Celebrating Local and Family-Owned Distilleries of Iceland

Top 5 Personal Picks from the Sleipnir Team

Table of Content:

1. Introduction
2. Jökla Cream Liqueur - A Family's Dream in a Bottle

3. Eimverk Distillery’s Flóki - Iceland's First Whiskey:

4. Foss Distillery’s Birkir Snaps - A Taste of Icelandic Forests:

5. Ólafsson Gin - Nature in a Bottle:

6. Himbrimi Gin - Crafted with Care in Iceland

7. Conclusion

1. Introduction

In Iceland, a land of stunning natural beauty, there's a world of unique spirits waiting to be discovered. These drinks are not just about taste; they're a part of Iceland's culture. Made by local, often family-owned distilleries, each bottle tells a story of tradition, love for the land, and a touch of innovation. Join us as we explore some of Iceland's best-kept secrets in the world of spirits.

2. Jökla Cream Liqueur - A Family's Dream in a Bottle

Jökla Cream Liqueur is our highlight and proudly tops our list. We have carefully chosen this liqueur for its exceptional quality and offer tastings during our warm season glacier tour filled with exhilarating activities. Jökla is not just a creamy, dreamy drink; it's a showcase of Iceland's finest dairy. This family-created liqueur is a labor of love, born from the innovative spirit of Pétur Pétursson and Sigríður Sigurðardóttir. Inspired by a visit to an Italian dairy farm, Pétur was driven to create Iceland's first cream liqueur, a blend of rich cream, smooth chocolate, and a hint of sweet licorice.


Jökla stands out for its commitment to sustainability, using premium Icelandic milk ingredients that would otherwise be discarded, resulting in a high-quality product without thickeners. It's not only a delicious treat; it's a celebration of family values, hard work, and a deep love for Icelandic traditions. The name Jökla, inspired by a powerful and beautiful glacial river in Iceland, signifies purity and strength. This liqueur has been well-received both in Iceland and abroad, especially for its excellent taste and aftertaste. Jökla is a testament to the unique quality of Icelandic dairy, enhanced by the fresh air, pure water, and locally sourced feed in Iceland. By offering Jökla, we're not just providing a taste of Iceland; we're sharing a story of innovation, tradition, and the passion of a family dedicated to creating something truly special. For more info visit their main page.

source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjokla.com%2F&psig=AOvVaw0Ai7TBGaxl6iO9wlR_4bZ_&ust=1706291684994000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBMQjRxqFwoTCPDG7YaO-YMDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

3. Eimverk Distillery’s Flóki - Iceland's First Whiskey

We then move to Flóki, Iceland's very first whiskey, crafted with pride by the family-owned Eimverk Distillery. This whiskey is special because it's made from barley grown right in Iceland's unique climate. The family behind Flóki has put their hearts into creating a whiskey that captures the spirit of Iceland - rugged, pure, and unforgettable. Every sip tells a story of the family's journey in bringing this first-of-its-kind Icelandic whiskey to life. For more info visit their main page.

source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fyourfriendinreykjavik.com%2Ftour%2Feimverk-distillery-visit%2F&psig=AOvVaw1-bUf9qcZggpVQLlAZk1ir&ust=1706292099689000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBMQjRxqFwoTCNCsycaP-YMDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAH

4. Foss Distillery’s Birkir Snaps - A Taste of Icelandic Forests

Our journey takes us next to Foss Distillery’s Birkir Snaps. Imagine walking through an Icelandic birch forest - that's what Birkir tastes like. This snaps is a labor of love from a family-run distillery, capturing the essence of Iceland's forests. The family at Foss Distillery takes great care in handpicking the best birch to create a drink that's truly a piece of Iceland's natural beauty. For more info visit their main page.

source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fossdistillery.is%2Four-products%2F&psig=AOvVaw2g_rK2io289A26Mo-TRfm5&ust=1706292222669000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBMQjRxqFwoTCNCB_5qQ-YMDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

5. Ólafsson Gin - Nature in a Bottle

Exploring further, we discover Ólafsson Gin. This gin is like a tour of Iceland's wild landscapes in a bottle. Made with unique Icelandic botanicals, including moss and Arctic thyme, it's crafted by a team that has a deep connection with the land. Ólafsson Gin is more than just a drink; it's an experience, bringing the fresh, clean, and vibrant flavors of Iceland's nature to your palate. For more info visit their main page.

source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthe-dots.com%2Fprojects%2Folafsson-gin-shoot-409325&psig=AOvVaw0x2UtQujnIB8wiD0OvIfuQ&ust=1706293000055000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBMQjRxqFwoTCLj61PeS-YMDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

6. Himbrimi Gin - Crafted with Care in Iceland

Lastly, we celebrate Himbrimi Gin. This gin is the result of one person's passion for capturing the wild heart of Iceland. Using local juniper and angelica, it's crafted with the utmost care, reflecting the purity and untouched beauty of the Icelandic wilderness. Each bottle of Himbrimi is a tribute to the wild spirit of Iceland, offering a taste that's as memorable as the island's breathtaking landscapes. For more info visit their main page.

source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharlafied.com%2Farticles%2Fmeet-oskar-ericsson-creator-of-icelandic-himbrimi-gin&psig=AOvVaw1p2MmVPRjo6338mrvMkhbB&ust=1706292821734000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBMQjRxqFwoTCPD25aGS-YMDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAd

7. Conclusion:

These spirits are more than just drinks; they're a journey through the heart and soul of Iceland. They bring to life the stories of the people and the traditions behind them. When you enjoy these spirits, you're not just tasting something unique; you're connecting with the spirit of a land that's like no other.

For those looking to explore these amazing Icelandic spirits, we recommend a visit to the distilleries or checking them out in local stores. Some are even available internationally, bringing the essence of Iceland to people around the world.

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