Beer in Iceland: history, traditions and breweries
In Iceland strong beer was banned for 74 years – today the country has a young, lively beer scene.
History
The Vikings who settled Iceland from the 9th century already drank beer. In 1908 Icelanders voted for a total ban on alcohol, which came into force on 1 January 1915.
As early as 1921 the ban was relaxed because of a trade dispute with Spain and Portugal, which wanted to sell their wine to Iceland. In 1933 a majority voted to lift the ban altogether – only beer above 2.25 % ABV remained banned.
In May 1988 parliament decided to allow strong beer again. It became legal on 1 March 1989, and Icelanders have celebrated the day as “Bjórdagur”, Beer Day, ever since.
Since 1989 a lively beer scene has emerged. Small breweries such as Kaldi, Einstök and Borg brew not only lagers but also seasonal beers for Christmas, Easter and the midwinter feast of Þorrablót.
Traditions and drinking culture
During Advent the Christmas beers, “jólabjór”, arrive in the shops. Beer above 2.25 % ABV is sold almost only in the state-run Vínbúðin shops. The toast is “Skál!”.
Fun facts
- Because strong beer was banned, bars in the 1980s mixed light beer with spirits to make “bjórlíki”, a beer substitute – until that was banned too.
- In the north the Kaldi brewery in Árskógssandur runs a beer spa: you bathe in wooden tubs filled with young beer, hops and yeast.
- Iceland’s largest brewery, Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson, is named after a Viking poet from the sagas.
- For the midwinter feast of Þorrablót there are special seasonal beers, “Þorrabjór” – to go with fermented shark and other traditional foods.
- Strong beer was banned in Iceland for almost 75 years, from 1915 to 1989.
Typical beer styles
Beer cities and their stories
Reykjavík
On 1 March 1989 the whole city celebrated the first legal beer in 74 years. It is also home to the Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson brewery, founded in 1913.
Akureyri
This town just south of the Arctic Circle is home to the Einstök brewery, whose beers are exported to many countries.
Árskógssandur
The small Kaldi family brewery has been brewing here since 2006 and runs a beer spa.
Breweries and their stories
Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson
Named after Egill Skallagrímsson, a Viking and poet from the Icelandic sagas. The brewery survived the beer ban with light beer and soft drinks.
Known for: Egils Gull
Kaldi
Family brewery in the north with its own beer spa.
Known for: Kaldi Ljós, Kaldi Dökkur
Einstök
Brews just south of the Arctic Circle and exports to many countries.
Known for: Icelandic White Ale, Toasted Porter
Timeline
- 9th c.whole country
The Vikings settle Iceland – and drink beer.
- 1913Reykjavík
Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson is founded in Reykjavík, named after a Viking and poet from the sagas.
- 1915whole country
A complete alcohol ban comes into force on 1 January. Strong beer stays banned until 1989.
- 1989Reykjavík
On 1 March strong beer is allowed again. Since then Icelanders have celebrated Bjórdagur, Beer Day.
- 2006Árskógssandur
The Kaldi family brewery starts brewing in Árskógssandur.
- 2010Akureyri
Einstök is founded in Akureyri, just below the Arctic Circle. Its beers go to many countries.
- 2017Árskógssandur
Kaldi opens a beer spa: you bathe in wooden tubs with young beer, hops and yeast.