Iceland’s whisky smells like a story. At Eimverk Distillery near Reykjavík, the Flóki Whisky tour is a fun break from city sightseeing, with the only whisky distillery in Iceland plus tastings of Flóki whisky and Víti Brennivín. You also get Vor Gin, so this is more than a one-note whisky stop.

I love how the experience moves at a human pace, especially in a small group where you can actually ask follow-up questions. And I like that you get more than sipping: the guides talk through ingredients, methods, and what makes the spirits taste the way they do, with team members on hand for Q&A.

One consideration: this is a working distillery with no food service, so plan your timing and your transport. If you’re driving, don’t. A taxi or bus plan makes the whole afternoon feel easy.

Key highlights to look for

• Only whisky distillery in Iceland with locally made Flóki from 100% local barley
• Guided tastings covering Flóki whisky plus Vor Gin and Víti Brennivín
• Production-area tour with a behind-the-scenes look at their process
• Small group (max 15) so questions don’t get lost
• Fun, story-forward hosts who explain tasting and the Iceland connection
• Shop time at the end plus a take-home brochure

Why Eimverk Distillery feels different from a typical drink tour

Most alcohol tours feel like a script: walk in, look at one room, sip the same thing, shuffle out. This one feels more like you’re stepping into a small Icelandic operation where people care about craft and clarity.

The big hook is that Eimverk is home to Flóki Whisky, and the tour leans into that identity. You’re not just hearing that whisky exists in Iceland. You’re seeing how it’s made from 100% local barley, and you’re also tasting the wider world they produce, including Vor Gin and Víti Brennivín. That mix matters. It gives you a real sense of how Icelandic spirits can be built from local ingredients and local habits, not just imported traditions.

The other difference is the tone of the guide-led session. Multiple guides are praised for being engaging and funny while still keeping the explanations grounded in process and ingredients. If you like learning while you taste, you’ll probably enjoy the flow.

Price and time: is this worth $49.60 for 1 hour 15 minutes?

At about $49.60 per person for roughly 1 hour 15 minutes, the cost looks simple on the surface. But value here comes from two things you often don’t get in one package:

First, you get guided access to a working distillery’s production areas, not just a viewing room. That’s where the experience becomes more than drinking. You learn how the spirits are made and what choices affect flavor.

Second, your tasting isn’t limited to whisky alone. You sample multiple expressions of Flóki whisky, plus Vor Gin and Víti Brennivín. When you spread that across the time, it’s less like a single product tasting and more like a guided evening lesson in how Icelandic spirits differ.

Also, the group size helps. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the experience tends to stay conversational instead of rushed. That’s the kind of detail that makes a small tour feel worth it, even when the duration is short.

Getting from Reykjavík to the distillery: Garðabær is close, but plan transport

Eimverk Distillery is in Garðabær, a short drive from Reykjavík. Your meeting point is the back of the lot, Lyngás 13, 210 Garðabær. The tour ends back there, so you’ll need transport for the return too.

Two practical tips from the overall vibe of the experience:

• It is near public transportation, so you can use buses if you prefer.
• The most relaxed option is planning on a taxi back to Reykjavík, since alcohol is part of the program and this is not a “grab a quick sip and keep walking” kind of stop.

If you’re someone who likes to keep your evening flexible, the three start times offered are handy. You can pick a slot that fits your Reykjavík plans without forcing the rest of your day to bend.

Inside the tour: Eimverk’s production area and the Iceland-first approach

The tour starts at Eimverk Distillery, where you’ll be guided through their production area and hear about how they make Icelandic spirits the “workshop way.”

Here’s what you should expect from the walkthrough:

• You’ll see where production happens, not just where bottled products sit.
• You’ll learn about the spirit lineup, including Flóki whisky and their other brands.
• You’ll hear how they use traditional methods and native botanicals for gin and Víti Brennivín.
• The guide explains unique steps in the process. One memorable one is the use of sheep dung smoking, which is part of the distinctive Icelandic approach to flavor.

That sheep dung smoking detail can sound surprising before you hear the explanation. But that’s the point of this tour: you get the context behind what you’re smelling and tasting. You’re not just reacting to weird facts. You’re learning how cultural methods can shape flavor profiles over time.

