Visitors to Iceland are often divided on some of its weird and wonderful delicacies — just ask a tourist what they thought of hakarl, aka fermented shark.
In a country so popular for its rugged, otherworldly terrain, food and drink might not be what you first associate with the Scandinavian island. But fuel is most certainly what you'll need.
And as you map out your adventures up mountains, in lagoons and on horseback, you'll do well to stock your backpack with these (or sample them in restaurants while taking shelter from the elements). Here's our guide to Iceland's must-tries.
1. Icelandic Schnapps
All hail the original Icelandic spirit. You’ll never look back. It’s a cleaner, gentler, herbier version of vodka made with grain and flavored with caraway seeds, and Icelanders will shoot it till they drop. This schnapps is a successful replacement for tequila when the dreaded shot round occurs, and also a nice after-dinner tipple on the rocks if you’re classy like that.
More info:brennivin.com
2. Glacial Geothermal Malt Whiskey
If there was ever a reason to sip whiskey before 5 p.m., the fact that it’s distilled from glacial water and created through geothermal energy must be one. Thoran Distillery's creation hits shelves soon; in the meantime, try the brand-new young volcanic barley single malt, Flóki, which has unavoidably cute Norse-themed branding. The compass points to handcrafted bevs.
More info:thoran.is
3. Arctic Barley Juniper Gin
One to take home with you when you descend from this northern land. It’s a celebration of spring in a bottle! The incredible juniper berry vibe is set off by the crispness of the organic Arctic barley it’s made from, and you also get a hint of rhubarb.
More info: vorgin.is
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