Behind the Bottle: The Making of Old Islandia Gin

A Gin Forged in Iceland

When you think of Iceland, you might picture vast landscapes, volcanoes, and pure, icy water. It’s from this environment that Old Islandia Gin gets its character. This isn't just another gin; it's a spirit shaped by its origin, from the water it uses to the rock that filters it. This post will take you behind the bottle to see how this well-crafted gin is made.

The story begins with Master Distiller Ragnar Tryggvason, who has been distilling since 1953. He spent over 30 years refining the recipe, creating a gin that balances traditional methods with the distinct natural resources of his home country. The result is a clean, classic gin with a clear sense of place.

From Natural Springs to Classic Botanicals

The foundation of any great spirit is its water, and Old Islandia Gin starts with some of the purest available: Icelandic spring water. This clean base allows the carefully selected botanicals to stand out.

The recipe is built around a classic gin profile, using seven botanicals to achieve its balanced flavor. Each one plays a specific role.

• Juniper: The essential pine-like note that defines gin.
• Coriander Seeds: Adds a hint of citrus and spice.
• Angelica Root: Provides an earthy, dry foundation.
• Ginger: Contributes a touch of warmth and complexity.
• Licorice Root: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth.
• Orange & Lemon: Brings bright, fresh citrus notes to the front.

Crafted with Fire and Stone

The production process honors tradition while using a technique tied directly to Iceland's volcanic geology. The gin is distilled in a traditional pot still, a method that allows for greater control and results in a spirit with more body and depth of flavor.

What happens next is what sets it apart. After distillation, the gin is filtered through lava rocks. This natural filtration process smooths the spirit, contributing to its clean and refined finish. Even the bottle's label pays tribute to its heritage, featuring a design inspired by the oldest existing map of Iceland. You can learn more at the Old Islandia Gin website.

Tasting Notes for Old Islandia Gin

This thoughtful production process creates a gin that is both traditional and distinctive. It earned a Gold medal with 93 points at the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards, and its profile shows why.

• Nose: Pure and clean.
• Palate: Traditional and well-crafted, showing good depth from the pot still.
• Finish: Smooth, refined, and dry, with clear notes of juniper and a hint of licorice.

How to Enjoy Old Islandia Gin

The maker suggests enjoying it neat to appreciate its craft, but its classic profile makes it an excellent base for cocktails. A simple Gin & Tonic is a great place to start, or you can use it to build a clean, sharp Martini.

Classic Gin & Tonic

This serve lets the gin's character shine through, complemented by crisp tonic and bright citrus.

• 2 oz Old Islandia Gin
• 4-5 oz premium tonic water
• Lemon peel for garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice.

Pour in the gin, then top with tonic water.

Gently stir to combine.

Express the lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in.

Icelandic Dry Martini

A classic Dry Martini highlights the gin's clean, juniper-forward profile and smooth finish.

• 2.5 oz Old Islandia Gin
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth
• Lemon twist for garnish

Add the gin and dry vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.

Stir until very well-chilled, about 30 seconds.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with a lemon twist.

Finding Old Islandia Gin in North Carolina

Old Islandia Gin is available in North Carolina as a Special Order item. In the past year, it has shipped to one ABC board, the Triad Municipal ABC Board.

If you don't see it on the shelf, you can ask your local ABC store to place a special order for Old Islandia Gin. As always, remember to enjoy responsibly.

Also from Lieber Bros Inc

If you appreciate the clean character of Old Islandia, you might also want to try another spirit from the same portfolio.

• Volcanic Vodka