Reykjavík’s harbor makes great gin. This Þoran Distillery experience pairs a Master Distiller conversation with a Marberg gin tasting in about 1 to 1.5 hours, in English, capped at a small group size. If you like spirits with a story, you’ll get that story in the same room where the gin gets made.

I love how personal the hosting can feel, especially if your guide is Biggie, the owner, sharing how he built his path to this award-winning lineup. You’ll also see the distillation equipment up close and learn what actually shapes gin taste, not just what’s on the label. One drawback: it’s compact and focused on Marberg, so if you want a huge menu of different Icelandic spirits, you may feel a little shortchanged.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (max 10 people) means you can ask questions without shouting across the room
• Marberg gin at the center of the whole visit, with tastings that teach as much as they satisfy
• Hands-on explanations of gin styles, botanicals, and how the distilling process changes the result
• Convenient Reykjavík location in the harbor area, with the feel of a casual, local stop
• Bring-home value: bottles are sold onsite, and there may be helpful packaging advice for travel

Þoran Distillery in Reykjavík: small tour, strong gin focus

This is the kind of Reykjavík tour that doesn’t try to do everything. You’re not hopping buses to three different venues. Instead, you’re landing at Þoran Distillery and spending your time where it matters: the making, the choices, and the taste.

At $39.99 per person, the big question is whether you’re paying mainly for a visit—or for a guided tasting with real context. The answer is that you get admission plus sampling, and the tone is personal. Even if you’re a casual gin fan, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of what different styles taste like and why.

The timing works well too. Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours, which fits neatly between city walks, dinner reservations, or a day trip return. And because it’s in English, you don’t have to decipher a technical explanation on top of your vacation stress.

Your host and the Marberg origin story

The standout here is the way the tour centers on the people behind the spirit. You’ll learn about the distillery and its first product, Marberg gin, along with the motivation behind how it came to be.

If you get Biggie (the owner is named in some experiences), you can expect the conversation to be less like a script and more like a friendly, thoughtful talk. That matters. Gin can be a rabbit hole, but when the host keeps things grounded—why certain botanical choices work, what gets tweaked, and what the goal is—you get something more useful than just a flavor tour.

It also helps that the distiller perspective keeps the story practical. You’re not just hearing that gin is made with botanicals; you’re getting a sense of how gin style differences show up in the glass. That’s the kind of information you can actually use later when you order a gin and tonic back home.

Stop 1 at Þoran Distillery: equipment, botanicals, and gin styles

This tour’s main stop is at Þoran Distillery, and that’s where the learning happens. You’ll walk through the process and the hardware—distillation equipment—so you can picture what’s going on instead of imagining it.

From there, the tour focuses on the parts that make gin gin:

• What goes into making Marberg gin, including the botanicals used
• How gin styles differ, so you understand why one bottle smells crisp and another feels heavier or spicier
• Why botanical choices matter, not just as marketing terms, but as flavor and aroma builders

This is where the value really shows. A lot of distillery tours stop at the basics. Here, you get the pieces you need to taste more intentionally. For example, once someone explains how style shifts can change the final profile, you’re better at noticing what you like—and what you don’t—rather than guessing.

And because the group is limited (max 10), it stays interactive. You can ask questions like a human, not like you’re calling into a podcast.

Tasting Marberg gin and cocktail pours: what to expect

The tour includes a tasting of Marberg gin, and that’s the heart of the experience. You’ll sample what the distillery offers and learn as you go.

Some experiences add more variety, including multiple Marberg expressions and even cocktail-style tastings. In a few cases, the tasting includes three cocktails made with different Marberg gins, with one person highlighting a Negroni they really enjoyed. Another notes the chance to try a Coast Guard-style gin described as Navy proof. There are also mentions of tasting additional products beyond just gin, including brennevin.

Here’s the practical way to frame it for your expectations: the tasting is guaranteed to include Marberg gin. The exact lineup—how many expressions, whether cocktails show up, and what else besides gin is sampled—can vary by timing and how the session runs. So if you’re the type who likes variety, book with the mindset that you’ll likely taste more than one pour, but you shouldn’t count on every single option every time.

