Reykjavík: Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience

Summary

Reykjavík’s craft whisky, smoky secrets and family stories

You’ll step into Reykjavík’s Eimverk Distillery for an intimate look at how Flóki whisky is crafted from local barley—yes, including sheep dung smoking! Taste multiple spirits as your guide shares family stories and Viking history. Expect laughter over pronunciation attempts, earthy aromas, and genuine warmth that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I wasn’t sure what to expect from a whisky distillery in Reykjavík. Maybe something cold and clinical? Instead, the place felt almost like someone’s big kitchen, with barley smells drifting in the air and our guide (Árni, whose family actually runs Eimverk) waving us over as soon as we stepped inside. He grinned when he caught me eyeing the copper stills — “We’re not Scottish, but we do things our own way,” he said. The warmth inside was such a contrast to the wind outside that my glasses fogged up for a second.

We started with the basics: how Flóki whisky is made from 100% Icelandic barley grown on their own farm. Árni handed us some of the dried barley to smell — it was earthy and sweet, nothing like what I’ve sniffed at breweries back home. Then came the part I didn’t see coming: sheep dung smoking. Yes, really. He explained how it’s an old Icelandic method for preserving food and now gives one of their whiskies this wild, peaty edge. The scent was subtle but kind of lingered on my sleeve after I held it up close (not complaining). Someone in our group tried to pronounce “brennivín” and got a laugh out of Árni — apparently none of us have the right accent.

The tasting itself was woven through the tour instead of saved for last, which I liked — it kept things relaxed. We tried several expressions of Flóki whisky (my favorite had this surprising hint of honey), plus their Vor Gin and Víti Brennivín with all these local botanicals that honestly tasted like Iceland in a glass. There were little stories about Viking explorers and how grain farming nearly vanished here until families like theirs brought it back. At one point, I caught myself just staring at the light on those rows of barrels while everyone else chatted — you know when you feel quietly lucky to be somewhere?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour and tasting at Flóki Distillery

• Arrive at Eimverk Distillery
• Learn about Icelandic barley and whisky
• See traditional sheep dung smoking process
• Visit production area and pot distillation
• Taste Flóki whisky, Vor Gin, and Víti Brennivín
• Hear stories of Icelandic grain farming

Top questions

How long is the Flóki Whisky Distillery tour in Reykjavík?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but most small-group distillery tours typically last around 1–1.5 hours.

Is there a tasting included in the Eimverk Distillery tour?

Yes, guided tastings of multiple Flóki whiskies, Vor Gin, and Víti Brennivín are included during the tour.

Is transportation provided to Eimverk Distillery?

No hotel pickup is included; however, public transportation options are available nearby.

Are children allowed on the Flóki whisky tour?

The minimum legal drinking age in Iceland is 20; children or infants are not recommended unless arranged in advance by email.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces at Eimverk Distillery are wheelchair accessible.

Can I buy spirits or gifts at the distillery?

Yes, access to the distillery shop is included where you can purchase spirits and gifts.

What spirits will I taste besides Flóki whisky?

You’ll also taste Vor Gin and Víti Brennivín—both made using traditional methods and native botanicals.

Who leads the distillery tours?

Tours are led by expert members of the Eimverk team—often family members involved in production.

What’s included

Your visit includes a Q&A session with an Eimverk team member who guides you through all production areas, tastings of several expressions of Flóki whisky plus Vor Gin and Víti Brennivín (all made from local ingredients), entry to their shop for spirits or souvenirs, and a take-home brochure filled with product info and Icelandic history before you head out into Reykjavík again.