Reykjavik: Private Beer and Booze Tasting Tour

Discover Reykjavik’s Best Craft Beers and Icelandic Spirits

The Reykjavik: Private Beer and Booze Tasting Tour offers an engaging experience for anyone interested in exploring Iceland’s vibrant drinking culture. For $169 per person, this 2.5-hour tour takes you through some of the top bars in Reykjavik, where you’ll sample 9 unique Icelandic craft beers from various microbreweries. It’s a great choice for those who want a relaxed, small-group experience with personalized attention, guided by knowledgeable locals who share stories about Iceland’s brewing and drinking traditions.

This tour also offers an excellent alternative for anyone who prefers spirits over beer, with options to taste Icelandic gin, vodka, or Brennivín, the country’s iconic national drink. While the focus is on drinks, the tour provides useful tips on how to save money on drinks during your stay in Iceland. The tour’s flexibility in drink choices and the intimate setting make it suitable for a variety of preferences, but it doesn’t include meals or transportation, so plan accordingly.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: $169 per person for a 2.5-hour private experience
• Location: Starts at Ingolfur Square in Reykjavik, with visits to several notable bars
• Drink Selection: Tastes of 9 Icelandic craft beers or spirits such as gin, vodka, Brennivín, and wine
• Learning: Includes insights into Iceland’s beer history and drinking culture, including the 74-year ban on beer
• Group Size: Small, private group for personalized interaction
• Additional Tips: Offers advice on saving money on drinks in Iceland

Starting Point at Ingolfur Square and the Tour’s First Stop

The tour begins at the two big stone pillars on Ingolfur Square, a central and easily recognizable location in Reykjavik. From this starting point, the guide leads you through some of the city’s best bars, with each stop offering a different selection of Icelandic drinks. The small group setting ensures that the experience feels intimate and allows for easy conversation with your guide, who shares stories about Iceland’s brewing history and drinking customs.

Sampling 9 Unique Icelandic Craft Beers from Microbreweries

At each bar, you will be offered a tasting of different Icelandic craft beers, showcasing the local microbrewery scene. These beers are selected to highlight the diversity and innovation in Icelandic brewing today. The guide explains the background and characteristics of each beer, giving insight into what makes Icelandic craft beer distinctive. The tasting experience allows for a relaxed pace, so you can truly savor each sip.

Exploring Icelandic Spirits: Gin, Vodka, and Brennivín

If beer isn’t your preferred choice, the tour offers tastings of Icelandic gin, vodka, or Brennivín, the traditional schnapps-like spirit often called the “Black Death.” These spirits are made with local ingredients and have unique flavors that reflect Iceland’s natural environment. The guide provides background on each spirit, and you can ask for a glass of wine if beer or spirits aren’t appealing at that moment.

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Learning About Iceland’s Drinking History and Culture

Alongside tasting, the tour emphasizes the history of beer in Iceland, from the days of Viking brewing to the 74-year ban on beer that lasted until 1989. The guide shares stories about how Iceland’s drinking customs have evolved, including the resurgence of microbreweries and the modern drinking culture. This background enriches the tasting experience, providing context for the drinks you sample.

Tips for Saving Money on Drinks in Iceland

Part of the tour includes practical tips on how to save on drinks while exploring Reykjavik. The guide shares local insights on the best times and places to find good deals, helping you enjoy your time without overspending. This practical advice is especially useful given Iceland’s higher prices for alcohol outside of bars and restaurants.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour is wheelchair accessible and conducted as a private group, ensuring a personalized experience. The small size allows for more interaction with the guide and tailored recommendations based on your preferences. This makes it an inclusive option for travelers with mobility needs or those seeking a more intimate setting.

Meeting Point and End Location

The activity starts at the two big stone pillars on Ingolfur Square, a central spot in Reykjavik. The tour concludes back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward. Since transportation isn’t included, it’s best to arrive on foot or arrange your own transportation to the start location.

Practical Information: Timing, Dress, and Age Restrictions

The tour runs at various times depending on availability, so checking ahead is recommended. It lasts 2.5 hours, and participants should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing to stay comfortable, especially if the weather is chilly. The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20, and the tour is not suitable for travelers under this age. It’s important to note that alcoholic drinks are not permitted in the vehicle, so plan your transport accordingly.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Experiences

This private experience offers a personalized, intimate setting that larger group tours can’t match. The focus on both craft beers and spirits like Brennivín, along with practical tips for saving money, makes it a well-rounded choice for anyone interested in Icelandic drinking culture. The flexibility to choose drinks beyond beer, as well as insights into the city’s bar scene, add extra value.

Final Thoughts on the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tasting Tour

This 2.5-hour private tour provides a relaxed way to explore Reykjavik’s lively drinking scene. The price of $169 offers good value considering the tasting of 9 drinks and the personalized storytelling by local guides. It’s particularly suited for adults interested in craft beer and spirits, or those curious about Iceland’s unique alcohol history.

While it doesn’t include meals or transportation, the tour’s inclusion of practical money-saving tips and its small, private setting make it a worthwhile addition to any Reykjavik itinerary. Travelers who want a behind-the-scenes look at Iceland’s mini-brewery scene and traditional spirits will find this tour both enjoyable and informative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, if you prefer not to drink alcohol, you can opt for a glass of wine at each bar instead of beer or spirits.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, especially in colder weather.

Can I join this tour if I am under 20 years old?
No, the legal drinking age in Iceland is 20, and participants under this age are not permitted.

Is transportation provided between stops?
No, transportation to and from the starting point is not included. The tour begins and ends at Ingolfur Square in Reykjavik.

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