Discover the history, ingredients, and unique flavor of Brennivin, Iceland's iconic schnapps. Learn from this guide how it earned the nickname “Black Death,” why it became a national symbol, and the best ways to enjoy this traditional Icelandic spirit today.
Brennivin is the signature spirit of Iceland. Among the country's many Icelandic liquors and spirits, it remains the most recognizable and culturally significant. It is known for its dry, herbaceous taste, made from fermented grain or potato mash and flavored primarily with caraway seeds.
Joining local food and drink tours is one of the best ways to experience Brennivin while learning about Iceland's culinary traditions. You can enjoy a shot of Brennivin at one of the best bars in Reykjavik or sample it as part of a beer and schnapps tour.
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To get the history right, we spoke with Unnar Rafn Ingvarsson, co-author of Bruggið og bannárin: Áfengisbannið á Íslandi 1915–1935 and Head of Digitization at the National Archives of Iceland. He shares insights on how the prohibition years shaped Brennivin and the drinking culture of the country.
Continue reading to learn how Brennivin originated during Iceland's prohibition era, what gives it its distinctive flavor, and why it remains an enduring symbol of Icelandic culture.
Key Takeaways
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Brennivin is Iceland's signature spirit, a caraway-flavored aquavit made from fermented grain or potato mash.
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The modern Brennivin was introduced in 1935 after Iceland's prohibition on spirits ended, earning the nickname “Black Death” for its black label.
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Unlike vodka, Brennivin is flavored with caraway seeds, giving it a distinctive dry, herbaceous taste.
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Brennivin is closely tied to Icelandic traditions, especially festivals like Thorrablot, Thjodhatid, and camping trips.
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You can enjoy Brennivin as a chilled shot, neat, or during a food walk tour or a distillery tasting for a more authentic cultural experience.
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Several Icelandic distilleries now produce their own Brennivin, from the iconic original to modern craft interpretations.
What is Brennivin?
Brennivin is a type of aquavit, a traditional flavored spirit produced throughout the Nordic countries. The name aquavit comes from the Latin phrase aqua vitae, meaning “water of life,” which is a fitting name as you'll certainly be the life of the party after drinking!
The primary ingredient in Brennivin is fermented potato or grain mash. It then undergoes a distillation process that's quite similar to that of vodka to increase its alcohol content. However, unlike vodka, Brennivin is flavored with caraway seeds, giving it a distinctive dry, herbaceous taste with subtle notes reminiscent of rye bread, anise, and cumin.
Another key contributor to Brennivin's flavor is the exceptionally pure Icelandic water used during the distillation process. Combined with its signature caraway seasoning, it creates a bold, distinctive profile that sets Brennivin apart from other clear spirits and makes it instantly recognizable.
History of Brennivin
Image from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, from Swedish National Heritage Board.
The name Brennivin translates to “burning wine,” coming from the Icelandic words “brenna” (burning) and “vin” (wine or spirit). The word was used throughout the centuries to refer to various spirits and liquors brought to Iceland by foreign merchants, mainly from Denmark.
While an iconic part of Iceland's history, the drink we call Brennivin today has only a century-long history. Its creation was closely tied to one of the most significant chapters in Iceland's alcohol history: the prohibition.
Iceland entered a prohibition era in 1915, during which the sale and consumption of alcohol were banned.
According to Ingvarsson, whose book documents Iceland's prohibition years, the ban was neither new nor uniquely Icelandic. Norway (1916), Canada (1918), Finland (1919), and the USA (1920) all did the same around that time.
In Iceland, several forces came together.
The country was moving toward full independence, and two movements, the youth movement Ungmennafelog Islands and the Order of Good Templars, were growing fast. Both emphasize self-improvement, health, and service to the nation. In that climate, drinking did not look like the behavior of a young, healthy, Christian Iceland.
The ban worked at first. Crimes went down, and Ingvarsson notes only 12 people were put in prison in Reykjavik in 1916. It never held completely, though.
