Whiskey fans, this one’s for you. Eimverk Distillery is Iceland’s first and only whiskey distillery, and this tour trades typical sightseeing for hands-on spirits and a quick look at how the drinks get made. It’s a compact experience with multiple tastings, plus story time from the people running the place.

I love the tasting lineup most: Flóki whisky, Vor gin, and Víti Brennivín all show up in one visit. I also like how the guide balances fun with practical details, including a look at the distilling process and a real Q&A with the Eimverk team. One drawback to plan for: transportation isn’t included, so you’ll want a taxi or bus plan to get there smoothly.

Key Points You’ll Care About Before You Go

• Iceland’s only whiskey distillery makes this a rare stop, not a copycat tour
• One tight schedule (about 1 hour 10 minutes) with multiple tastings included
• Three spirits, three styles: whisky, gin, and traditional Brennivín
• Small group size (max 10) keeps the Q&A from feeling rushed
• Late-afternoon start gives you an easy evening plan from Reykjavík
• Mobile ticket helps you move fast on arrival

Why Eimverk Is a Whiskey Curveball in Iceland

Most people expect Iceland to be all waterfalls and windswept views. That’s great. But if you want one stop that feels different, Eimverk is a smart left turn. You’ll be in a real production setting, not a museum glass case, and the whole focus is on Icelandic spirits made with local ingredients and old-school techniques.

What makes this tour especially appealing is the mix of whisky + gin + Brennivín. Icelandic Brennivín alone can be a curiosity for newcomers. Then you add the whisky angle—something Iceland is still building a reputation for—and suddenly you get variety without having to bounce all over the country.

The experience is also built for people who don’t want a long day. With about 1 hour 10 minutes on the clock, you can fit it into a busy itinerary without sacrificing your evening.

The Tastings: Flóki, Vor, and Víti (What You Actually Drink)

The tour is set up so you sample the distillery’s main lineup, and you don’t just get handed a glass and sent on your way. You’ll learn what you’re tasting and why the flavors come out the way they do.

Here’s what’s included:

• Flóki whisky: the distillery’s Icelandic whisky, made from Icelandic barley
• Vor gin: a premium pot-distilled gin, crafted with native herbs and botanicals
• Víti Brennivín: an older-style Icelandic Brennivín, also made with native herbs and botanicals

I like this format because it covers three different “DNA” types of spirit. Whisky is about grain and aging (even if you’re not aging inside the building during the tour). Gin leans hard on botanicals. Brennivín brings in a traditional profile that helps you understand what Iceland drinks look like beyond beer and wine.

One practical note: since this is a tasting with multiple alcoholic pours, you’ll want to treat the tour like a tasting night, not a quick drink stop. If you’re planning dinner nearby, pick something easy and slow.

Inside the 1h10 Distillery Tour Flow

The tour is straightforward, but it’s not just a walk through a hallway. You get guided time in the distillery, structured tastings, and a mid-tour look at production.

You’ll start at the distillery location, meet your guide, and begin with tastings tied directly to what you’re seeing and hearing. The tour runs for about an hour 10 minutes, so pacing stays tight: there’s time to learn, but not so much that you feel stuck waiting for the next pour.

A standout moment is the distilling process walkthrough midway. That’s where the tour stops being only about flavors and turns into “how did they get there?” You’ll also get the context behind how the distillery builds Icelandic spirits—from what goes into the base ingredients to how herbs and botanicals shape the final character.

You’ll finish with Q&A with a member of the Eimverk team. Since the group is capped at 10 travelers, you’re more likely to get direct answers instead of quick nods to questions from the back row. It’s a small touch, but it turns the tour from a monologue into a conversation.

Guides, Stories, and Why the Tasting Lesson Matters

Good tasting tours do two things: they explain what you’re tasting and they help you taste it better. This one aims for both. Even if you’re new to whisky or gin, you’re not expected to know the “right” words. The guide-led tastings are paired with clear explanations and comparisons across the spirits you try.

What I find especially fun (and useful) is the way the tour relies on storytelling, not lecture mode. Guides named Richie, Rock, and Jon show up in the experience history with a consistent vibe: funny, engaged, and willing to keep the mood light while still walking you through the production steps.

There’s also an angle that I think many people underestimate: you don’t just drink, you learn a simple way to approach tasting. One review-style highlight was a tasting start that felt like a practical lesson—basically teaching you how to notice differences, not just which drink you like best. That means you’ll leave with more than a buzz; you’ll leave with a better sense of why one spirit hits differently than another.

If you’re the kind of person who buys bottles at home and wonders what makes each one taste different, this tour gives you a real framework—fast.

Getting There From Reykjavík Without Stress

Transportation is the one thing you have to handle on your own. The tour includes the admission and tastings, but not transport to or from the distillery. That matters because Eimverk is outside central Reykjavík, and late-day timing can make “let’s just wing it” a little risky.

I’d plan one of these:

• Taxi if you want the simplest door-to-door option
• Public bus if you’re comfortable with schedules and walking from stops

A practical suggestion: don’t treat this like a drive-yourself outing. Alcohol is part of the deal, and you’ll want your head clear for tasting notes and questions. If you’re staying in Reykjavík, set yourself up so the only thing you’re focused on is getting to the meeting point feeling relaxed.

Speaking of meeting points: you’ll meet at Lyngás 13, 210 Garðabær and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Price and Value for $47.50

At $47.50 per person, this isn’t a “grab a drink and move on” price. But it also doesn’t pretend to be an all-day big-ticket tour. For what you get—guided tour, admission, three spirit tastings (whisky, gin, Brennivín), and Q&A—the value is solid, especially if alcohol tastings are part of your Iceland plan.

Why the math works:

• You’re paying for guided time in a real distillery plus structured tastings
• Multiple alcoholic beverages are included, so you’re not paying separately for each pour
• The experience is capped at 10 travelers, which keeps the whole thing from feeling crowded
• It’s short enough to be a “one-stop splurge,” not a whole itinerary commitment

Also, because it’s booked about 29 days in advance on average, it tends to fill up when people are planning their Reykjavík evenings. If you’re serious about going, book earlier rather than gambling on availability.

In plain terms: if you like tasting tours and you want an Iceland-specific spin on spirits, this price makes sense. If you hate alcohol tastings or want a zero-drinking experience, it may not be the best fit.

Should You Book the Eimverk Distillery Visit?

Book it if you want a genuine Iceland add-on that isn’t just another bus ride with photos. I’d especially recommend it if you’re curious about Icelandic whisky, want to compare gin vs whisky vs Brennivín, and like tours where the guide tells stories and explains what’s going on. The small group size and the Q&A also make it feel more personal than a big group stop.

Skip it if you’re trying to avoid alcohol completely, or if you don’t want the hassle of getting to the distillery on your own. Since transportation isn’t included and the tour includes multiple tastings, you’ll need a sensible plan for getting there—and getting back.

If your schedule allows a late afternoon slot, this is a great way to make your Reykjavík area feel more like Iceland and less like a checklist.

FAQ

How long is the Eimverk Distillery visit?

The tour lasts about 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.). The distillery time is the main activity, including tastings and the guided walkthrough.

What does the tour cost?

It’s $47.50 per person.

What’s included in the tasting?

The tour includes tastings of Flóki whisky, Vor gin, and Víti Brennivín. You also get a guided distillery tour, admission, and a Q&A with a team member.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You’ll meet at Lyngás 13, 210 Garðabær, Iceland. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

A start time listed is 4:00 pm, and the tour offers two start times to fit your schedule.

Is transportation to and from the distillery included?

No. Transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there and back.

How many people are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.