Your guide to Icelandic alcohol and liquor

Your guide to Icelandic Alcohol

Icelandic alcoholic drinks are not just about taste; they're a part of Iceland's culture. Made by local, often family-owned distilleries, each bottle tells a story of tradition, love for the land, and a touch of innovation. Here are a few of our absolute favourites and which we highly recommend when you visit Iceland!

Jökla Cream Liqueur - A Family's Dream in a Bottle

Jökla Cream Liqueur is our highlight and proudly tops our list. We have carefully chosen this liqueur for its exceptional quality and offer tastings during our warm season glacier tour. Jökla is not just a creamy, dreamy drink; it's a showcase of Iceland's finest dairy. This family-created liqueur is a labor of love, born from the innovative spirit of Pétur Pétursson and Sigríður Sigurðardóttir. Inspired by a visit to an Italian dairy farm, Pétur was driven to create Iceland's first cream liqueur, a blend of rich cream, smooth chocolate, and a hint of sweet licorice.

Jökla is Iceland's first cream liqueur, known for its use of premium Icelandic milk ingredients and special production technology. It emphasizes sustainability and purity, leading to a high-quality product without thickeners.

Flavor Profile: Jökla is described as having a perfect balance of cream and chocolate, with a hint of licorice, providing a unique and delicious taste experience.

Interesting Fact: Jökla was named after a powerful and beautiful glacial river in Iceland, reflecting the purity and naturalness of its ingredients. The liqueur's development involved extensive experimentation, and the production process was adapted to ensure sustainability and quality.

Eimverk Distillery’s Flóki - Iceland's First Whiskey

We then move to Flóki, Iceland's very first whiskey, crafted with pride by the family-owned Eimverk Distillery. This whiskey is special because it's made from barley grown right in Iceland's unique climate. The family behind Flóki has put their hearts into creating a whiskey that captures the spirit of Iceland - rugged, pure, and unforgettable. Every sip tells a story of the family's journey in bringing this first-of-its-kind Icelandic whiskey to life.

Flavor Profile: Icelandic whiskeys offer a range of flavors, from smooth and mellow to rich and complex, depending on the distillery and aging process.

Interesting Fact: Brands like Flóki are gaining international attention, positioning Icelandic whiskey as a unique and high-quality spirit on the world stage.

Foss Distillery’s Birkir Snaps - A Taste of Icelandic Forests

Our journey takes us next to Foss Distillery’s Birkir Snaps. Imagine walking through an Icelandic birch forest - that's what Birkir tastes like. This snaps is a labor of love from a family-run distillery, capturing the essence of Iceland's forests. The family at Foss Distillery takes great care in handpicking the best birch to create a drink that's truly a piece of Iceland's natural beauty.

Flavor Profile: Björk is subtly sweet with a hint of woody flavor, while Birkir is more robust, offering a deeper and earthier taste.

Interesting Fact: Each bottle of Björk contains an actual Icelandic birch branch, making it not just a beverage but a piece of art.

Brennivín (Black Death) - The Iconic Icelandic Spirit

Often referred to as "Black Death," Brennivín is Iceland’s national spirit, renowned for its robust flavour and cultural significance. Originated in the early 20th century during the prohibition era. It quickly became a symbol of Icelandic resilience and tradition. No trip is completed in Iceland without trying Brennivín!

Flavor Profile: Bold and earthy with a spicy undercurrent, offering a strong and unapologetic flavor.

Interesting Fact: The name "Brennivín" translates to "burning wine," referring to its strong and fiery nature. Brennivín is often served with fermented shark!

Viking Beer - a legacy brew

Viking Beer is one of Iceland's oldest and most cherished beers, embodying the nation's long-standing brewing traditions. It was founded in 1993 and represents the historical roots of Icelandic brewing, surviving through the decades to become a beloved national beverage.

Flavor Profile: Known for its deep, complex flavors, including notes of caramel and coffee, Viking Beer offers a rich and satisfying experience.

Interesting Fact: Viking Beer holds a significant share of the Icelandic beer market, a testament to its enduring popularity and quality.

Reyka Vodka - A Testament to Purity

Reyka Vodka, introduced in 2005, is known for its exceptional smoothness and purity, a premium vodka that quickly garnered international acclaim.
Reyka utilises Iceland’s unique natural resources and sustainable energy in its production.Reyka is made from barley and wheat, it’s distilled using glacial water that runs through a 4,000-year-old lava field, naturally filtering the water to achieve unparalleled purity!

Flavor Profile: Reyka is celebrated for its smooth, clean taste with a subtle sweetness and a crisp, clean finish.

Interesting Fact: Reyka is one of the few vodkas in the world to use geothermal energy for distillation, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Topas and Opal Liquors - Licorice in a Glass

An absolute must try while in Iceland!

When we were little we used to suck on small liquorice tablets to soothe sore throats. Those tablets have now been melted into delicious alcoholic beverages which nobody likes unless you're Icelandic. We simply love it!

We highly recommend you try a shot of Opal or Topas if you want to try something truly rooted in our culture.

Flavor Profile: Topas and Opal are noted for their strong licorice and aniseed flavors, appealing to those who enjoy a bold and sweet taste.

Interesting Fact: Opal liquor is especially popular due to its resemblance in flavor to Opal licorice candies, a childhood favorite in Iceland.

Einstök Beer - The Artic Ale

Einstök Beer is Iceland's leading craft beer, celebrated for its unique flavors and Arctic purity. Brewed in the northern town of Akureyri, it embodies the bold spirit of Icelandic brewing. Utilizing the pure waters of Iceland, Einstök beers are crafted with a focus on quality and innovative flavor combinations, often incorporating local ingredients.

Flavor Profile: Ranging from their iconic White Ale to the Arctic Pale Ale and Toasted Porter, Einstök offers a diverse palette of flavors, each with a unique Arctic twist.

Interesting Fact: Einstök is located just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle, making it one of the northernmost breweries in the world.