Reykjavik: Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting

Imagine stepping into a small but lively distillery in Reykjavik and being shown around by a guide who’s not only passionate but also genuinely funny and knowledgeable. That’s exactly what you get with the Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour, a 75-minute journey into Iceland’s emerging craft spirits scene. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just curious about Icelandic products, this experience offers a compelling blend of education and tasting in a cozy setting that feels more like visiting friends than a commercial tour.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you’ll learn about Iceland’s short but impressive alcohol-making history—not something you often find in a guidebook. Second, the tasting experience is extensive, allowing you to explore Iceland’s first whiskey, Flóki, along with a selection of Vor Premium Gin and Víti Brennivín. It’s a great way to understand how local ingredients and craftsmanship come together, all in about an hour and a quarter.

A quick consideration: because the tour involves a fair amount of tasting, transportation afterwards is something you’ll want to plan carefully—most reviewers find it easy to get a taxi or public transit, but it’s worth noting if you’re on a tight schedule. This experience suits travelers looking for something authentic, educational, and fun—especially if you appreciate a good story and a well-made spirit.

Key Points

• Authentic insight into Icelandic spirit production in a cozy, family-run distillery.
• Tastings include Flóki whiskey, Vor Premium Gin, and Víti Brennivín, giving a broad view of local flavors.
• Excellent guides who are both knowledgeable and entertaining.
• Accessible and affordable at just $34 per person, offering good value for a personalized experience.
• Public transit friendly with clear directions, no need for a taxi unless you prefer.
• Educational and fun, with plenty of storytelling and behind-the-scenes views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Eimverk Distillery tour begins with a warm welcome and a brief introduction, setting the scene for what promises to be an engaging peek into Iceland’s spirit scene. For those arriving via public transit, the meeting point is conveniently reachable—just hop on bus number 1 from downtown Reykjavík to Ásgarður, then enjoy an 8-minute walk. The tour’s duration is 75 minutes, a perfect window for learning and tasting without feeling rushed.

The Tour Itself: Learning and Tasting

What’s immediately clear from the start is that the guides love sharing their craft. Expect a lively introduction where the history of Icelandic whiskey and spirits is laid out in digestible bites. Unlike larger, impersonal tours, here you get personal attention and plenty of chances to ask questions. One reviewer mentions their guide Paul being “great, very informative and friendly,” which helps set a welcoming tone.

The tasting is the true highlight. After the intro, you’ll move to the tasting room, where a flight of three premium spirits awaits. You’ll sample Flóki, Iceland’s first and only whiskey, which has a unique story—made from barley and inspired by Iceland’s rugged landscape. Also included are Vor Premium Gin, crafted with locally grown ingredients, and Víti Brennivín, Iceland’s iconic schnapps with a fiery kick. As you savor each sip, your guide shares stories about their ingredients, distillation process, and what makes these spirits uniquely Icelandic.

Behind-the-Scenes: Production and Process

Following the first round of tastings, the tour continues into the distillery’s production area. Here, you get a real glimpse of the magic—barley harvesting, fermentation, distillation, and bottling. This part of the tour is especially valuable for those interested in how small craft distilleries operate compared to mass-market producers. Visitors often remark on how engaging it is to see the process, and one reviewer noted that they appreciated taking photos of the production area. Afterwards, you return to the tasting room for more sampling and storytelling.

The Tasting Experience: Quality Over Quantity

A standout aspect of this tour is the quality and variety of tastings. Some reviews mention trying as many as twelve spirits, which clearly isn’t the standard, but it hints at the generous nature of the tastings and the enthusiasm of the guides. Many visitors appreciate the chance to understand the differences between the spirits, especially those who take their tasting seriously. One review states, “The variety of samples was amazing,” and another highlights that they gained insight into the tasting process and notes to look for.

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The Atmosphere and Guides

Throughout the tour, the guides are frequently praised for their humor, knowledge, and storytelling skills. From one reviewer: “Eva told us the whole history from the distillery and how it’s connected with Icelandic history—simply a must-do.” The personal touch and approachable attitude elevate this experience from a simple tasting to a genuine cultural encounter. It’s this friendliness, combined with insights into Icelandic tradition, that keeps guests talking long after the last sip.

Price and Value

At $34 per person, this tour offers excellent value. For that price, you get a guided experience, a behind-the-scenes look at production, and a generous tasting of premium spirits. Many reviewers have compared it favorably to other distillery tours from their home countries, noting that the personal attention and quality of the spirits provide a very satisfying experience. For travelers keen to bring home a bottle, the distillery shop offers the chance to buy bottles at duty-free prices—perfect for gift-giving or personal mementos.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Plan transportation: Since the tour begins at the distillery, accessible by bus or a short walk, most travelers find public transit easy and affordable. If you’re staying outside Reykjavik or prefer a taxi, that’s straightforward, especially after tasting.
• Arrive early: Some reviews mention the benefit of arriving about 30 minutes early to enjoy a small treat and get settled.
• Bring a camera: The production area offers great photo opportunities, and many guests want to capture the process.
• Book ahead: The tour runs on specific times, so check availability in advance and reserve your spot.
• Consider group size: The reviews suggest that small groups create a more personal and engaging experience, so try to join a smaller tour if possible.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for spirits lovers curious about Iceland’s craft scene, history buffs interested in local traditions, or adventurous travelers eager to taste something unique. The friendly guides and personal approach mean that even those new to spirits will feel comfortable and engaged. If you’re traveling as a couple, in a small group, or even solo, you’ll find the experience welcoming and enriching.

It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate quality over quantity, as the tastings are generous and thoughtfully curated. However, since the tour includes alcohol, it’s not suitable for children under 18. And for those who prefer not to drink, the focus on education and behind-the-scenes looks can still be appreciated without sampling.

FAQs

Is transportation included? No, the tour starts at a specific location accessible by bus or walk. Most travelers find public transit or taxis easy to manage.

What is the length of the tour? Approximately 75 minutes, making it a perfect short activity that fits well into a day of exploring Reykjavik.

Are multiple spirits sampled? Yes, you will taste three main spirits, with some reviews mentioning more extensive tastings—up to 12 different samples—by generous guides.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers? No, it’s aimed at those of legal drinking age, but the behind-the-scenes insights and stories still offer value.

Can I buy bottles after the tour? Absolutely, the distillery shop sells bottles at duty-free prices, so you can bring home a piece of Icelandic craftsmanship.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible.

What language is the tour conducted in? The main language is English, with Icelandic also available.

Are children allowed? No, the experience is not suitable for children under 18.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I reserve a spot? Book online through the provided link, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Final Thoughts

The Eimverk Distillery tour in Reykjavik offers a unique glimpse into Iceland’s burgeoning craft spirits scene in an intimate, friendly setting. The guides are clearly passionate, making the experience both educational and entertaining. The tasting lineup—featuring Flóki whiskey, Vor Premium Gin, and Víti Brennivín—gives a genuine taste of Iceland’s local ingredients and distilling traditions.

For travelers who love discovering local flavors, enjoy a good story, or simply want a fun activity after sightseeing, this tour hits the mark. It’s excellent value, highly praised by hundreds of visitors, and offers a memorable way to connect with Iceland’s modern-day artisans.

In short, if you’re in Reykjavik and want a taste of Iceland that’s both authentic and engaging, this distillery tour should be near the top of your list. It’s a small adventure, but one that leaves a big impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: