Eimverk Distillery Visit

Iceland’s first and only whiskey distillery offers a different kind of sightseeing: a close look at how local barley becomes Flóki whisky, along with tastings of Vor gin and Víti Brennivín. The visit is small, relaxed, and centered on the people making the spirits rather than on a grand display.

I like the chance to compare three very different Icelandic drinks in one sitting, and I like the way the tour connects each glass to its ingredients and production. The guides, including Richie, Jon, and Rock on different visits, are praised for humor, stories, and clear explanations. The main drawback is transport: your ticket does not include a ride, and you should not drive after the tasting.

Key points at a glance

• Iceland’s only whiskey distillery: Eimverk gives you a look at a young but ambitious local spirit maker.
• Three distinct tastings: Try Flóki whisky, Vor pot-distilled gin, and Víti, an old-style Icelandic Brennivín.
• Small-group setting: The experience has a maximum of 10 people, which leaves room for questions and conversation.
• About 60 to 70 minutes: It fits neatly into an afternoon or evening in the Reykjavík area.
• Guides add personality: Richie, Jon, and Rock are among the guides praised for funny stories and engaging presentations.
• Bring a transport plan: The distillery is at Lyngás 13 in Garðabær, and transport to and from the site is not included.

Why Eimverk is worth your time

Most visitors come to Iceland for waterfalls, lava fields, hot pools, and coastal views. Eimverk gives you a chance to understand a less obvious part of the country: its growing craft-drinks scene.

The distillery began with an unusual challenge. Iceland is not an established whiskey-producing nation, so Eimverk has had to create its own identity rather than copy a famous Scottish or Irish model. The tour explains how Icelandic barley is used in the process and how local herbs and botanicals shape the gin and Brennivín.

That context matters. You are not simply being handed three drinks and told whether they taste good. You learn what the producers are trying to achieve and why the spirits are distinct. If you enjoy food and drink tours that explain the work behind the finished product, this visit offers more substance than a simple tasting room stop.

I also like the scale of the place. Eimverk is not presented as a huge industrial operation. The smaller setting makes the discussion feel personal, especially when the guide takes time to answer questions. Several guides have been described as funny, warm, and willing to slow down rather than rush through a script.

Walking through the one-hour distillery visit

The visit takes place at Eimverk Distillery, at Lyngás 13 in Garðabær. The listed tour length is about one hour, while the overall experience is described as roughly one hour and 10 minutes. I would set aside at least 70 minutes so you are not hurrying to your next plan.

The tour starts with an introduction to the distillery and its spirits. You learn about the company’s development and the work involved in producing alcohol from Icelandic ingredients. The presentation is not just about machinery. It also explains the choices behind the products, including the use of Icelandic barley for whisky and native herbs and botanicals in the gin and Brennivín.

At some point during the visit, the guide shows you the distilling process. This is one of the most useful parts for anyone who has visited a brewery or winery and wants to understand how a distillery differs. You get a practical explanation of how raw ingredients are handled and transformed into a finished spirit.

The tastings are worked into the presentation rather than treated as a separate event at the end. That approach helps you connect the explanation to what is in your glass. A tasting lesson may also cover the mechanics of tasting, giving you a simple way to notice aroma, texture, flavor, and finish across different spirits.

The mood is informal. Guides have used stories, jokes, and even a little theatrical flair to keep the hour lively. That matters because production details can become technical. A good guide makes the process easier to follow without stripping away the interesting parts.

Flóki whisky, Vor gin, and Víti Brennivín

The three core tastings give the visit its shape.

Flóki whisky is Iceland’s first and only whisky, according to the tour description. Its identity begins with Icelandic barley, and the guide explains the steps taken to turn that grain into whisky. If you usually drink Scotch, Irish whiskey, bourbon, or another established style, you will find the comparison useful because Flóki comes from a different starting point and a newer whisky tradition.

The whisky is the obvious focus for many people, but do not treat the other two samples as filler. Vor gin is a premium pot-distilled gin made with native herbs and botanicals. Its inclusion shows how Eimverk uses local plant flavors in a spirit that may be more familiar to you than Icelandic whisky.

Then comes Víti Brennivín, described as an old-style Icelandic Brennivín. Brennivín is one of Iceland’s traditional spirits, and tasting it alongside whisky and gin gives you a quick lesson in how different production methods and botanical choices shape a drink.

The tasting is generous enough to let you compare the products, but you should still remember that this is a short tour rather than a full evening of drinking. Pace yourself, especially if you have dinner, another activity, or a return journey afterward.

Guides who make the difference

The strongest part of the experience is often the guide. Richie has been praised for making explanations easy to follow while adding plenty of humor. Jon has been noted as a good storyteller who keeps the group involved, and Rock has been described as personable and well informed.

Guide assignments can change, so you should not book expecting one particular person. Still, these descriptions point to the kind of presentation Eimverk aims for: conversational, funny, and practical rather than stiff.

