Iceland might surprise you with a whiskey stop. Eimverk Distillery turns a quick drive outside Reykjavík into a real spirits lesson, with guided tastings of Flóki whisky, Vor gin, and traditional Brennivín. If you’re tired of yet another scenic photo stop, this gives you something hands-on and very Iceland.

I love how the guide leads you through the production story and then lets you taste the results, not just talk about them. I also like the small size (up to 10 people), which makes it feel more like a relaxed bar chat than a factory lecture. One possible drawback: it’s built around drinking, so if you prefer zero-alcohol tours, this may not feel worth it.

Key points to know before you go

• Iceland’s first and only whiskey distillery: a rare theme if you want something different from waterfalls and viewpoints
• Three tastings included: Flóki whisky, Vor gin, and Víti Brennivín, with alcoholic drinks covered in the price
• Learn the process, then taste: you’ll get guide-led context plus a look at distilling along the way
• Small group vibe: maximum 10 travelers helps the Q&A stay personal
• Two start times: helps you line it up with your Reykjavík day

Why this distillery stop feels different in Iceland

Most Iceland itineraries are built around epic scenery. Eimverk is the counter-program: a chance to meet Iceland’s modern spirits industry up close. You’re not just sampling. You’re getting the story of how their Icelandic barley and botanicals turn into whisky, gin, and Brennivín.

What makes it especially appealing is the focus. The tour is short—about 1 hour 10 minutes—so it works even if your day is already packed. And because it’s capped at 10 travelers, you get a guide who can actually keep track of what the group wants to know.

The 1 hour 10 minute plan: what you’ll actually do

This is a single-stop experience at Eimverk Distillery, starting at 4:00 pm (with a choice of two start times overall). Plan for a tight, structured evening: tastings first, then more of the production story, plus time for questions.

Here’s the flow, in plain terms:

• You arrive at the distillery location in Garðabær (meeting point is Lyngás 13, 210 Garðabær).
• The guide introduces the distillery and the three products you’ll sample.
• You taste Flóki whisky, then Vor gin, then Víti Brennivín.
• You learn about the distilling process (there’s a stop in the middle where the process is shown).
• The tour ends back at the meeting point.

The biggest practical win: you can treat it as an “evening anchor.” After a day of driving or walking, this gives you a warm indoor reset with food-adjacent timing and a clear end time.

Inside Eimverk: Flóki whisky and the Icelandic barley story

The tour starts with Flóki, described as the distillery’s first and only whisky. The guide explains the spirit-production process using native inputs—especially Icelandic barley—so the tasting doesn’t feel disconnected from the place.

This part is a good fit if you’re a whisky person who usually expects Scottish-style stories. Here, the narrative is Iceland-focused: how local ingredients and local methods create a different kind of whisky experience. Even if you’re not a hardcore whisky drinker, the guide-led tastings tend to make it easier to notice what you like.

One practical tip: take it slow during the whisky portion. You’ll likely taste more than one product, and your best flavors come when you’re calm and paying attention.

Vor gin tasting: pot distillation and botanicals you can pick out

Next up is Vor, their premium pot distilled gin. Gin can be tricky for casual drinkers because people often expect a predictable flavor. The tour’s value is that you get help separating the idea of gin from what it tastes like in this specific bottle.

The tour frames the gin in the context of handcrafted ingredients made from native herbs and botanicals (the same approach is referenced across their spirits). That matters because it explains why the gin doesn’t just taste like generic juniper.

If you’re wondering what to focus on: start with the aroma first, then take a small sip, then let the finish settle. The guide’s explanations tend to connect those tasting steps to what pot distillation does to the final spirit.

Víti Brennivín: the traditional Iceland bottle you’ll remember

The third tasting is Víti, an old style Icelandic Brennivín. This is the one that feels most “local” on the table, because Brennivín is traditionally tied to Icelandic drinking culture.

The tour highlights that it’s handcrafted from native herbs and botanicals, which is a big clue for what you’ll experience. Instead of tasting an international standard, you’re tasting a drink shaped by Iceland’s ingredient choices.

