Three Horses Beer (THB): Madagascar’s National Beer and Where to Drink It

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If Madagascar has a single liquid icon, it’s Three Horses Beer — the gold-labelled bottle on every restaurant table from Antananarivo’s Haute-Ville to the beach huts of Île Sainte-Marie. Understanding THB’s history, varieties and where to find it cheap (versus tourist-marked-up) is part of the basic literacy of travelling here.

THB History: From Antsirabe to National Symbol

Star Brasseries was founded in 1958 in Antsirabe, the highland spa town three hours south of Antananarivo. The choice of location was deliberate — Antsirabe sits on volcanic aquifers that produce some of Madagascar’s cleanest water, the essential ingredient for any lager. The ‘Three Horses’ branding referred to the three founders’ shared interest in horse racing, though the trademark itself proved durable: the gold label has remained virtually unchanged since the 1960s.

THB became Madagascar’s de facto national drink during the socialist Ratsiraka years (1975–1991) when import restrictions cut off most foreign beer. By the time the economy reopened, THB had built brand loyalty across generations. The brewery still operates in Antsirabe and accounts for roughly 80% of the Malagasy beer market. The town itself is worth a day on any RN7 itinerary — it sits between Antananarivo and the Fianarantsoa wine region and is famous for pousse-pousse rickshaws and gemstone trading.

THB Varieties and How They Differ

THB Pilsener (gold label, 5.4% ABV) is the flagship — a classic Czech-style pilsener with a clean grain note and a slightly bitter finish. It’s what arrives unless you specify otherwise. THB Lite (4.6% ABV) is the lower-alcohol version, popular on hot coastal afternoons. THB Fresh is a lemon-flavoured shandy-style (2.5% ABV) aimed at lighter drinkers and sold in 33cl bottles only.

THB Spéciale (6.2% ABV) is a stronger lager with a darker amber colour, the connoisseur’s pick for evening drinking. THB Bisik’be (‘big bicycle’ in Malagasy, 8% ABV) is the strongest in the lineup — a barley wine-style brew released for special editions and harder to find outside Antananarivo. Gold, a separate Star Brasseries label aimed at the premium segment, exists but is essentially a rebranded pilsener with a higher price tag. Stick to THB Pilsener as your default and try one Bisik’be if you find it. For broader logistics planning, see our Madagascar budget guide.

Where to Drink THB Across Madagascar

The cheapest THB anywhere is at neighbourhood hotely (basic Malagasy restaurants) — expect 2,500–3,500 MGA for a 65cl bottle. Antananarivo standouts: Sakamanga Hotel bar, Le Pavé (Tsaralalana), the rooftop bars along Indépendance Avenue, and any of the small bars in Isoraka or Antaninarenina. The Carlton Anjahana terrace charges tourist prices (~9,000 MGA) but the view from the hill justifies one round.

On the coast: Nosy Be beach bars in Ambatoloaka and Hell-Ville charge 5,000–8,000 MGA for a draught. Île Sainte-Marie bars in Ambodifotatra and Antanambe sell at similar prices. Tamatave (Toamasina) has the best collection of harbour-side bars on the east coast. In tourist areas, expect cocktail-style markup; in market hotely, pay local prices. Pair your beer crawl with cheap food: rice + romazava in any gargote is 4,000–6,000 MGA. Book central Antananarivo accommodation to walk between bars: Search Antananarivo hotels on Agoda.

Drinking Customs and Practical Tips

Three small customs to know. First, the standard order in a Malagasy bar is a grande (65cl) with multiple glasses — Malagasy drinkers share. Ordering individual 33cl bottles will read as anti-social or wasteful in a group. Second, returning your empty bottles is the norm — supermarkets and bars give a small consigne (deposit) of around 500–1,000 MGA per bottle when you bring empties back. Third, drinking starts late and slow — most bars don’t fill up until 21h and stay open until 02h or later on weekends.

Driving and THB: Madagascar’s legal blood alcohol limit is 0.8 g/L but enforcement is inconsistent. The bigger risk is the road itself — potholes, unlit highways, and livestock — none of which forgive even mild impairment. Rent a driver for evening transit; cheaper and safer than self-driving after a few THB. Compare car rental with driver options on Carla. Finish your beer education with the next step in this cluster: Madagascar coffee regions and best brands.

Flight delayed or cancelled? Flights to Madagascar frequently route through Paris or Nairobi. Check your compensation claim free on AirAdvisor — eligible passengers can receive up to €600.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does THB stand for?

Three Horses Beer — a 1958 brand name referring to the three founders’ shared interest in horse racing. The gold label and the horse imagery have remained virtually unchanged for nearly seven decades, making THB one of the most recognisable consumer brands in Madagascar.

How much should I pay for a THB?

A 65cl Pilsener at a neighbourhood hotely is 2,500–3,500 MGA. At tourist beach bars, expect 5,000–8,000 MGA. At Antananarivo rooftop hotels, 8,000–10,000 MGA. Paying more than 10,000 MGA outside an international hotel is a tourist-tax premium — feel free to push back or move on.

Can I visit the THB brewery in Antsirabe?

Tours are possible by prior arrangement only, not on a walk-up basis. Contact Star Brasseries Antsirabe through your hotel or a local tour operator a week ahead. Most visitors combine the brewery with a wider Antsirabe day — pousse-pousse city tour, thermal baths, and gemstone workshops.

THB is the gateway to understanding casual Malagasy social life — order a grande, share glasses, and watch how easily the language barrier softens after the second round. Pay hotely prices when you can, splurge on a Bisik’be once, and don’t drive yourself home. Before any drinking trip on Madagascar’s roads, make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation — costs reach $80,000. Get covered with SafetyWing before you fly — plans start from $1.82 per day.