Smuggling of strong alcohol grew year by year, and Icelanders soon learned to brew their own, with cheap home stills springing up across the country and the police trying to track them down.
Ultimately, the ban proved a losing battle. By 1935, the prohibition on spirits was lifted, although beer with an alcohol content higher than 2.25% remained banned. The lifting of the prohibition on spirits paved the way for the legal production and sale of Brennivín.
Brennivin was introduced to the Icelandic market in 1935 after the prohibition on spirits was lifted. It was branded with a black label, which is an attempt by the authorities to dissuade people from purchasing it.
The aim seems to have been to create something that was not appealing to the public. The label was ugly, and, let's say, the taste was not that good either.
Ironically, this branding had the opposite effect, and Brennivín quickly became a popular spirit among Icelanders. It was the cheapest strong drink you could buy at the spirits shops that were established in a few places around the country.
Brennivín remained the most popular drink in Iceland until the 1980s, but that began to change at the end of the decade. Full-strength beer was finally legalized on March 1, 1989, a date since celebrated as Iceland's “Beer Day.”
Today, beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in the country.
How and When To Drink Brennivin
Brennivin is more than just a strong spirit; it's part of Iceland's food culture and traditions. Here's how locals typically drink it, when it's most commonly enjoyed, and how first-time visitors can experience it.
Traditional Ways To Drink Brennivin
Like many traditional spirits, you can enjoy Brennivin in a variety of ways depending on personal preference and the occasion. The most traditional way to drink Brennivin is as a chilled shot, while some people prefer to sip it neat or mix it into cocktails.
Brennivín and cola served at room temperature was once a popular combination in Iceland, though its distinctive flavor isn't for everyone.
If you'd like to try Brennivin while learning more about Icelandic cuisine, consider joining a Reykjavik food walk, where a shot of Brennivin is often served at the end of the experience.
For a deeper dive into Icelandic spirits, you can also visit the Eimverk Distillery, where guided tastings typically include locally produced whisky, gin, and Brennivin. The tour costs 5,891 ISK (about 48 USD) and is one of the two cheapest tastings in our study of the best food tour companies in Iceland.
When Do Icelanders Drink Brennivin?
While taking a shot of Brennivin in downtown Reykjavik is still relatively common, it is no longer the everyday drink of choice for most Icelanders. Instead, it has become a spirit associated with special occasions, celebrations, and traditions that celebrate Icelandic heritage.
One of Iceland's most famous festivals is Thorrablot, the annual midwinter festival celebrating the country's culinary heritage. During the feast, guests sample traditional Icelandic foods that can seem unusual to first-time visitors, including fermented shark, cured meats, liver sausage, and even soured ram's testicles.
Many of these dishes originated centuries ago, when preserving food through fermentation, curing, or pickling was essential for survival during long winters. Today, they're mostly enjoyed during Thorrablot, often accompanied by a shot of Brennivin, which has become the festival's classic pairing.
Brennivin also plays a role in the country's summer celebrations. One of the top things to do in the Westman Islands is experiencing the National Festival or Thjodhatid. It is Iceland's largest outdoor festival, where you'll likely find plenty of Brennivin being shared among festivalgoers.
Brennivin is also a popular companion on camping trips and countryside adventures. Sharing a flask around a campfire has long been part of the experience for many Icelanders.
Popular Brennivin Brands To Try
From the iconic original Brennivin to modern craft distillery releases, there are several versions of Iceland's signature spirit to discover. Here are some of the most notable Brennivin brands to try during your vacation in Iceland.
Brennivin (The Original)
The iconic Brennivin bottle has only undergone minor cosmetic changes since it was first introduced in 1935. Easily recognizable from the black label, this is what most Icelandic people think of when they think of Brennivin.
