March 1st is a big day on Iceland’s drinking calendar. That’s the date when it became legal to buy beer in Iceland again, after having been off limits from 1915 to 1989.
When alcohol prohibition swept the world in the early 20th century all alcohol was banned in Iceland. The ban was lifted in 1935 but beer was left out. Why— while vine and strong alcohol was allowed—is still hard to comprehend.
Every year since the ban was rescinded the “Beer Day” has been celebrated around the island.
Read more: Icelandic manure smoked beer being exported to America
Read more: Iceland’s top 5 most popular beers are by local brewers
One ambitious program is hosted by the great Kex Hostel, located downtown Reykjavík: A four day annual Beer Festival, commencing this year on Thursday February 26th, with breweries from all over Iceland, and a few from a abroad, giving you the chance to sample dozens of craft and specialty beers and listen to the brewers explain the magic behind them.
You can buy a festival pass (or a day pass) at midi.is and on location. Admission is 6.950 ISK ($50, EUR 46). Included is a tote bag, chat with the brewers and beer tasting.
The Icelandic breweries that will be represented at Kex Hostel's Beer Festival
Vífilfell – Einstök
Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson – Borg
Ölvisholt
Kaldi
Steðji
And the international breweries
Breakside
Mikkeller
To Øl
Hopworks Urban Brewery
Two Roads Brewing
Founders Brewing Company
Evin Twin Brewing
March 1st is a big day on Iceland’s drinking calendar. That’s the date when it became legal to buy beer in Iceland again, after having been off limits from 1915 to 1989.
When alcohol prohibition swept the world in the early 20th century all alcohol was banned in Iceland. The ban was lifted in 1935 but beer was left out. Why— while vine and strong alcohol was allowed—is still hard to comprehend.
Every year since the ban was rescinded the “Beer Day” has been celebrated around the island.
Read more: Icelandic manure smoked beer being exported to America
Read more: Iceland’s top 5 most popular beers are by local brewers
One ambitious program is hosted by the great Kex Hostel, located downtown Reykjavík: A four day annual Beer Festival, commencing this year on Thursday February 26th, with breweries from all over Iceland, and a few from a abroad, giving you the chance to sample dozens of craft and specialty beers and listen to the brewers explain the magic behind them.
You can buy a festival pass (or a day pass) at midi.is and on location. Admission is 6.950 ISK ($50, EUR 46). Included is a tote bag, chat with the brewers and beer tasting.
The Icelandic breweries that will be represented at Kex Hostel's Beer Festival
Vífilfell – Einstök
Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson – Borg
Ölvisholt
Kaldi
Steðji
And the international breweries
Breakside
Mikkeller
To Øl
Hopworks Urban Brewery
Two Roads Brewing
Founders Brewing Company
Evin Twin Brewing
