Reykjavik: Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting

Eimverk Distillery makes Iceland’s first and only whisky, using local barley and a small, determined approach to spirit-making. This 75-minute visit combines a short look at the working distillery with a generous tasting of Flóki whisky, Vor gin, and Víti Brennivín.

I like the personal scale and the way the tasting connects the drink in your glass to barley, Icelandic conditions, and the company’s early experiments. I also like the guides, including Rock, Paul, Eva, and Niko, who are praised for mixing technical detail with humor and easy conversation. The drawback is the out-of-center location, which takes Bus 1 plus an eight-minute walk, or a taxi that can cost a lot.

Key points to know before booking

• Iceland’s only whisky distillery: Learn how Eimverk developed Flóki from local barley.
• More than three samples may be served: Three premium spirits are included, but many sessions feature a much wider range of whisky and gin.
• A personal, interactive format: Small groups can make the tasting feel almost private, especially on quieter days.
• Plan your transport: Bus 1 reaches Ásgarður, followed by an eight-minute walk. A taxi is simpler but may be expensive.
• Eat before you arrive: Food is not included, and the tasting can be extensive.
• Adults only: You must be at least 18, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Why Eimverk’s Icelandic whisky makes this visit different

Many distillery visits follow a familiar pattern: look at shiny equipment, hear a few production terms, then taste the house products. Eimverk has a more unusual story because Iceland’s modern whisky tradition is young, and the company had to work out much of its method from the ground up.

The focus is Flóki, described as Iceland’s first and only whisky. The distillery uses barley that can be grown in Iceland, an important point because the local climate makes farming less straightforward than in classic whisky-producing regions.

You learn how the process begins with barley harvesting and continues through the stages that turn grain into spirit. The guide explains how Eimverk’s products developed, from the first ideas to the bottles being made now. That gives the tasting a clear purpose: you are not simply sampling several drinks, you are comparing the results of a local experiment.

I like that this is not presented as an old tradition stretching back centuries. The short history is part of the appeal. You get a look at a young Icelandic craft business trying to create something that belongs to the country.

The first 20 minutes: welcome drink and Icelandic spirit history

The visit begins with an introduction to Eimverk and a welcome drink. This is a useful start because it gives you time to settle in, meet the guide, and get a sense of the company before the technical material begins.

The guide then explains how whisky came to be produced at Eimverk. Iceland’s period of prohibition also enters the wider story, along with details about Icelandic culture and the practical challenges of operating a distillery in the country.

The English is reported to be clear, and tours are available in English or Icelandic. Names of guides vary by date. Rock, also written as Roc in some booking details, has led several highly praised sessions, while Paul, Eva, and Niko have also been singled out for clear explanations and warm hosting.

The format is conversational rather than stiff. You can ask questions as you go, and the guide responds to the group’s interests. That matters here because the experience works best when you are curious about ingredients, aging, flavor, or the business of making spirits in Iceland.

Learning the production process from barley to bottle

After the introduction and the first part of the tasting, the group moves into the production area. You see the equipment and follow the basic path from harvested barley to finished liquor.

The guide explains the decisions behind the process, not just the names of the machines. You learn how the initial idea for each spirit developed, how ingredients affect the final drink, and how Eimverk has adjusted its products over time.

This is where the tour earns its place beyond a simple bar tasting. You can connect the flavor of a whisky or gin with the way it was made. The explanation also helps if you are new to spirits, since the guide shows you how to notice differences rather than simply asking if you like one sample more than another.

Photography is allowed in the production area, so bring a phone if you want pictures of the equipment. The visit does not turn into a long factory walk, and that is both a strength and a limitation. You get the key production details within a compact schedule, but anyone hoping for a large industrial facility or a lengthy technical tour may find this part brief.

The actual tour portion has been described as short by one satisfied customer. The tasting takes up much of the experience, so book this for the balance of explanation and sampling, not for a long factory inspection.

Flóki whisky, Vor gin, and Víti Brennivín

The advertised tasting centers on three premium spirits:

• Flóki, Iceland’s first and only whisky
• Vor Premium Gin
• Víti Brennivín

Brennivín is Iceland’s best-known traditional spirit, and including Víti gives you a chance to compare a local style with whisky and gin. The tasting is arranged so the guide can explain the character and production of each drink before you move on.

In practice, the number of samples can be much higher than the three named products. Several sessions included a broad selection of Eimverk’s whiskies and gins, with some people tasting nine, twelve, or even thirteen different spirits. This is not guaranteed as a fixed part of every booking, so treat the three listed spirits as the firm basis of the experience and any extra samples as a welcome possibility.

The range may include different whisky expressions and unusual variations. One tasting included a birch whisky and a whisky made with smoked sheep dung. That sounds like a stunt, but it also shows the distillery’s willingness to test ingredients tied to Icelandic culture and natural materials.

The gin selection can surprise whisky drinkers. One particularly useful observation from the tastings is that some of Eimverk’s gin has a character that may appeal to whisky fans. If you normally avoid gin, pay attention to the guide’s suggestions and try it with an open mind.

How the tasting works

The guide does more than pour samples. You learn a basic way to taste spirits, including how to notice aromas and separate one flavor from another. Samples are grouped so you can compare similar drinks and spot differences across the range.