Either way, the format makes sense. You’re not just drinking. You’re learning what to look for—botanical character, weight, and how different styles translate into classic drinks.

Why the $39.99 price feels fair in Reykjavík

Reykjavík can be pricey. That’s why this tour’s cost matters. At $39.99, you’re paying for three things that stack value:

1. A guided tour (not a self-serve stroll)
2. Admission included with tasting
3. Time with the person who understands the product, since this is a Master Distiller–led experience

When you do it right, a spirits tasting tour pays you back in two ways: you get a good drink experience during the visit, and you get better decision-making later when you shop or order. That’s especially true for gin, because styles can be confusing.

If you plan to buy a bottle, the math gets even easier. Buying a bottle after a guided tasting usually feels less like a blind impulse and more like you’re selecting based on what you actually liked in the glass. Many experiences mention taking bottles back to their accommodation, sometimes with helpful travel-friendly packaging guidance.

Where it fits in your day: timing and practical flow

This tour usually runs about 60 to 90 minutes, which is a sweet spot. You’re not stuck on a rigid schedule for half a day, and you’re not trying to cram it into a 45-minute gap where you’ll feel rushed.

It’s also a good walk-from-downtown kind of stop. The distillery is described as being in the harbor area, and several people highlight how convenient it is from central Reykjavík. Add that it’s near public transportation, and you’ve got flexibility if your timing changes.

Because you’ll be tasting, keep your day plan sensible:

• Don’t stack a high-intensity activity right after.
• If you’re planning a long dinner route, give yourself time to slow down.
• If you’re shopping for bottles, consider bringing a way to protect them while traveling.

The tour is offered in English, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking. It’s also small by design with a maximum of 10 people, which is part of why it feels like a real conversation.

What makes this tour feel authentic (and not just educational)

Some tours feel like a checklist. This one feels more like a craft visit with a tasting. The distiller perspective is the point: you’re learning the why behind the gin.

That matters because Icelandic spirits often get treated as a curiosity. Here, Marberg gin gets treated like the real product it is, with explanations around botanicals and style differences that take the drinking part seriously.

People also mention how the brand design and packaging looks first-rate, which sounds shallow until you realize it’s part of the whole experience. When the distillery makes a bottle you want to keep, the tour helps you understand what you’re taking home—not just how it looks on a shelf.

And if humor shows up (it does in some accounts), it’s not random. It fits the idea that craft drinks don’t have to feel stiff. You can ask questions, laugh, and still learn the important stuff.

Who should book this gin tour in Reykjavík

Book this if:

• You like gin, especially if you enjoy understanding why styles taste different
• You want a short, high-value activity instead of a long day schedule
• You’re the kind of person who enjoys meeting the maker, not just tasting the product
• You want a fun way to end a trip day with something local and tangible

You might skip it if:

• You’re looking for a very broad spirits lineup with lots of categories beyond gin
• You need a longer tasting session with a massive menu (this is compact and focused)
• You prefer cocktail-only experiences without the distilling process conversation

Should you book the Gin Distillery tour and tasting with the Master Distiller?

If gin is on your radar, this is a strong yes. The $39.99 price makes sense because you get a guided distillery experience and a tasting, not just a quick pour. The small group format keeps the conversation moving, and the focus on Marberg gin gives you a clear story from botanicals to flavor in the glass.

I’d book it if you want a Reykjavík activity that feels local, practical, and worth your time. If your goal is a fast souvenir bottle without caring why it tastes the way it does, you might be happier with a shop stop instead. But if you want to taste with understanding, this tour is built for you.

FAQ

How long is the gin distillery tour and tasting with the Master Distiller?

It runs about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $39.99 per person.

Is tasting included?

Yes. The admission ticket is included, and you’ll have a tasting of Marberg gin as part of the visit.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the group size?

The experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.