I especially like that the tour leaves room for questions. The included question-and-answer time lets you ask about the distilling process, the spirits themselves, or the challenge of building a whisky brand in Iceland. This is more useful than a presentation where you simply move from one station to the next.

The small maximum of 10 people helps. A group that size is easier to manage around equipment and makes it more realistic to ask a question without holding up a large crowd. One account described a larger group, but the stated maximum for the activity is 10, so that is the figure I would use when planning.

Is the $47.50 price fair?

At $47.50 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in the Reykjavík area. You are paying for a guided production visit, three alcoholic tastings, access to a small facility, and a chance to ask questions directly.

For someone who only wants to sip whisky, the price may feel high compared with buying a drink at a bar. The value improves if you care about how spirits are made and want a local experience that is not a standard city attraction. You are also trying three different products, not just one sample of Flóki.

The price makes the most sense for whisky fans, gin drinkers, people interested in Icelandic food culture, and anyone looking for a relaxed afternoon activity after several busy day trips. It is less compelling for visitors who do not drink alcohol or who would rather spend their limited time outdoors.

You may also want to buy a bottle or merchandise after the tour. One visitor particularly liked a Eimverk hoodie, and others left with bottles of their favorite spirits. Purchases are not included in the admission price, so treat them as optional souvenirs rather than part of the tour value.

Getting to Garðabær from Reykjavík

Eimverk is at Lyngás 13, 210 Garðabær, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. Transportation is not included.

The distillery is described as a short drive from Reykjavík. One person found it easy to reach by bus, while another advised taking a taxi because driving is not sensible after a tasting. The practical lesson is simple: check your route before booking and arrange your return in advance.

Do not plan to be the driver for this activity. You will sample whisky, gin, and Brennivín, and the tour is designed as an alcohol tasting rather than a demonstration where you merely smell the products.

The start time supplied for the activity is 4:00 p.m., and the tour information also refers to a choice of two start times. Confirm the exact option shown when you book. An afternoon or early evening visit works well as a final activity after sightseeing, and the one-hour format leaves room for a meal afterward.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend Eimverk to you if you enjoy learning through tasting. It suits people who want a closer look at Icelandic production, rather than another landmark viewed from the outside.

It is especially good for:

• Whisky drinkers who want to try an Icelandic style.
• Gin fans interested in local herbs and botanicals.
• Anyone curious about Brennivín and Icelandic drinking traditions.
• Couples and small groups who prefer a friendly, low-key activity.
• Visitors with a free afternoon near Reykjavík.
• People who enjoy guides with humor and personal stories.

You do not need to be a spirit expert. The tasting format begins with basic explanations, and the guide can help you compare the drinks. If you already know a lot about whisky, you may appreciate the local angle and the chance to ask detailed questions.

This is not the best choice if you dislike alcohol, need a fully guided round-trip transfer, or want a large museum-style attraction with many rooms and displays. It is a focused visit to one distillery.

Practical details before you book

Your confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience uses a mobile ticket. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed.

The stated meeting point is Lyngás 13, Garðabær. The tour returns there, so do not assume you will be dropped in central Reykjavík afterward.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off is based on local Icelandic time. This matters if your Iceland schedule is still shifting, so check your dates carefully before confirming. One booking problem came from selecting the wrong date, with no later change possible.

Because the experience includes alcohol, allow extra time after the tasting rather than scheduling a demanding activity immediately afterward. The tour itself is short, but your transport and meal plans need to account for the drinks.

Should you book Eimverk Distillery?

Book it if you want an easy-to-follow introduction to Icelandic spirits and enjoy tasting with a story attached. The combination of Flóki whisky, Vor gin, and Víti Brennivín gives you a useful range, while the small group and lively guides make the hour feel personal.

I would place it on an afternoon when you are already near Reykjavík or Garðabær, especially near the end of your trip when a slower activity sounds appealing. Just arrange transportation before you go, and do not drive yourself after the tasting.

Skip it if you are not interested in alcohol or if your Iceland schedule is packed with outdoor excursions. For everyone else, Eimverk offers a thoughtful change of pace and a chance to see Iceland as a place that is not only enjoying imported spirits, but also making its own.

FAQ

Where is Eimverk Distillery located?

Eimverk Distillery is at Lyngás 13, 210 Garðabær, Iceland.

How long does the tour last?

The distillery visit takes about one hour, with the overall experience listed at approximately one hour and 10 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The supplied meeting information lists a 4:00 p.m. start. The experience also refers to a choice of two start times, so check the available option when booking.

What drinks are included?

The tasting includes Flóki whisky, Vor gin, and Víti Brennivín. Alcoholic beverages are included in the experience.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to and from the distillery is not included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 10 participants.

Is the tour suitable for most people?

Yes. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.