That makes the tasting suitable for beginners, not only serious whisky drinkers. You do not need a trained palate. You only need to take your time and describe what you notice.

The experience returns to the tasting room for the second half. Here, the guide talks through more of the drinks, answers questions, and encourages conversation around the table. Small groups are a real advantage. On some dates, only two or four people attended, turning the session into an informal private tasting. Larger groups can still be lively, with the shared reactions adding to the fun.

The tone varies slightly with the guide, but the strongest sessions combine facts, stories, and humor. Rock has been praised for advice on the different samples and for making room for conversation. Paul is described as a strong storyteller and bartender, while Eva and Niko have also received praise for clear, friendly presentations.

Because the tasting may include many pours, avoid arriving hungry. Food is not included, and one useful tip is to eat a proper meal beforehand. You should also take care with the amount you drink, especially if you plan to catch a bus or walk afterward.

Getting to Ásgarður from central Reykjavik

Eimverk is not in central Reykjavik, so transport deserves real attention. From downtown, take Bus 1 to Ásgarður, then walk for about eight minutes. The bus route is a practical choice and costs less than a taxi, but check the current departure time and allow room for the walk.

The stop and walking directions are manageable, though the location can feel less obvious than a central attraction. If you are using public transport, do not leave the planning until the last minute. A phone map and a little extra time will make the arrival easier.

A taxi is the simplest option, especially in poor weather or if you are carrying purchases. It can also be expensive. One person reported paying about £40 each way from Reykjavik, while another found a taxi back within five minutes after requesting one. The final cost depends on the pickup point and conditions, so compare the convenience with the added expense.

Parking details have caused some uncertainty, although a visitor reported parking in front of the distillery without trouble. If you are driving, confirm the current parking arrangement before setting out.

Is $48 a fair price for 75 minutes?

At $48 per person, the value depends on what you want from a distillery visit. If you receive only the three stated tastings and expect a long factory tour, the price may feel high. The visit is compact, and the production-area portion is not the main event.

The value improves considerably when the tasting expands to several whiskies and gins. Some sessions included nine to thirteen spirits, plus a welcome drink or a gin and tonic. That turns the visit into a guided sampling session with production context, rather than a quick pour and sales pitch.

You are also paying for access to a product that cannot be sampled in quite the same way elsewhere in Iceland. Flóki gives the visit a clear local focus, and the guide explains how the company developed a whisky tradition rather than simply repeating an established regional formula.

The price does not include food, transport, or hotel pickup and drop-off. Build those costs into your plan. If you take a taxi, transportation can change the total considerably. If you use Bus 1, the overall value is stronger.

Buying bottles and practical souvenirs

Eimverk sells bottles at the distillery, and small travel-size whisky bottles have been useful purchases for people who do not want to carry a full bottle. You can also find glasses and volcanic rock coasters, which are practical reminders of the visit without the airport liquid rules.

If you fly with hand luggage only, do not assume you can take a full bottle through security. Several people planned to buy Eimverk products at Iceland’s airport duty-free shop instead, where bottles may be cheaper because taxes are removed.

For a checked bag, a full-size bottle may be an appealing souvenir, but pack it carefully and check your airline rules. The most sensible time to decide is after tasting several expressions, since the guide can help you choose a style you actually enjoyed.

Who will enjoy this Reykjavik activity?

This is a strong choice if you like whisky, gin, or local food and drink culture. It also works well for couples or small groups looking for an indoor activity in Reykjavik, especially when weather disrupts outdoor plans.

You do not need to be a spirits expert. The guide explains the tasting process and production steps in plain terms, and the informal setting leaves room for questions. Someone who normally drinks little may still enjoy the history and the unusual Icelandic ingredients, but the tasting is central enough that complete non-drinkers may prefer another activity.

The tour is for adults aged 18 and over. Children cannot attend. The venue is wheelchair accessible, which makes it a practical option for many visitors, though you should still confirm current transport details if you need specific access support.

Should you book Eimverk Distillery?

Book it if you want a local story, a personal guide, and the chance to compare Icelandic whisky and gin in one sitting. I especially like it for people who have already seen Reykjavik’s major sights and want something connected to modern Icelandic craft.

Plan your route before you go, eat first, and do not build your expectations around a long factory walk. The best reason to book is the combination of Flóki’s unusual backstory, the chance of a wide tasting, and guides such as Rock or Paul who can make the technical parts lively.

Skip it if you dislike spirits, need a central Reykjavik venue, or want a full meal with your drinks. For everyone else, $48 is a reasonable price when the tasting includes the broader Eimverk range, and the experience offers a taste of Iceland that is difficult to duplicate elsewhere.

FAQ

How long does the Eimverk Distillery tour last?

The experience lasts 75 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $48 per person.

Which spirits are included?

The stated tasting includes Flóki whisky, Vor Premium Gin, and Víti Brennivín.

Can I taste more than three spirits?

You may receive additional samples depending on the session. Some tastings included a much wider selection of Eimverk whiskies and gins, but three premium spirits are the listed inclusion.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in English and Icelandic.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is at Eimverk Distillery in the Reykjavik Capital Region.

How do I reach the distillery by bus?

Take Bus 1 from downtown Reykjavik to Ásgarður, then walk for about eight minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, so eating before the tasting is a sensible plan.

Can children attend?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 18.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.