beer is what you do at a Maltese summer event, when it's scorching hot. Tasting, however, is a sensory experience. It's about slowing down, unlocking those hidden flavour notes, and understanding exactly what the brewer intended to create. Tasting Guide to Master the art of Beer Tasting 1. The Setup: Glassware & Temperature Before you even think of opening a beer, you need to set the stage. Two rookie mistakes can ruin a premium craft, and thats drinking straight from the can, and serving it ice-cold. The Glass: Pouring your beer into a glass releases carbonation and opens up the aromas. Reach for a proper glass and pour your beer allowing the liquid to breath and drive those aromatic notes straight to your nose with every sip. The Temperature: A good beer shouldn't be freezing cold. The extreme cold numbs the tastebuds and masks the flavours. It's recommended that your...
This spring, something special is brewing in Gozo, and it’s not just the sunshine. We’re thrilled to introduce Hop Crossroads, a bold and refreshing American Brown Lager born from an exciting collaboration between Lord Chambray and none other than Pete Slosberg, the man who quite literally brewed a new chapter in beer history.
This exclusive beer is on tap only, and trust us, you’re going to want to be find somewhere to taste it.
A Craft Beer Legend Comes to Gozo
If you know craft beer, you probably know Pete’s Wicked Ale, one of the defining beers of America’s craft beer boom in the '80s. Pete Slosberg, the co-founder of Pete’s Brewing Company in 1986, is credited with creating the American Brown Ale, a style that blends malty richness with assertive hops. A true pioneer, Pete helped shape the craft beer movement in the U.S., and later became a certified beer judge, travelling the globe to support the next generation of brewers.
We met Pete while judging at international beer competitions—and knew we had to brew together one day. That day finally came in Gozo, and it’s safe to say we’ve created something pretty special.
The Brew: American Soul, Lagered Heart
While the original idea was to recreate Pete’s iconic American Brown Ale, the final result took an exciting turn. Hop Crossroads is a German-style lagered take on that classic ale. It keeps the malty depth and hop balance of Pete’s original recipe but is brewed with lager yeast, giving it a crisper finish and ultra-smooth drinkability.
🔍 Beer Specs:
Style: American Brown Lager
ABV: 5%
IBU: 30
Available: Exclusively on tap Gozo and Malta
Expect aromas of toasted bread, cocoa, and caramel, with subtle nutty and resinous hop notes. It’s approachable, layered, and surprisingly refreshing.
Why It’s Special
This beer isn’t just a collab—it’s a tribute to the foundations of craft beer, and the people who built it. Pete’s journey from home brewing in the late ’70s to founding one of the most iconic craft beer brands in the U.S. is legendary. He even went on to co-found South America’s South Beer Cup, promoting innovation and excellence in brewing across the globe.
Brewing Hop Crossroads together in Gozo felt like a full-circle moment. It blends history, innovation, and passion into one perfectly pint-sized package.
Come Try It
Hop Crossroads is available exclusively on draught at the Lord Chambray Taproom, and around Gozo and Malta. That means no cans, no bottles, just fresh pours in places that celebrates community, conversation, and, of course, exceptional craft beer.
📍Visit Us:
Lord Chambray Taproom, Xewkija, Gozo
📅 When: While it lasts (and trust us, it won’t be long!)
Raise a Glass at the Crossroads of Craft
Hop Crossroads is for beer lovers who appreciate tradition with a twist. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Pete’s Wicked Ale or just curious about a new style, this beer invites you to experience something unique.
Come raise a glass with us. To Pete, to Gozo, and to all the bold beers yet to come. 🍻
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