In 1935, Brennivin was first introduced. Brennivin is a clear Icelandic schnapps flavoured with caraway, also known as Black Death.
What Brennivin is
Brennivin balances soft Icelandic water with the savoury flavour of caraway. Caraway is one of the few spices that grow wild in Iceland. The precise origin of the recipe is unknown.
Brennivin's producer describes it as a spirit for cocktails, a pairing for Nordic food and a shot. Many Icelanders never touch Brennivin.
From the state monopoly to Olgerdin
Prohibition in Iceland was partially lifted when Brennivin was first introduced. The state alcohol monopoly made Brennivin from the start of its production of alcoholic drinks until it stopped producing them.
Brennivin's black label was chosen to make the bottle look unappealing and limit demand. The black label had the opposite effect. Olgerdin owns brands including Brennivin.
Hakarl and Thorrablot
Hakarl, fermented shark, is often eaten with a shot of Brennivin. Thorrablot is a midwinter feast of traditional food, the thorramatur buffet, held during the Nordic month of Thorri.
Fermented shark is covered in the hakarl guide.
Buying Brennivin
Where and when to buy alcohol is covered in the guide to buying alcohol in Iceland.
Icelandic beer
Beer, the drink Iceland banned longest, is covered in the Icelandic beer guide.
Plan the trip
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Beer and food tours in Reykjavik
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