5 Fascinating Facts about Icelandic Beer Day

The beer scene in Iceland has come and gone out of style (and legal standing) in a dramatic way over the past century. Now considered one of Icelanders’ favorite beverages, beer was not legalized until 1989. It’s as outrageous as it sounds—no beer, no matter how weak, could be sold, consumed, or otherwise brought into existence for a heaping 74 years. Sound miserable? It does to us, too. From intercountry drama and patriotic shaming to under-the-table brewing and controversial wine/whiskey/vodka-infused pilsner (you read that right), Iceland has crafted a notoriously unique relationship with the world’s most popular libation.

1. Why the Icelandic Population Banned Booze

1915 was a peculiar year in Iceland. All alcohol was banned by popular vote from the Icelandic people themselves. The general populace figured prohibition was a mature, progressive decision in light of systematic heavy drinking. It so happened that Iceland was also in the midst of fighting for their independence from Denmark, who has particularly strong cultural ties to beer, thanks to a 5,000+ year history of thirsty Vikings. As such, drinking a beer in Iceland became somewhat of a patriotic faux pas at best, and obscene betrayal against national loyalty at worst.

2. How Wine Snuck Its Way In

Meanwhile, Spain, who counted on Iceland to consume their wines, was outraged by the new prohibition laws and threatened to quit buying Iceland’s salted cod, which happened to be Iceland’s biggest export. Iceland couldn’t shoulder such a large loss, so six years later, Spanish and Portuguese reds and rosés got the greenlight, and Icelanders re-begun their imbibing habits. But still, no beer.

A group of friends and family enjoying wine tasting at Deplar Farm

3. The Story Behind “Bjórlíki,” Beer’s Legal Cousin, and other Non-Beer Fixes

Not everyone agreed to this beer-hiatus; in fact, the majority won out at 60%, which left 40% of Icelanders itching for a strong ale. Though strong wouldn’t make its way into the equation, a few stealthy beer zealots concocted a weak pilsner (with less than 2.25% alcohol) called Bjórlíki, “Beer Likeness,” to hold themselves over. In keeping with Iceland’s odd approach to alcohol, spirits were legalized in 1935, leaving beer as the only alcoholic outcast. For those Icelanders who weren’t satisfactorily influenced by the 2.25% beer-ish beverage (which likely was everyone), it was common to mix vodka, wine and whiskey into the pilsner. The reverie didn’t last long though—in 1985, following some serious controversy from being sold in one of Reykjavík’s first pubs, Bjórlíki was banned too. Don’t worry, local doctors were notorious for prescribing alcohol in large quantities for everything from malnourishment and bad nerves to serious heart complications. Rumor had it that fishermen always had cases of beer stored on hand as well, no matter the 75-year old expiration date.

4. When the Dawn of the Beer Era Began

At last, in 1989, the beloved ways of beer drinking were reinstituted legally. Iceland had won its independence from the Danes back in 1944, the progressive mindset to slow down on drinking had lost its luster, and most importantly, the Icelanders were thirsty. It’s no surprise that March 1 went down in Icelandic history. Rowdy crowds of thirsty locals flocked to the pubs and stores, causing quite a ruckus that was televised live on national TV. Needless to say, they set a lively tone for every March 1 thereafter.

5. What Reykjavík and Deplar Farm Have on Tap

The craft brewery scene in Iceland, particularly in Reykjavík, has since exploded, with 23 breweries and pubs across Iceland that craft their own beer. Huge varieties on tap, distinctive flavors, and a vibrant nightlife scene have distinguished Reykjavík as a craft beer lover’s paradise. If you fall into that category, we recommend you stay at Eleven’s Reykjavík House, a stylish Nordic home located in the heart of the old town that drops you in the middle of beerlandia (though tucked away on an uncannily quiet side street.) Amidst the spirited energy of the breweries, don’t forget to try Leifur, a native, arctic thyme-infused pale ale named after the famous Icelander who came to America many years before Christopher Columbus.

Reykjavík House is just the start of your beer adventure—Deplar Farm, Eleven’s otherworldly converted sheep farm on the remote Troll Peninsula, awaits with a wide range of local craft beers. Let Iceland’s 2018 chef of the year, Garðar Kári Garðarsson, woo you with a flight of beer samples for a taste of it all, and enjoy perfectly paired selections of beers and locally inspired flavor-packed dishes. (Check out the video below for a glimpse of his creative talent!) Perhaps one of Deplar Farm’s most unique features is its wide variety of après spots. Sip on your beer from the geothermally heated outdoor pool with a swim-up bar; at the Ghost Farm outpost, an intimate, picturesque mountain hideout; or at the lodge’s main bar featuring a lofted stage equipped with over 30 instruments, laser lights, and a smoke machine.

Until then, we wish you the most cheerful of March 1’s, and Happy Beer Day to the Viking in all of us.