The facility itself is described as small, which is actually a benefit. You don’t get lost in industrial scale. Instead, you move through a focused space while your guide keeps the conversation going. When a distillery is compact, the guide can point to what matters and answer your questions without waiting for a big group bottleneck.

Tastings of Flóki whisky, Vor Gin, and Víti Brennivín (and how to taste smarter)

The tasting is one of the main reasons this tour gets near-universal praise. It’s not a single sample pour. It’s a guided tasting of the distillery’s lineup, and you’re given enough structure to understand what you’re tasting.

You’ll sample:

• Flóki whisky, including multiple expressions
• Vor Gin
• Víti Brennivín

What makes this worth your time is that the guide doesn’t treat tasting like a guessing game. Many guests highlight a tasting style that includes a short lesson on how to taste—how to look, smell, and compare. That small “how to taste” piece is valuable because it turns your samples into something you can actually remember later, instead of just a blur of alcohol flavors.

You’ll also get help comparing Icelandic spirits to what you may be used to elsewhere. If you’re a whisky collector, this part can be especially fun, because the guide’s explanations often focus on what makes Icelandic whisky feel different from the American style many people start with.

A nice touch: the tasting is guided, but the energy stays relaxed. Several hosts are praised for keeping it comfortable and story-rich, so it doesn’t feel like a classroom. It’s closer to a chat where the glass keeps changing.

How to get the most from the samples

Since there’s no food service, treat this like a tasting evening:

• Pace yourself. You’ll likely have multiple pours.
• Keep sipping water between samples if you can.
• If you’re planning to buy bottles afterward, remember that the shop happens after you’ve tasted. Your “best buy” could shift as the lineup changes.

The Q&A and shop time: take home the stories, not just bottles

One reason these tours work well for couples and friends is the Q&A angle. You’re not limited to one-way narration. A team member sticks around for questions, which means you can ask about ingredients, methods, or even sourcing and branding choices.

After the guided portion, you get access to the distillery shop. This is where you can turn favorites into souvenirs. The tour also includes a take-home brochure with product and history information. That matters more than it seems. If you buy a bottle, you’ll want a way to remember what you liked and why.

One practical note from the overall experience pattern: people often end up buying bottles, sometimes more than they planned. If your luggage is already packed, you’ll want to make room. Otherwise, you’ll feel the squeeze once the tasting ends.

Who should book this Flóki Whisky tour (and who might skip it)

This tour is a great match for:

• Whisky lovers who want the Iceland angle, not just the bottle
• Gin fans who don’t want a separate tour for gin and whisky
• Curious travelers who like short, high-quality cultural stops
• Couples who want an intimate activity with time to talk

It may not be the best choice if:

• You need a food included experience. There is no meal service here.
• You’re looking for a long, slow museum-style tour. This is about guided tasting plus process, in a compact format.
• You dislike alcohol-based activities. The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20, so make sure everyone in your group can participate.

If you’re doing a tight Reykjavík itinerary and you want one stop that feels local and different, this hits the sweet spot. It’s also an easy addition to an already planned day around the city because it doesn’t steal half your schedule.

Should you book the Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting?

Book it if you want a small-group, guided distillery visit that mixes Icelandic whisky craft with gin and Brennivín tasting in about 1 hour 15 minutes. The combination of production-area access, a structured tasting, and hosts who keep the room engaged makes it a strong use of time.

Skip it or rethink your plans if food is a must-have for you, or if you’re not willing to handle alcohol-friendly logistics (plan on a taxi or public transport). With that planning done, this is one of the more memorable, genuinely local “one-stop” experiences near Reykjavík.

FAQ

How long is the Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting?

The tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at the back of the lot, Lyngás 13, 210 Garðabær, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the tasting?

The guided tasting includes Flóki whisky samples (multiple expressions), Vor Gin, and Víti Brennivín.

Is food included?

No. The distillery has a tasting room but no food service.

Is transportation provided?

No. Transportation to and from the distillery is not included.

What is the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What is the minimum legal drinking age?

In Iceland, the minimum legal drinking age is 20 years.