Reykjavik: Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting

Iceland’s first whiskey is a young tradition, and Eimverk’s 75-minute tour gives you a close look at how a small Reykjavik distillery has built it from the ground up. You hear about the company’s story, follow the production process, and taste Flóki whiskey, Vor gin, and Víti Brennivín.

I like the personal, question-friendly format and the chance to compare different Icelandic spirits rather than just hear a talk about them. I also like that the tour connects distilling with Icelandic ingredients and the country’s history. One consideration: the distillery is outside central Reykjavik, so you’ll need to plan the bus ride or pay for a taxi.

• A local spirit-making story: Learn how Eimverk set out to produce whiskey in Iceland, where the tradition is relatively new.
• A look behind the labels: See the production facility and follow the process from barley harvesting to finished spirit.
• Three named pours: The tasting includes Flóki whiskey, Vor Premium Gin, and Víti Brennivín. The range of samples can vary.
• More than a quick sip: The tasting is a major part of the experience, with time to compare styles and ask questions.
• A little planning helps: Take bus 1 from downtown to Ásgarður, then walk about eight minutes, or arrange a taxi.
• Adults only: The tour is for ages 18 and up, and food is not included.

Why Eimverk’s Icelandic spirits make a good Reykjavik stop

A distillery visit can be a welcome change of pace from Reykjavik’s museums, shops, and busy main streets. At Eimverk, the focus is not grand architecture or a long-established whiskey heritage. It’s the story of a local producer working out how to make premium spirits in Iceland, and what the country’s ingredients and conditions can bring to the glass.

That makes this tour most appealing if you’re curious about how a product is made, not just keen to drink it. You’ll hear about the company’s development and the history of spirit making in Iceland, then see the production area and taste the results. The guide is central to the experience: guides named in tour accounts include Rock, Paul, Eva, and Niko, with the tone described as both informative and relaxed.

I’d think of this as a small-scale, hands-on introduction rather than a formal lecture. You can ask questions throughout, compare flavors, and talk through what you’re tasting. If you’re not a regular whiskey or gin drinker, that personal approach can help you make sense of the differences instead of feeling you need a trained palate.

A welcome drink sets the tone

The tour begins with an introduction to Eimverk and a welcome drink. That first moment gives the guide a chance to explain what the distillery makes and how the tasting will work. It also eases you into the subject before the more technical details begin.

The atmosphere can be quite personal, especially when the group is small. Some tour groups have been just a handful of people, and on quieter dates you might find yourself with only one or two others. A smaller group gives you more room to ask follow-up questions and share your own impressions. Group size can vary, so don’t count on a private visit.

Your guide may explain how to taste a spirit and what to notice, then introduce the distillery’s products in context. Past tasting sessions have included a welcome gin and tonic and more samples than the three named spirits, but the exact selection can vary. Treat the three listed spirits as the core expectation, not a promise of a particular number of pours.

Icelandic whiskey is a young story

The history section gives the tasting a useful frame. Iceland does not have centuries of whiskey production to draw on, so Eimverk’s story is about creating a new local tradition: deciding what to make, how to make it, and how to build a product that speaks to its setting.

You’ll hear how the company developed its whiskey and gin, along with some of the challenges of running a distillery in Iceland. The conversation also touches on Icelandic history, including the effects of prohibition. That broader context is part of what makes this more than a series of samples: you get a sense of why local spirit making developed as it did.

Eimverk aims to use Icelandic ingredients where possible, a point that adds meaning to the process discussion. You’ll hear about barley and its role in production, as well as the choices behind the spirits. Don’t expect a long survey of every chapter in Iceland’s drinking history. The focus is on the distillery and its products, with national context woven into the explanation.

The tasting is about comparison, not just quantity

The named spirits give you three different places to start. Flóki is Eimverk’s whiskey, Vor is its premium gin, and Víti is a type of Icelandic brennivín. Tasting them in one visit lets you notice how ingredients, production choices, and style shape the final drink.

The session is often described as generous, and some tastings have included a wider selection of the distillery’s spirits. You might get several whiskey or gin variations to compare, though the exact number and lineup are not guaranteed. The guide explains what you’re trying and may offer pointers for picking out aromas and flavors. You don’t need to know the vocabulary in advance; asking what makes one pour different from another is part of the fun.

There are also some more unusual expressions in Eimverk’s range. One example mentioned in accounts of the tour is a whiskey smoked with sheep dung, a traditional fuel in parts of Iceland. It’s an unusual detail, and a good reminder that the tasting can venture beyond familiar styles. Availability of any particular bottle or sample can change, so don’t book solely for one specialty spirit.

A practical word of advice: eat before you go. Food is not included, and a tasting can involve more pours than the three products named in the tour description. If you want to enjoy the flavors and still make your way back comfortably, plan your meal and transport with the tasting in mind.

