From Fire and Ice: An Exploration of Icelandic Gin

Gin, as a spirit, has been enjoyed for centuries and has undergone a resurgence in popularity in recent years. With the rise in demand, gin distilleries around the world have been experimenting with different ingredients, botanicals, and distillation methods to create new and unique flavors. One type of gin that has started to gain recognition is Icelandic gin. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into what makes Icelandic gin different from other gins and why it is considered a superior option for gin enthusiasts.

Icelandic gin is a truly unique product, made with local botanicals that are indigenous to the country and can’t be found anywhere else. These botanicals include angelica, birch, and crowberry, which provide the gin with a distinct flavor profile that is different from any other gin in the world. The water used in the production of Icelandic gin is also a crucial factor in its unique taste. Iceland is known for its pure and unspoiled natural sources, making its water some of the purest in the world. This water is a key ingredient in the production of Icelandic gin and contributes to its clean, smooth taste.

The botanicals used in Icelandic gin play a significant role in determining the overall taste of the gin. For example, angelica is known for its sweet, earthy flavor and is used in traditional gin recipes. In Icelandic gin, angelica is combined with other botanicals such as birch, which provides a fresh, woody taste, and crowberry, which adds a fruity, tart flavor.

One particular botanical that is of special significance in Icelandic gin is Icelandic Juniper. This variety of juniper is native to Iceland and is known for its unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other junipers used in gin production. Icelandic Juniper has a fresh, earthy taste with hints of pine and is foraged in the summer months, when its flavor is at its peak. This foraging process is carefully managed to ensure the sustainability of the juniper population, and only a limited amount of the berries is harvested each year. The use of Icelandic Juniper in gin production is a nod to the long history of gin making in Iceland and provides the gin with a truly authentic taste. The juniper is carefully combined with other botanicals such as angelica and crowberry to create a gin with a complex flavor profile that is both fresh and earthy. .

Another aspect that sets Icelandic gin apart from other gins is the distillation process. Many gin distilleries use modern, high-tech methods to produce their gin, but Icelandic gin is made using traditional distillation methods that have been passed down through generations. This traditional approach to distillation, combined with the use of pure Icelandic water and local botanicals, results in a gin that is both high quality and flavorful.

Icelandic gin is a superior product that sets itself apart from other gins with its unique blend of local botanicals, pure water, and traditional distillation methods. Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of gin, Icelandic gin is worth trying. With its smooth, clean taste and unique flavor profile, it is sure to impress. So if you’re looking for a new gin to try, consider the world of Icelandic gin and discover what makes it so special.

Our Favorite Icelandic Distilleries

64° Reykjavik Distillery

64° Reykjavik is a modern distillery established in 2010, known for their innovative approach to spirit production. They use traditional techniques and locally sourced ingredients, including Iceland’s pure water, to create high-quality spirits such as their flagship gin, Angelica Gin. They are unique in their approach to infusing unexpected flavors into their gin, making it stand out from other brands.

Eyeland Spirits

Eyeland is a young and dynamic distillery established in 2019, known for their unique and innovative approach to gin production. They use a variety of local botanicals, including the rare and flavorful Icelandic Juniper, and infuse unexpected flavors into their gin to create a truly one-of-a-kind spirit. Their flagship gin, Olafsson Gin, is distilled using a combination of modern techniques and traditional methods to create a high-quality gin with a distinct taste profile.

Þoran Distillery

Þoran is a small, family-run distillery with a history dating back to 2016. They pride themselves on using only the finest ingredients and traditional methods in the production of their spirits. Their flagship gin, Marberg Icelandic Gin, is made with locally sourced botanicals and has a smooth, well-balanced flavor. Þoran is unique in their commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious production practices.