Icelandic Beer: Illinois Shopping Guide

Iceland's beer is having its moment in the spotlight, and for good reason. The smooth, layered, and flavourful brews from the land of Vikings are gaining popularity in the United States, and Illinois is no exception. So, where can you buy Icelandic beer in Illinois?

Icelandic beer in Illinois: online retailers

If you're looking to buy Icelandic beer in Illinois, there are a few online retailers that can help you out. One option is to check out the website for Total Wine & More. They offer a variety of Icelandic beers, including the popular Einstok Icelandic White Ale, which is described as having a smooth mouthfeel thanks to the oats, citrus and spice [that] round out a refreshing finish. They also carry other Einstok varieties, such as the Arctic Lager, Arctic Pale Ale, and Wee Heavy.

Another option is to visit the Einstök Beer website directly. They provide an online locator tool that can help you find their beers at retailers near you, and they also offer home delivery. Einstök is an American-owned brand that is brewed in Akureyri, Iceland, and has become the number one craft beer in the country. Their beers are now available in 15 US states, so there's a good chance you'll be able to find them in Illinois.

In addition to these options, there are likely other online beer retailers that ship to Illinois and carry Icelandic brands. It's worth exploring different websites and comparing their selections to find the best option for you. Cheers!

Icelandic beer in Illinois: in-store

If you're looking to buy Icelandic beer in Illinois, you're in luck! While I can't provide you with a comprehensive list of locations, I can suggest a few places to start your search.

Firstly, you may want to try specialist beer retailers, such as Total Wine & More. Their website indicates that they stock a range of Icelandic beers, including Einstok Icelandic White Ale, Arctic Lager, and Wee Heavy. You can check the availability of these beers at your local Total Wine store by selecting your preferred store on their website.

Another option to try is Einstök's Ale Locator on their website. You can enter your zip code to discover which styles of Einstök beer are available at local shops, bars, and restaurants in real time. This is a useful tool to find specific varieties of Icelandic beer near you.

In addition to these options, you may also come across Icelandic beers at your local liquor store. According to Icelandic law, supermarkets and shops are not allowed to sell alcohol. However, the government operates specific liquor stores throughout the country, so these could be worth exploring.

Lastly, keep an eye out for Icelandic beer at your local bars and restaurants. With the growing popularity of craft beer, it's possible that some establishments in your area may carry Icelandic options.

Happy hunting, and skál!

Icelandic beer in Illinois: bars and restaurants

If you're looking to try Icelandic beer in Illinois, you may be able to find it at bars and restaurants that serve a variety of craft beers. While I can't provide a definitive list of specific locations, I can offer some insights and suggestions based on the information available.

One popular Icelandic beer brand is Einstök, which has a presence in several US states, including New York and Long Island. Their website features an "Ale Locator" tool that allows you to search for locations serving their beer near you in real time. You can enter your zip code or city to find bars, restaurants, or shops in Illinois that offer Einstök beers. Einstök offers a diverse range of beers, including the well-known White Ale, as well as the Arctic Pale Ale, Arctic Lager, Wee Heavy, and seasonal brews like the Winter Ale and Arctic Berry Ale.

In addition to Einstök, there are other Icelandic breweries worth trying, such as Úlfur, Freyja, and Leifur. These breweries may have distribution in Illinois, so keep an eye out for their beers at craft beer establishments.

When searching for Icelandic beer in Illinois, it may be helpful to look for bars or restaurants that specialize in craft beers or offer a wide variety of international beers. These establishments are more likely to carry beers from smaller or less mainstream breweries. You can also contact specific bars or beer retailers in your area to inquire about their selection of Icelandic beers.

Another option is to purchase Icelandic beer online and enjoy it at home or at a local bar or restaurant that allows you to bring your own drinks. Websites like Total Wine & More offer a selection of Icelandic beers, including Einstök, that can be delivered directly to your doorstep.

