Beers from Iceland
Despite its small size and harsh climate, Iceland has a thriving beer scene that has blossomed over the past few decades. Beer was actually prohibited in Iceland until 1989, but since its legalisation, Icelandic breweries have flourished, producing a wide variety of high-quality beers that reflect the country’s unique landscape and culture. Icelandic beers range from crisp lagers to innovative craft ales, with many brewers incorporating local ingredients, such as glacier water, herbs, and even volcanic minerals, into their creations. As a result, Iceland’s beer offerings provide a distinctive drinking experience, combining traditional European brewing techniques with Iceland’s natural resources.
Types of Icelandic Beers
Lager
Lagers are among the most popular beer styles in Iceland, and several local brands dominate the market with their crisp, refreshing brews. Icelandic lagers are typically pale and golden in colour, with a light malt sweetness and subtle hop bitterness, making them easy to drink and perfect for the country’s cold winters and short summers. Brands like Víking and Egils Gull are well-known in Iceland, offering smooth, clean-tasting lagers that are widely available. These beers are great for those who prefer a straightforward, refreshing beer that pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly fish and hearty Icelandic dishes.
Pale Ale
Pale ales have become increasingly popular in Iceland, especially with the rise of craft beer. Icelandic pale ales are typically characterised by their balanced malt sweetness and hop bitterness, with fruity, floral, and citrus notes. Local breweries like Einstök and Ölvisholt Brewery produce well-regarded pale ales, such as Einstök Pale Ale, which has a toasty malt backbone complemented by hints of pine and citrus from the hops. These pale ales are often more flavourful than traditional lagers, offering beer drinkers a more complex and aromatic drinking experience.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
With the growth of Iceland’s craft beer scene, IPAs have taken centre stage among beer enthusiasts looking for bold, hop-forward flavours. Icelandic IPAs are known for their strong hop bitterness and aromatic profiles, with tropical fruit, citrus, and pine notes being common. Some breweries, like Borg Brugghús and Ægir Brugghús, have gained recognition for their innovative IPAs, which often incorporate local ingredients such as herbs or berries for a unique Icelandic twist. The result is a vibrant and flavourful IPA that combines traditional hop bitterness with a touch of Icelandic character.
Porter and Stout
Iceland’s cold climate lends itself well to darker, heartier beer styles, and as such, porters and stouts are quite popular. These beers are typically dark in colour, with roasted malt flavours that bring out notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. Icelandic stouts, such as Einstök Toasted Porter or Borg Brugghús’ Garún Icelandic Stout, offer rich, smooth flavours with a touch of sweetness. Some stouts also have a smoky or peaty character, giving them an added layer of complexity that pairs well with the colder months and more robust Icelandic fare, such as lamb or game meat.
Seasonal and Speciality Beers
Many Icelandic breweries produce seasonal and speciality beers that highlight local ingredients or celebrate Icelandic festivals and traditions. For instance, some breweries incorporate herbs like Icelandic moss, juniper, or wild berries into their brews, creating unique flavours that reflect the country’s landscape. Seasonal brews, such as Christmas ales or limited-edition summer beers, often feature spiced, fruity, or herbal notes that provide a distinct Icelandic flavour profile. These speciality beers are a great way to experience the creativity and innovation of Iceland’s brewing scene.
Flavours of Icelandic Beers
Crisp and Clean
Many Icelandic beers, especially lagers and pilsners, are characterised by their clean, crisp flavours. The use of pure Icelandic glacier water gives these beers a smooth, refreshing quality that sets them apart from other European lagers. With subtle malt sweetness and light bitterness, these beers are easy to drink and pair well with a wide variety of foods, making them popular choices for locals and tourists alike.
Bold and Hoppy
The rise of craft beer in Iceland has led to an increased focus on hop-forward styles, particularly IPAs and pale ales. These beers are bold and aromatic, with strong hop bitterness and fruity or floral notes. The use of locally sourced ingredients often adds a unique twist to these styles, giving them a distinct Icelandic flavour. Whether it’s citrusy, piney, or tropical, Icelandic IPAs and pale ales offer a vibrant and full-flavoured drinking experience.
Rich and Roasty
Icelandic porters and stouts are known for their rich, roasted malt flavours, with notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. These beers are perfect for Iceland’s cold climate, offering a warming and satisfying experience. Some stouts also incorporate smoky or peaty flavours, adding a layer of complexity that makes them ideal for pairing with heartier dishes like lamb or stews.
Conclusion
Iceland’s beer scene may be relatively young, but it has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative brews that reflect the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the crisp, refreshing lagers to the bold, hop-forward IPAs and rich, roasted stouts, Icelandic beers offer a diverse range of styles and flavours to suit every palate. Whether you’re looking for a light and easy-drinking beer or something more complex and robust, Iceland’s breweries have something to offer. As the craft beer movement continues to grow, Icelandic brewers are sure to push the boundaries of creativity, making Iceland a destination for beer enthusiasts worldwide.
