The History Behind Wine And Beer In Reykjavik

The History Behind Wine And Beer In Reykjavik

To experience a luxurious life, everyone does like to taste both wine and beer. Do you want to experience the wine and beer culture in Reykjavik?Are you looking for the best bar in Reykjavik for craft beer? Do you want to find a bar that fits your needs perfectly? 

There is a lot of mention of drinking alcohol in old sagas; even the cold weather made it difficult for Icelanders to grow barley locally. Here’s a quick review of the unique history of wine and beer culture in Reykjavik

An Overview Of Iceland Beer Culture

So what is the wine and beer culture in Reykjavik?

Walk around the Icelandic capital city on Friday night, and you can never guess that the island was beer-free until 1989. Residents of the Reykjavik party until 5 p.m. And yet, just 27 years ago, the Icelandic “beer” was a raucous drink that could not legally exceed 2.25 per cent ABV. 

As you listened to the tears and watched the Icelandic bartenders pour vodka into non-alcoholic pilsner to make “ghost beer”, most of the country residents are still trying to forget today’s taste.

Despite the change in public opinion, the drinking culture in the land of fire and ice is still paradoxical: few alcohol stores run by the government. Alcohol taxed by alcohol content, more inspiring than just boozehounds. 

Not-So-Drunk History

Icelandic Spanish wine continues to be banned due to the threat of a Spanish ban on Icelandic fish. Icelandic Spain threatened to cut off their island’s most significant export order. Spirits were still illegal for recreational intake. But doctors found a compelling finding, and they could only import alcohol for medic use, then prescribe it for anything from chest pain (whiskey) to neurotic disorder (gin). By the end of 1933, the ban had been lifted with a further 100 per cent vote. 

In the 1970s, the softness of international travel returned to Real Beer’s contact with Icelanders, and the first referendum was held to legalize it. The struggle took a significant hit in 1975 when an interior minister banned the production of ice beer. Fortunately, this final straw encouraged the upper house of parliament to vote 13 to 8 in favor of bringing back the beer. 

The change was tolerated without much push, as historically, there have been several bizarre Icelandic restrictions being overturned, including dog ownership (effectively 1912-2006) and summer TV surveillance (1966-1983). 

Where Does That Leave Icelanders?

There are several things related to wine and beer culture in Reykjavik. Well, do it in excess – depending on who you are asking. In the days of beer bans, it was common to notice forgetfulness. People only get drunk on the weekends. It was mid-week drinking which meant you had a problem. So when the daily pub culture started, and beer sales increased after 1989, some worried.

Adalsteinn Jorundsson, a native of Iceland and a resident of Reykjavik, was not among those people. All the bars are closed downtown simultaneously, and the streets are drunk people beating each other. It was relatively easy to get drunk in the city even before the ban was lifted, but what about the rural areas?

What This Means For Your Next Trip

So how can you navigate this terrain, crazy as a lava field in Iceland? For starters, pick up the duty-free bottle before leaving the airport, where a litre of Icelandic vodka will give you back $20 (a cocktail at a downtown bar can give you a lot more).  

Ending Thoughts

Many micro-breweries host tours allow visitors to see how the brewing process works and how unique Icelandic craft beers are made. 

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