Einstock Beer: Can Americans Enjoy This Icelandic Treat?

Einstök Beer is an Icelandic beer that is available in the United States. The Einstök Brewery is located 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle in the fishing port of Akureyri, Iceland. The pure water from the nearby Hlíðarfjall Mountain is used to brew the beer, which is said to deliver a cool smoothness that is flavorful and refreshing. Einstök Beer is currently available in several states across the US, including Texas, Kansas, New York, Tennessee, and California.

Where to buy Einstök beer in the United States

Einstök Beer is available in several locations across the United States. The company has an online Ale Locator on its website, which allows you to find the nearest store that stocks Einstök Beer. This list is updated as frequently as possible, but the company recommends calling ahead to confirm availability.

In 2019, Einstök Beer expanded its distribution in the United States by adding Austin and Harris County (Houston) markets to its existing presence in Dallas. This expansion was a result of the merger between distributors Hops & Vines and Ambiente Wine. Einstök Beer is now available in several new locations, including Whole Foods Markets, HEB Markets, Total Wine & More, and Trader Joe's stores in Houston, Austin, and adjacent counties.

Additionally, Einstök Beer can be purchased online and delivered directly to your doorstep through various couriers. For example, the Einstok Icelandic White Ale is available for purchase on the Total Wine & More website.

The Einstök Brewery location

Einstök Beer is available in the United States, and the company has expanded its distribution footprint across the country. The beer is now available in several states, including Texas, Kansas, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, and Tennessee.

The Einstök Brewery, however, is located in Iceland, just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle in the fishing port of Akureyri. The water used in the brewing process flows from rain and prehistoric glaciers down the Hlíðarfjall Mountain and through ancient lava fields, which the company claims delivers the purest water on Earth. This water, according to Einstök, is the perfect foundation for brewing their craft ales.

While Einstök Beer has expanded its distribution in the United States, the company encourages customers to use their Ale Locator on their website or contact them directly to find specific locations where their beers are sold within the country. The company also suggests calling ahead to confirm the availability of their beers at particular establishments.

In addition to its presence in the United States, Einstök Beer is available in its home country of Iceland and has a global reach, exporting to 24 countries, including the British Isles, most of Europe, China, and South Korea. The company has won several awards for its beers, including at the Los Angeles International Beer Competition, Meiningers International Craft Beer Award, The International Beer Challenge London, and the NY International Beer Competition.

The history of beer in Iceland

Einstök Beer is available in the United States in Austin, Houston, Virginia, Connecticut, and Toronto. The company has expanded its distribution footprint in the US and globally, and Einstök is now available in 24 countries.

Beer in Iceland likely dates back to the island's settlement by the Norsemen. In more modern history, beer was banned in Iceland for most of the 20th century. This ban was enforced in 1915 and lasted until 1989, lasting nearly 74 years.

Iceland's early settlers came from cultures where drinking beer and mead were commonplace. Poems such as the Hávamál reference the drinking of ale (öl). However, the cooling trend of the Little Ice Age (c. 1300-1850) may have made beer production difficult as it became impossible to produce barley domestically.

By the early 1900s, Icelandic attitudes towards alcohol had shifted, influenced by the country's independence movement from Denmark. Beer was associated with Danish lifestyles, and as a result, it was seen as "not the patriotic drink of choice". A referendum was held in 1908, and 60.1% of voters approved a complete ban on alcohol, set to take effect on January 1, 1915.

During the prohibition, other alcoholic beverages, such as red wine and spirits, were legalised. Beer remained prohibited, and Icelanders who craved it resorted to smuggling, homebrewing, or mixing non-alcoholic beer with strong alcohol like Brennivin, which was described as tasting "interesting and totally disgusting".

In 1979, an Icelandic businessman, Davíð Scheving Thorsteinsson, challenged the rule that only allowed foreign tourists to bring in duty-free beer. His challenge, along with growing public support for legalising beer, eventually led to a change in the law. On May 1, 1988, the Althing, Iceland's parliament, passed legislation legalising beer above 2.25% ABV, and the restrictions were lifted on March 1, 1989.

The lifting of the beer ban marked a shift in Icelandic drinking habits, with a significant increase in beer consumption and the emergence of new breweries. Today, beer is the drink of choice for most Icelanders, and the country's beer culture has continued to evolve with the rise of craft beer and a variety of domestic and international brands.

The ingredients and flavours of Einstök beer

Einstök Beer is brewed with natural ingredients, including pure Icelandic glacier water, which gives it a unique and refreshing taste. The brand currently offers a range of beers, each with its own distinct flavour profile.

The Icelandic White Ale is a Witbier brewed in the Belgian tradition, featuring complex flavours of orange peel and coriander. It is described as smooth, flavourful, and refreshingly drinkable.

The Icelandic Arctic Pale Ale is a refreshing brew with a cool, smooth taste.

The Icelandic Toasted Porter has rich, toasted flavours, perfect for cosy winter nights by the fire.

The Icelandic Wee Heavy is a bold and intense beer.

The seasonal Icelandic Arctic Berry Ale is a summer ale with hand-picked bilberries, adding a fruity twist.

The Icelandic Doppelbock is a celebration beer for the holidays, brewed with hand-cut spruce tips, adding a unique, festive flavour.

The exact ingredients and recipes for these beers are not publicly available, but the brand emphasises the use of pure Icelandic water, which contributes to the distinct character of their beers.

How Einstök beer is made

Einstök Beer is made in Akureyri, a fishing port in Iceland. The name Einstök Ölgerd translates to "unique brewery" in Icelandic. The company was established in 2010 and has since gained international acclaim for its exceptional beer inspired by Iceland's nature and heritage. Einstök is the largest exporter of alcoholic beverages from Iceland.

The brewery is committed to using only the purest Icelandic water from glacial springs, which contributes to the exceptional quality and distinct taste of its beers. This water flows from rain and prehistoric glaciers down the Hlíðarfjall Mountain and through ancient lava fields, delivering the purest water on Earth. The pristine water, untouched by pollutants, lends a crispness and clarity to Einstök's beers that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

Einstök brews a variety of beers, including Icelandic White Ale, Icelandic Arctic Pale Ale, Icelandic Toasted Porter, Icelandic Wee Heavy, and three seasonal brews: Icelandic Arctic Berry Ale, Icelandic Doppelbock, and Icelandic Winter Ale. The White Ale, in particular, went through 10 versions before the owners finally perfected the taste. The beer is brewed in the centuries-old Belgian tradition, featuring complex flavors of the classic witbier, including orange peel and coriander.

The Einstök Brewery offers a blend of modernity and rustic charm, reflecting Icelandic culture. They conduct guided tours of the facility, where visitors can witness the brewing process and indulge in tasting sessions. The brewery also hosts special events, such as beer pairing dinners and hands-on brewing workshops, fostering a community for beer enthusiasts.

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