Eimverk Distillery

Nestled just a 10–15 minute drive from Reykjavík in rural Garðabær, Eimverk Distillery proudly stands as Iceland’s first—and for many years only—whisky distillery, home of the renowned Flóki whisky. Named after the legendary Viking explorer Hrafna‑Flóki, the distillery is a family-run operation founded in 2009 with a bold mission: craft premium spirits using 100% Icelandic ingredients .

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🛠 Origins & Craftsmanship

Rigorous experimentation: Over four years, the Thorkelsson family meticulously refined their process with 163 trial distillations, building their own copper pot stills and formulating the perfect mashbill from locally grown barley .

Custom-built stills & local barley: Every step—from seed to spirit—is rooted in Iceland. The Kría variant of barley, selected for resilience in Iceland’s short summers, imparts sweet maltiness and a distinctive spicy edge .

Maturation in Iceland’s embrace: Maturation occurs in new American oak casks, stored in unheated warehouses near their Bjálmholt farm at the base of Mount Hekla—where angel’s share is naturally regulated .

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🥃 The Flóki Collection

Eimverk’s lineup pays tribute to Icelandic nature and tradition:

1. Flóki Single Malt – Iceland’s maiden 3‑year‑matured single malt. A complex fusion recalling Scotch, Irish, and bourbon styles, with pronounced malt sweetness and spice .

2. Young Malt – A younger expression; aged in first-fill American oak, offering a glimpse of the spirit’s future.

3. Sheep‑Dung‑Smoked Reserve – Using ancient Icelandic techniques, barley is smoked with sheep dung instead of peat, resulting in unique earthy, sweet smoke flavors—a world-first reserve whisky .

4. Icelandic Birch Finish – Aged 3 years in oak and finished in native birch wood casks; delivers floral notes of apple blossom, moss, honey, and a lingering spice and dried fruit finish .

5. Sherry Cask Finish – Finished in Oloroso sherry casks with rich accents of cooked fruit, toffee, gingerbread .

6. Beer Barrel Finish – Finished in stout beer barrels, offering licorice-smooth finish and bold character .

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🌿 Other Artisanal Spirits

Eimverk doesn’t stop at whisky:

Vor Gin – Triple pot-distilled in small batches with native botanicals like crowberry, angelica, and juniper—available in small-batch, navy strength, and barrel-aged editions .

Víti Brennivín – A modern iteration of traditional Icelandic aquavit, combining barley distillate with caraway, licorice, and native herbs .

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🎧 Visitor Experience

Tours at Eimverk are more than just a tasting—they're a journey:

Guided by insiders: Led by knowledgeable hosts, including local personalities like “Ritchie” and Jón the magician, tours weave together Icelandic history, production insights, and warm hospitality .

Immersive tasting: Sample the full range—whiskies, gin, and brennivín—while exploring barrels, stills, and tasting rooms fashioned from whisky casks .

Zero-waste ethos: Spent grains become animal feed and production relies on sustainable geothermal energy sources .

Booking info: Tours run by appointment, last around 1–1.5 hours, and are just a short ride from Reykjavík—details and scheduling available on their website .

Visitor praise: Guests commend the cozy ambience, small-group setup, and storytelling flair. One review calls it “the best distillery tour I’ve been on” .

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🌍 Global Reach & Recognition

Gold at London Spirits Awards 2020 for the flagship Single Malt .

Available worldwide through duty-free and international distributors; sold in 14+ countries .

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🔍 Final Reflections

Eimverk’s Flóki represents more than Iceland's first whisky—it embodies a story of tradition, innovation, and uncompromised authenticity. From barley grown in volcanic soils to sheep-dung smoke and native birch finishes, every bottle is a testament to craftsmanship and place. Whether you're a whisky aficionado or curious traveler, a visit to this tiny distillery offers a profound taste of Iceland's spirit—literally.

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Planning a trip? Reach out to the distillery via email or phone, book ahead, and look forward to exploring a unique corner of Icelandic culture—one dram at a time.