The production room explains what the glass can’t

After the first part of the tasting, you head into the production facility. This is where the process moves from an idea in the tasting room to the equipment and work behind the bottle. You’ll hear about the steps from barley harvesting through production to the finished spirit, and you’ll have the chance to take photos in the facility.

The walk-through is especially useful if you’re interested in craft production. Instead of treating a bottle as a finished mystery, you can connect what you’ve just tasted with the decisions involved in making it. The guide can explain how the distillery’s products developed and how the process differs between spirits.

Keep expectations realistic about the scale. This is a working distillery tour, not a visit to a large museum with a long exhibit route. The production area is one part of a compact 75-minute experience, and the tasting takes up much of the visit. If you want a detailed technical course in distillation, you may want more time; if you want a clear, engaging introduction, the balance should suit you.

A second round brings the visit back to the glass

After the production area, you return to the tasting room for the second half of the samples. The guide continues with explanations and stories, and you can compare impressions with the rest of the group. That back-and-forth is part of the appeal: a tasting feels less like a sales pitch when you can ask questions and talk about what you do or don’t like.

The spirits are available for purchase at the distillery shop, and some people choose bottles or small souvenirs such as branded glasses. If you’re flying with only hand luggage, a full-size bottle may be awkward to take home. One option noted by visitors is to look for Eimverk bottles at the airport duty-free shop, though stock and prices can change.

You don’t need to be a whiskey fan to get something from the session. Gin drinkers have plenty to explore, and the brennivín gives you another Icelandic style to consider. Even if you usually prefer wine or beer, the guide’s explanations and the chance to compare samples can make the tasting worthwhile. Just remember that this remains a spirits-focused activity, with no food included.

Getting to Ásgarður without a costly taxi

The distillery is not in central Reykjavik, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. Public transit is a practical option: take bus 1 from downtown Reykjavik to Ásgarður, then walk about eight minutes. The bus has been described as easy and inexpensive, but check the current route and departure times for your visit.

A taxi is another option, especially if you’re traveling as a group or want to avoid figuring out the return trip after the tasting. Taxi costs can be high: one account describes a fare of about £40 each way from Reykjavik. That figure is not a fixed fare, but it underlines why it’s worth checking the cost before you set off.

Give yourself time to find the entrance and confirm the meeting details before leaving town. The distillery’s location has been straightforward for some people and less obvious for others. If you arrive by car, parking has been used directly in front of the entrance, though you should follow any current instructions from the provider.

Is $48 good value for 75 minutes?

At $48 per person, this is not a cheap drink, but you’re paying for a guided visit, a look at the production facility, and tastings of three premium spirits. The value improves if you’re interested in how the products are made and the story behind Icelandic whiskey. The experience combines a short tour with a substantial tasting, rather than charging you simply for a quick sample.

The main uncertainty is the tasting lineup. Some sessions have included many more pours than the three listed, while others may focus on a different range. I’d see any extra samples as a bonus rather than a guarantee. If your main aim is to taste one specific bottle, check what’s available before booking.

The tour lasts 75 minutes, and starting times depend on availability. It is wheelchair accessible, offered in English and Icelandic, and not suitable for children under 18. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help keep your plans flexible.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I’d put Eimverk on the list for whiskey and gin fans, people interested in small producers, and anyone who likes learning how a local product comes together. It also works well as an indoor activity while you’re in Reykjavik, especially if you want a change from sightseeing around town.

You don’t have to be an expert or even a committed spirits drinker. The guide-led format helps you follow the process, and the variety gives you a chance to find a style you like. But if you don’t drink alcohol, are traveling with children, or want an activity that includes a meal, this is not the right fit.

Should you book the Eimverk tour?

Book it if you want a personal introduction to Icelandic spirit making, enjoy guided tastings, or are curious about Flóki whiskey and the distillery behind it. The combination of company history, production-room access, and a chance to compare spirits makes good use of the 75 minutes.

Before booking, decide how you’ll get there and plan to eat beforehand. Take bus 1 to Ásgarður and walk eight minutes, or check taxi costs if convenience matters more than price. If you’re comfortable with those details, Eimverk offers a distinctive way to spend part of a Reykjavik visit, with a local story you won’t get from simply ordering a drink at a bar.

FAQ

How long is the Eimverk Distillery tour?

The tour lasts 75 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $48 per person.

Which spirits are included in the tasting?

The named spirits are Flóki whiskey, Vor Premium Gin, and Víti Brennivín. The exact range of samples can vary.

How do I get to the distillery by bus?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is the tour suitable for children?

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

What languages is the tour offered in?

The live guide speaks English and Icelandic.