Prohibition in Iceland was enacted in 1915, when alcohol was generally frowned upon, especially beer, for political reasons. Iceland was involved in a struggle for independence from Denmark at the time, and Icelanders strongly associated beer with Danish lifestyles. Beer was not the “patriotic” drink of choice since Danes drank eight times as much alcohol per person annually.
When Spain threatened to stop importing salted cod, Iceland’s most profitable export at the time, if Iceland did not buy its wine, they legalized wine in 1922. All alcohol except beer, with more than 2.25% alcohol content, was legalized in 1935. Politically, because beer association with Denmark continued to tarnish its image, full-strength beer was not allowed in Iceland until March 1, 1989.
So, that raises the question, where can I get a good beer today? Check out these Icelandic breweries in no particular order. Skål! (cheers!)