Candid reality check: Brennivín can be an acquired taste. But that’s also why the tour is worth considering. You don’t have to buy a bottle blindly later. You taste it with context, then decide if it fits your palate.

Guides, stories, and the Q&A that makes the room click

This tour’s energy comes from the person guiding you. Multiple guides show up in the reviews by name, including Rock, Jon, and Richie, and the common thread is a mix of clear explanation and a fun, story-forward style.

What I like about this setup is that it keeps the tour from becoming a checklist of samples. The guide explains the process, but also shares the spirit-history and brand growth story of Eimverk as it’s built over time. One review called out a scientific “mechanics of tasting” approach, which is exactly what you want if you’re not sure how to taste like a pro.

During the Q&A, don’t be shy. If you care about whisky, ask how they think about their flavor goals. If gin is your interest, ask about the botanicals approach. And if Brennivín pulled you in, ask what makes it different from other aquavits you might have tried elsewhere. The small group size gives you a better chance of getting a real answer, not a rushed one.

Price and value: why $47.50 can feel like a bargain

The price is $47.50 per person, with an average booking window around 29 days in advance. For a short tour, that’s not “cheap,” but it’s often a fair value in Iceland because what’s included is meaningful.

In the included list you get:

• guided tour through the distillery
• tastings of Flóki, Vor, and Víti
• Q&A with an Eimverk team member
• alcohol included

So the price isn’t just paying for entry. You’re paying for time, interpretation, and multiple tastings in a setting designed for tasting. If you’ve ever bought a single cocktail at a Reykjavík bar and then wished you’d gotten context and more variety, this is the better deal.

If you’re traveling with someone who drinks differently than you do—whisky lover vs. gin person vs. Brennivín curious—this tour also “splits the difference.” You’re not forced into one product.

Getting there from Reykjavík: timing, transport, and an easy evening

The meeting point is Lyngás 13, 210 Garðabær, and the tour ends back at the starting point. You’re looking at a trip just outside Reykjavík, and reviews repeatedly suggest it’s manageable as a short drive or even by bus, depending on how you plan your day.

Here’s the practical part: pick your transport early. One clear tip from reviews is not to drive yourself and to use a taxi instead. That’s sensible because you’ll be drinking throughout the tour, and you’ll want the evening to stay relaxed.

Also pay attention to start time. This tour is scheduled for 4:00 pm, which is perfect as a late afternoon activity. It works as either your first real stop after sightseeing or as a final activity the day before you leave.

Who should book this tour (and who might skip it)

This is ideal if you:

• want a break from standard sightseeing with a genuinely Iceland-flavored topic
• enjoy learning through tasting, not just watching
• like small-group activities where the guide can talk to you directly
• want whisky, gin, and Brennivín in one guided session

You might skip it if:

• you don’t drink alcohol or you’re not comfortable with a tasting-focused itinerary
• you want a longer tour (this one is short by design)
• you prefer large, go-at-your-own-pace museum-style visits

Quick FAQ (based on the tour details)

FAQ

What is the duration of the Eimverk Distillery tour?

It runs about 1 hour 10 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 4:00 pm, and the experience mentions there’s a choice of two start times.

What do I get for the price?

The tour includes a guided distillery visit and tastings of Flóki whisky, Vor gin, and Víti Brennivín, plus alcoholic beverages and a Q&A with an Eimverk team member.

How much does it cost?

The price is $47.50 per person.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Lyngás 13, 210 Garðabær, Iceland.

Is there a group size limit?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What are the cancellation rules?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

Should you book Eimverk Distillery now?

Yes—if you want a short, guided, Iceland-specific activity that mixes production stories with real tastings. The value is strongest when you like learning and you’re curious about how Icelandic inputs show up in whisky, gin, and Brennivín.

Book it especially if you’re building a Reykjavík day and want something that isn’t another viewpoint. And if you’re drinking-minded, plan on not driving yourself, because the tastings are part of the point and the evening should stay easy.

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