Icelandic beers, crafted in the land of fire and ice, offer a unique and diverse range of flavours that reflect the country’s pristine natural environment and innovative brewing practices. Although Iceland's brewing history is relatively young compared to other European nations, its beer scene has grown rapidly in recent years.
Today, Icelandic beers are celebrated for their quality, creativity, and the use of pure Icelandic water, which is said to contribute to their distinct taste. In the UK, Icelandic beers have become increasingly popular, providing a taste of the Nordic spirit.
Lager: The Foundation of Icelandic Brewing
Lagers are the most commonly produced beer style in Iceland, and they are typically light, crisp, and refreshing, with a clean taste that is perfectly suited to the country’s cool climate. Viking Lager is one of Iceland’s most popular and widely consumed beers. It has a light golden colour and a mild, slightly sweet malt flavour, with a refreshing, crisp finish. Viking Lager is a staple in Icelandic pubs and is also gaining popularity in the UK as a smooth and easy-drinking option.
Egils Gull is another well-known Icelandic lager, recognised for its balanced flavour and refreshing quality. It offers a light malt profile with subtle hop bitterness, making it a versatile beer that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Egils Gull has a smooth, clean finish, which is characteristic of many Icelandic lagers, and it’s becoming more widely available in the UK.
Pale Ales and IPAs: A Nordic Twist on Hoppy Styles
The rise of craft brewing in Iceland has led to the production of a variety of Pale Ales and IPAs that offer a distinctly Nordic take on these popular styles. Einstök Pale Ale is one of the most recognisable Icelandic craft beers available in the UK. It features a blend of American and European hops, resulting in a bright, citrusy flavour with a moderate bitterness and a crisp finish. Einstök Pale Ale is well-balanced, making it an excellent introduction to Icelandic craft beers.
Borg Brugghús, one of Iceland’s leading craft breweries, produces a range of IPAs that have garnered attention both domestically and internationally. Their Úlfur IPA is particularly popular, known for its bold hoppy character with notes of pine, citrus, and tropical fruits. The balanced malt backbone and the use of pure Icelandic water give this IPA a clean, refreshing finish, making it a favourite among hop enthusiasts in the UK.
Stouts and Porters: Rich and Robust Flavours
Iceland’s long, dark winters have inspired the creation of rich, warming Stouts and Porters that are perfect for colder months. Einstök Icelandic Toasted Porter is a standout example, offering a smooth, medium-bodied beer with notes of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and coffee. The slight bitterness is balanced by a hint of sweetness, making it a complex yet approachable beer. This porter has found a loyal following in the UK, where it’s appreciated for its depth of flavour and unique Icelandic character.
Kaldi Dark Lager is another popular choice, combining the richness of a dark beer with the smooth, clean finish typical of Icelandic brews. It has a deep amber colour and a malty, slightly sweet taste with hints of caramel and roasted nuts. Kaldi Dark is well-suited to those who enjoy a beer with a bit more body and flavour, and it’s becoming more accessible in the UK market.
Seasonal and Experimental Brews: Embracing the Icelandic Spirit
Icelandic breweries also produce a variety of seasonal and experimental beers that showcase the country’s creativity and embrace local ingredients. Borg Brugghús often releases limited-edition beers that feature unique flavours, such as Garún Icelandic Stout, a rich imperial stout with notes of chocolate, licorice, and coffee. This strong, bold beer is perfect for winter and has gained a following among those who enjoy intense, flavourful brews.
Einstök’s Icelandic Arctic Berry Ale is a seasonal brew that captures the essence of Iceland’s summer, made with bilberries (a type of wild blueberry) native to the region. This ale is light and fruity, with a slightly tart finish, making it a refreshing choice for warmer months. It’s available in the UK during the summer, offering a taste of Iceland’s unique seasonal produce.
Icelandic Beers in the UK
In the UK, Icelandic beers like Einstök Pale Ale, Viking Lager, and Egils Gull are becoming increasingly popular, offering a refreshing and distinctive alternative to more familiar European styles. Craft beers from Iceland, particularly those from Einstök and Borg Brugghús, are gaining a foothold in the UK market, appreciated for their quality, innovation, and the purity of Icelandic ingredients.
Whether you’re enjoying a crisp Viking Lager, a rich Einstök Porter, or an experimental brew from Borg Brugghús, Icelandic beers provide a unique and satisfying drinking experience that reflects the country’s pristine environment and pioneering spirit.