Breweries & Distilleries
Icelandic craft beer and spirits — places, beers and stories
Breweries
Bruggsmiðjan
Iceland's first modern craft brewery (2006), located at Árskógssandur near Dalvík. Beer named after a Norse princess.
Gæðingur
IPA and stout, wide range. Winner of many awards. MicroBar taproom in Kópavogur.
Borg Brugghús
In partnership with Egils Skallagrímsson. Surtur (rye IPA) is nationally known.
Ölvisholt
Small-batch brewery in an old dairy farm near Selfoss. Lava (smoked IPA) is the best-known beer.
Segull 67
Family-run brewery in a restored herring factory in Siglufjörður. Seafood-themed beers.
Smiðjan Brugghús
Brewery and restaurant in Vík. Known for BBQ and beer.
KHB Brugghús
Remote brewery in Borgarfjörður eystri. Specializes in Czech-style pilsner.
The Brothers Brewery
Brewery in the Westman Islands with a taproom and wide range.
Ægir Brugghús
Founded 2017 at Grandi in Reykjavík. Ægir 220 is a taproom in Hafnarfjörður.
Austri Brugghús
Small microbrewery in Egilsstaðir. Beers named after East Iceland landscapes.
Information on Icelandic craft breweries is based on data from handverksbrugghus.is — the association of Icelandic craft breweries.
Distilleries
Brennivín (Caraway)
Black death — national drink, flavored with caraway seeds. Eaten with shark.
Google MapsBeer styles
- IPAHoppy, most popular in modern brewing.
- Stout / PorterDark, roasted malt. Popular in winter.
- SourSour and fruity, growing in popularity.
- LagerLight and crisp, classic Icelandic beer.
Beer ban 1915–1989
Prohibition began in Iceland in 1915. Wine was legalised in 1922 and spirits in 1935, but beer over 2.25% stayed banned until March 1, 1989 — "Beer Day".
That's why Icelandic craft beer is young but flourishing. Beer Day (March 1) is celebrated.
Vínbúðin (state alcohol store) has the monopoly on all alcohol over 2.25%, including beer. Hours are limited — closed Sundays and after 20:00 on weekdays. Beer under 2.25% is sold in grocery stores.
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