Lastly, if you're feeling adventurous and are planning a trip to Iceland, you can always explore the local bars and breweries to sample Icelandic beers directly from the source. The country has a vibrant beer culture, and you'll find a variety of microbreweries and craft selections to choose from. Remember to check the latest travel advisories and local guidelines before planning your trip.

Icelandic beer: popular brands

Although beer has only been legal in Iceland since 1989, the country has developed a thriving craft beer scene, with new labels and microbreweries emerging all the time.

Einstök

Einstök is an Icelandic craft beer brand that has experienced particular success in the United States. Its beers are brewed in Akureyri, a fishing port located just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle. The brand's range includes the White Ale, Arctic Pale Ale, Toasted Porter, and Wee Heavy. The White Ale is flavoured with orange peel and coriander, while the Arctic Pale Ale is made with three different types of hops. The Toasted Porter is a darker beer with notes of dark chocolate and toffee, and the Wee Heavy is a stronger, Scotland-inspired brew. Einstök also produces seasonal beers, such as the Doppelbock and Winter Ale, which are available at select retailers during the colder months.

Borg Brugghús

Borg Brugghús is an Icelandic brewery known for its variety, boasting 72 different beers. It was the first brewery to use Iceland-grown hops, and its most popular beer is a lager with a buttery caramel biscuit aftertaste. The brewery also produces Úlfur, an Indian Pale Ale with a hoppy taste and notes of grapefruit and pine. Other popular Borg Brugghús beers include the Bríó, a solid, earthy beer with a biscuity aroma, and the Surtur, an imperial stout with a strong coffee aroma and flavour.

Kaldi

Kaldi Brewery is a small family business that uses an old Czech brewing method, without adding any preservatives or sugar. Its Kaldi Blond beer, inspired by Czech lager, is the most popular bottled beer in Iceland. The brewery also produces a range of other unique labels, which can be sampled at the Kaldi Bar in Iceland.

RVK Brewing Company

RVK Brewing Company is based in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík. The brewery offers a range of beers, from lagers and ales to fruit-infused beers and milkshake/beer combos.

Brewdog Iceland

Brewdog Iceland is a craft beer bar and restaurant in Reykjavík that offers all-you-can-eat nights and "Secret Menu" nights with new and limited dishes.

Viking Brewery

The Viking Beer brand has a long history in Iceland, with its origins dating back to 1939. The brewery's signature is a huge, two-story-high, golden beer can that welcomes visitors at the entrance.

Icelandic beer: history

The history of beer in Iceland goes back to the island's settlement by Norsemen. In the old sagas, there are numerous mentions of ale drinking, and poems such as the Hávamál reference the drinking of ale (öl). However, due to Iceland's cold climate, it was difficult for early Icelanders to grow barley locally, making beer production challenging.

By the early 20th century, Icelandic attitudes towards beer and alcohol shifted. A temperance movement, similar to those in other countries, pushed for a ban on moral grounds. Additionally, as the Icelandic independence movement gained momentum, beer became associated with Denmark and was seen as "not the patriotic drink of choice."

In a 1908 referendum, 60.1% of voters approved a complete ban on alcohol, which took effect on January 1, 1915. While the ban on wine and spirits was lifted in subsequent years, beer remained prohibited in Iceland until 1989. During the prohibition, Icelanders created a "beer substitute" by mixing low-alcohol beer with a shot of the Icelandic schnapps brennivín.

After the ban was lifted in 1989, Icelandic drinking culture underwent a positive transformation. Consumption of hard alcohol decreased, while beer sales more than doubled between 1989 and 2007. The rise of microbreweries and craft beers has further fueled a passion for beer among Icelanders, with craft pubs now found on every corner.

Today, Icelanders proudly embrace their Viking heritage and love for beer. The country's pure water sources and local ingredients, such as herbs and blueberries, contribute to the unique and smooth taste of Icelandic beers. With a growing number of local breweries and international recognition, Icelandic beer is poised for greatness on the global stage.

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