Helviti Brennivin
Helviti is the Icelandic word for “hell.” Many people believed that the entrance to hell was located in the crater of the Icelandic volcano Hekla. With fittingly infernal packaging, Helviti Brennivin from Foss Distillery is perfect for anyone with a little bit of a devil in them.
64° Reykjavik Distillery Brennivin
64° Reykjavik Distillery is a family-run micro-distillery in Iceland, the first of its kind. They take pride in their Brennivin being far from the harshness of the black death stigma but packing a carefully crafted flavor of Iceland's botanicals to represent the country's true flavor.
Brodinn Brennivin
Brodinn is a small-batch Brennivin produced by the Hafnarfjordur-based distillery Marberg. Inspired by Norse mythology, it features distinctive branding and a botanical flavor profile that reflects its mythical roots.
According to the distillery, Brodinn is named after a little-known Norse deity said to possess knowledge of every plant growing across the Nine Realms, making the name a fitting tribute to the spirit's carefully selected botanicals.
Viti Brennivin
Eimverk is another family-operated distillery that has garnered a lot of international recognition for creating Floki, the first Icelandic whiskey, as well as other finely crafted spirits. Their Viti Brennivin is triple distilled with 100% Icelandic ingredients, packing a ton of flavor.
Spirits of Iceland Brennivin
Spirits of Iceland is another family-run micro-distillery offering authentic Icelandic flavors with a modern presentation. The distillery has roots in heavy metal, which should directly translate to feeling pretty rock and roll after taking a sip of this all-Icelandic Brennivin.
Tips for First-Time Brennivin Drinkers
If it's your first time trying Brennivin, a few simple tips can help you appreciate its bold herbal flavors and make the experience more enjoyable.
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Serve it well chilled. Brennivin is traditionally enjoyed ice cold, which softens its strong aroma and makes its herbal notes smoother.
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Start with a small pour. A tasting-sized shot is enough to experience its distinctive flavor without being overwhelming.
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Pair it with Icelandic food. Brennivin is often served alongside traditional dishes such as fermented shark, smoked lamb, pickled herring, or rye bread, where it complements rich and savory flavors.
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Sip it if you prefer. While many Icelanders drink Brennivin as a shot, there's no rule against sipping it slowly to appreciate its complex botanical character.
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Try it at a food tour or distillery. Sampling Brennivin with a knowledgeable guide provides valuable context about its history, production, and cultural significance.
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Keep an open mind. Its caraway-forward flavor can be surprising at first, but many visitors find it grows on them after a few sips.
Experience Brennivin for Yourself
Long before beer became Iceland's drink of choice, there was Brennivin. From its origins during the Prohibition era to its enduring role in Icelandic celebrations and culinary traditions, this iconic spirit has earned its place as the country's signature drink.
Whether you sample the original black-labeled bottle, explore a craft distillery, or enjoy a chilled shot alongside traditional Icelandic cuisine, Brennivin offers a taste of Iceland's history and culture in every sip.
Brennivin 喝起来是什么味道？
Brennivin 和伏特加一样吗？
Brennivin 的酒精度有多高？
为什么 Brennivin 被叫作“黑死病”？
Brennivin 适合搭配哪些食物？
喝 Brennivin 的最佳方式是什么？
在冰岛哪里可以买到 Brennivin？
可以把 Brennivin 从冰岛带回家吗？
Brennivin 只由一家酒厂生产吗？
Brennivin 值得一试吗？
Have you tried Brennivin, or is it on your Iceland bucket list? Share your thoughts, favorite tasting experience, or any questions in the comments below!
I’m Andri Gunnar Hauksson, a marketing specialist, travel writer, and copywriter from Keflavík who specializes in Icelandic travel, local culture, and destination storytelling. I’m an expert in the Reykjanes Peninsula and passionate about sharing the region’s volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery, hidden spots, and cultural history through engaging and informative content. Now based in downtown Reykjavík, I write about travel, music, culture, and local experiences while helping businesses communicate through clear, effective copywriting and marketing.
